Different Types of Photographers on a Wedding Day
Different Types of Photographers and their Function on a Wedding Day
A basic run-down of the different terms used by wedding photographers and planners, so you know exactly what you need (and what you’re signing up for) to best cover your wedding festivities.
Primary / Lead Photographer
This is the main photographer, whose business you’ve booked for your big day! They are the ones in charge of consultations, timeline management, family photos, organization, editing and delivering the images, and everything in between. They take care of everything photo-related before, during, and after the wedding day (AKA: this is the person you would tag on Instagram after the event is over)!Associate Photographer
An associate photographer is someone hired by the primary photographer to act in their stead. This person “fills the shoes” of the primary photographer on the wedding day, but rarely has any other role during the process. Associates are often a cheaper alternative to the business owner, and a good way to get the same editing and workflow process even on a budget (or if your desired photographer is unavailable on your date). This means that you’ll likely have all of your consultations, communication, and final gallery from the main photographer, but with a different person actually showing up to photograph the day. If a photographer happens to have an emergency or illness on your wedding day, this is the title of the person that would fill their place at the wedding.
**As a note, many photographers (myself included) do not formally offer an Associate Photography package, and will only rely on them in emergencies.Second Photographer
A second photographer can work alongside either a primary or an associate photographer - their job is the same regardless. This photographer’s job is to be wherever the main photographer is not on the wedding day. They are a second set of eyes, ears, and hands. Often, they will be working from secondary angles, helping the primary photographer organize family photo lists, or photographing getting-ready photos at the same time as the primary photographer. If your photographer has a wedding-day emergency, oftentimes the second photographer will step up to act as an associate. They have usually already been trained in the photography style of the primary photographer (in order to better assist them throughout the day), and already have all of the wedding day information, making them a natural back-up.
Read more:
”What’s a Second Photographer and When Do I Need One?”Third Photographer
These are fairly rare, and are not often used except in instances of large-scale weddings, luxurious events with many details, or desi weddings. The Third photographer will typically act as an additional “second,” as well as a photo assistant to either photographer when needed. A typical breakdown of where a third photographer would be helpful looks like the following:
Primary photographer - photographing many large family group photos during cocktail hour
Second photographer - with all of the guests at cocktail hour, photographing candids and fun moments
Third photographer - either assisting the primary photography with large groups or photographing reception details after a room is flipped, but before guests enterPhoto Assistant
Photo assistants are typically a smaller role than second or third photographer, though third photographers sometimes assist in a similar manner. Assistants are often in charge of carrying light-stands, setting up reception lighting, moving gear around, and just offering another set of helping hands to the lead photographer when needed. Often, assistants are not actively photographing on the wedding day (though they will occasionally be allowed to, especially if they’re newer to the industry and building a portfolio). Many photographers get started in the wedding industry by acting as a photo assistant in order to see a lead photographer work (while still getting paid for their time, of course).
