Wedding Photographers? Do they need assistants?

Question

A lot of wedding photographers I've been looking at do not use assistants. Are they really needed? My friend used 2 photgraphers and each came with their own assistants (to test lighting and make sure the bride's dress was laying correctly). I'm not sure if they're really necessary.

Answer 1

Depends on the photographer, the equipment used (help carring) and if they want more then one angle of a short.

You can totally get away with one and ask you guests that if they take photos to send you copies.

Answer 2

you don't have to have them but they do make that little bit of difference

Answer 3

I think it's very necessary.  I mean it's just not possible for your photographer to be all places at once and to catch all moments.  My photographer stayed with me getting ready in the back room and her assistant got pictures of important people entering the church.  Then at the reception, most of the guests were there before I got there.  The assistant got pictures of my little cousin dancing.  Also during our first dance, turning and spinning.  The assistant got lots of pictures of the guests while the photographer got mostly pictures of my husband and I.

You simply can't be every place at once and if I'm paying thousands to hire a photographer, I expect to have hundreds of photographs of my guests as well as me.

Answer 4

it like some people do it all by their self and the photographer be more professinal

Answer 5

Usually an assistant helps out with little details so that the photographer can get more shots.  An assistant might also be placed in charge of getting "candid" shots while your photographer will be focusing on getting the "list" shots (first kiss, certificate signing, posed group shots cake cutting, etc.) If you want more options for pictures or to get some spontaneous/candid shots from the day (the ones you don't know they are taking) ask what the photographer's assistant will be responsible for and if he/she takes extra pictures on your wedding day.

Answer 6

i dont think you really need them.