We are both present for weddings and events with 8 or more hours of coverage. These days, photographers often do have a second photographer, and oftentimes, these second photographers are much less experienced and sometimes aren't that well known by the main/primary photographer. Not always of course, but it is the most common scenario. There is certainly nothing wrong with that, there are many less-experienced photographers who are fantastic and we all have to start somewhere (and second-shooting is the best way to start), but we mention this only to point out why we differ from that scenario.
The difference with us is, we are both equally experienced photographers who both produce high quality work and technically both a primary photographer. If you didn't know already or haven't read our "About" section, I (Jen) started the business in 2006 (originally Jennifer Sawicki Photography) and started photographing weddings in 2007, which is when Chris joined me in doing weddings and started his own career in photography by also incorporating senior portraits, so we both have the same amount of years of experience. Also, we clearly know each other extremely well and have perfected the way in which we work together.
We have seen it said that most of the time, a second photographer has certain specific jobs throughout the day that is separate from the main/lead photographer. In fact, second photographers are apparently not even present where a bride is getting ready most of the time, but with us, we are both there! (Chris will float from bride to groom, partner to partner, etc., assuming they are in close proximity).
We do have a few specific "jobs" in that I will almost always be the one to photograph details besides the dress, that is usually something that Chris does, and Chris is the one who directs in group formals. He will also often be the one who directs during couple formals, but I will also interject and offer guidance as well. Overall, we are both getting two very experienced perspectives during the entirety of the day. The only moments I do not contribute to is any groom prep unless necessary, or any group formals since taking photos during that time would confuse people on where to look. I will often take candid's of other things going on at the time, or just be present to follow the group shot list that the couple may have provided to make sure all of the groupings that they requested are getting photographed.
Although we have different styles & visions, which is evident when you look at any moments we've both captured at the same time side by side, our styles merge perfectly, so every gallery we create together for our couples blend beautifully into a cohesive flow. We can each create work that resembles one another's, but there is also a distinct difference at the same time.
If we were to choose which adjectives best describes our individual styles, we would probably choose vibrant and cinematic for Chris, and soft, dreamy & romantic for me, Jen. I absolutely love capturing the details and raw emotions of the day. On wedding days, we both focus most of our attention to the natural, candid moments, but with different perspectives and approaches.
Let's start with a few samples of Chris's work. Chris began his career in photography with an emphasis on using lighting techniques to create a dramatic and cinematic look, which he is most drawn to. His career started off with him creating magazine-worthy editorial style work. As I have mentioned in the "About" part of our website, Chris is one of the (if not THE) very first photographers in the area to use off-camera lighting at weddings. Dragging along big, heavy, clunky older technology back in 2007-2009 to get it done and it was absolutely impressive! In all honesty though, those little bits of light-sculpted goodness are only sprinkled in sparingly when time allots for it. (Although we always make sure we provide it to any couples who request it!) Most of the time, he's just capturing the moments as they unfold, using his expertise and what is accessible with just a little guidance in order to optimize the situations.
Me. As mentioned, I also love details, but decided to leave those out. You can see detail photos in the portfolio section of our website. Whenever we showcase details, particularly rings and flat lays, 9 times out of 10, they were taken by me! The dress shots and epic wide angle venue/building images are almost always taken by Chris.
One thing is for sure, we both LOVE the golden hour with that super soft warm glow and sun flares. In that sense, we are quite seamless in our styles when it comes to sunset photos. Can you tell which photo was taken by whom?! These are an even mix of both of our photos!
And I LOVE a good double exposure! I don't always do them, but when I do, I absolutely love playing around with them and of course, I LOVE the end result! Sometimes I go with subtle, and sometimes I go a bit more dramatic.
