Do I Need a Second Shooter for Events?
Whether you're capturing a concert, conference, wedding, or creative showcase, there's one question that eventually creeps in: Should I bring a second shooter? If you’ve ever tried to be in two places at once, you know exactly why this matters.
Here’s how to decide when to fly solo—and when to multiply.
When a Second Shooter Is Worth It
1. When the event is fast-paced or multi-location
If the timeline is tight or the event layout is spread out (think green room + stage + audience), you simply can’t be everywhere. A second shooter helps cover more ground so you don’t miss the moments you didn’t even know were happening.
2. When the client expects full coverage
If your client wants everything from crowd reactions to detailed decor to behind-the-scenes candids, you’ll need help. A second shooter can grab those supporting shots while you focus on key subjects or deliverables.
3. When creative diversity matters
Two sets of eyes = two creative angles. While you're grabbing that wide safety shot, your second can punch in for detail or emotion. This adds depth to your final gallery and keeps things visually dynamic.
4. When the stakes are high
Big gigs come with big expectations. If this is a flagship moment or a high-pressure client, bringing backup can reduce risk—and increase your confidence on the day of the shoot.
When You Can Probably Handle It Solo
1. The event is intimate or low-key
If it’s a small venue with a simple program and manageable pacing, flying solo is usually fine—especially if the client’s expectations are clearly scoped.
2. You’ve prepped thoroughly
If you've scouted the location, know the timeline, and worked with the client on a realistic shot list, you're more likely to nail it without extra help.
3. You're confident in multitasking
If you’ve trained yourself to think like a documentary storyteller—capturing wide, mid, and close in one go—you may not need another lens on the scene.
How to Make the Call
Ask the right questions during client discovery: What's the schedule? How many locations? How large is the crowd? What types of images matter most?
Price accordingly if you bring someone. Include your second shooter's rate in your proposal and clearly state their role in your service.
Choose someone you trust. Chemistry matters. A second shooter isn’t just another camera—they’re a creative extension of you.
Bottom Line
You don’t always need a second shooter. But when you do, it can mean the difference between just covering an event and capturing it with excellence.
So ask yourself: Is this job bigger than me? If the answer is yes, you’re not failing by asking for help—you’re setting up your client (and yourself) to win.