When looking for a wedding photographer, you might come across the term “associate photographer.” If you’re wondering what that means and how it differs from hiring the lead photographer, you’re in the right place! Many wedding photography businesses (including mine!) offer associate photography as a way to provide couples with the same incredible experience and final product, while an associate photographer handles the actual wedding day coverage.
But what does that actually look like? In this post, I’ll break down what an associate photographer is, how my associate photographer experience works, and answer some of the most common questions couples have about this option.
What Does an Associate Photographer Do?
An associate photographer is a trained photographer who photographs weddings on behalf of a lead photographer. Instead of working independently, they are part of the lead photographer’s team and follow their specific shooting style, workflow, and overall approach to wedding photography.
What This Means for You
When you book an associate photographer, you’re still hiring a photography brand you trust. You get all of the expertise, guidance, and signature style of the lead photographer, but with an associate handling the actual wedding day coverage. The final gallery still reflects the brand’s aesthetic, including photography and editing style.
Who is Associate Photography For?
Associate photography is a great option for couples who:
- Love a photographer’s work but need a different price point or date availability.
- Want the photographer’s brand experience, but don’t necessarily need the lead photographer to be the one photographing their actual day.
What It Looks Like to Work with an Associate Photographer at Taylor Denton Photography
Every associate photography experience might look a little different. I am going to outline my specific process so you have an idea of what it looks like to work with an associate photographer at Taylor Denton Photography.
1. The Same Personalized Client Experience
From the moment you inquire, you’ll be working directly with me! You’ll receive all of the same wedding resources, vendor recommendations, and planning guides that I provide to my couples. Whether it’s helping you plan your elopement timeline or figuring out the best locations for your portraits, I’m involved every step of the way.
2. A Photographer Who Has Been Personally Trained by Me
I don’t just bring in random photographers to shoot associate weddings. I carefully select and train my associate photographers to match my approach and photography style. My associate, Amanda, has been working under me for over two years and understands exactly how I capture weddings. She knows how to work with different lighting conditions, interact with couples in a natural and fun way, and document your day in a way that aligns with my brand’s style.
3. Consistent Editing Style
One of the biggest concerns couples have about associate photography is whether their photos will look the same as the lead photographer’s portfolio. The answer? Absolutely! No matter who photographs your wedding, you can feel confident that the photos you receive back will match the editing style you see throughout my website and portfolio.
4. Flexible Engagement Session Options
If you book an engagement session as part of your wedding or elopement package, you have options when it comes to who photographs your session!
- You can choose to have me photograph your engagement session.
- You can opt to have the associate photographer shoot it so you can get comfortable working with them before the wedding.
- If schedules align, we may both be there!
Regardless of who documents your engagement session, we work hard to ensure your wedding day experience is seamless and that you also have a great connection with your photographer prior to the big day.
5. Meeting Your Photographer Before the Wedding
Speaking of connections, I want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident going into your wedding day. About two months before your wedding, my associate will join our final wedding planning Zoom call. This is a chance for you to meet them (if you haven’t already for your engagement session), go over the final details, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Even if you don’t have an engagement session with them, this call ensures you have time to get to know your photographer before the big day.
6. A Seamless Wedding Day Experience
On your wedding day, my associate will be the one behind the camera. I’ll provide them with all the notes and information prior to your wedding day so they are prepped and ready to go. Throughout the day they’ll follow my approach to wedding photography and ensure that your love story is told beautifully.
7. Sneak Peeks & Final Gallery Delivery
After your wedding day, you’ll receive sneak peeks within a few days and your full gallery within a few weeks.
FAQs About Associate Photographers
What is an associate photographer?
An associate photographer is a trained professional who photographs weddings on behalf of another photographer. Some associate photographers have their own business and also shoot associate photography on the side. As an associate photographer though, their job is to document a wedding and match the style and approach of the lead photographer they are shooting for.
What is the difference between an associate photographer and a second shooter?
A second shooter is an assistant who works alongside the lead photographer to capture extra angles and moments. They aren’t responsible for full wedding day coverage, but can help capture more perspectives on your wedding day, allowing for more storytelling.
An associate photographer, on the other hand, is the primary photographer for your wedding day. They take the lead on capturing your wedding, and, in some cases, even handle all communication and planning.
Why should I consider an associate photographer instead of hiring another photographer entirely?
If you love a photographer’s work and their approach to storytelling but are perhaps unavailable for your date, an associate photographer can allow you to still get the brand’s full experience! You don’t have to search for another photographer and worry about whether their editing style, approach, or client experience matches what you’re looking for. With an associate, you know exactly what to expect – just with someone else handling the actual shooting.
Is an associate photographer a good option for elopements?
Absolutely! Whether you’re eloping on a mountain or having an intimate wedding in a forest, an associate can be a great option to document your adventure elopement. They know how to work in different lighting conditions, adapt to changing weather, and document your day in a way that feels true to you.
Who do I communicate with during the process?
While every photographer’s process might look a little different, when it comes to my associate photography process, you’ll be working directly with me throughout the entire planning process! I’ll be the one answering your questions, helping with your timeline, and preparing everything for your wedding day. The only time my associate takes over communication is on the actual wedding day when they are your point of contact.
Hiring an associate photographer is an amazing way to get the best of both worlds. You get the expertise, guidance, and editing style of a photographer you love, with the added flexibility of date availability.
Still have questions on what this process looks like? Reach out, and I’d be happy to help you decide if working with an associate is right for you.