WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR - OUR BAG CHECKLIST
If you don’t want to read this entire article, i’ve listed my top “must-have” gear located here:
Camera: Canon 5d Mark IV
Lenses: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and Sigma 85mm f/1.4
Flashes: Canon Speedlight 600exii
Batteries: Canon batteries
Flash batteries: AA Batteries
Bag to hold my gear: Pelican 1510 case with foam
Backpack to hold my laptop: Peak design backpack
If you have the above gear, you can basically start your journey as a wedding photographer!
There are a few events in one person’s life that mean a lot to them. A wedding day is one of them. A wedding day can be one of the most precious days of life for a couple. If you’re a wedding photographer, then it’s your responsibility to capture the best moments and create a great memory for the couples. In this article, we will share some of the best tips on how to take stunning wedding photos and common wedding photography mistakes that should always be avoided.
Being the organized photographer that I am, I made a list of the essential items we carry for a typical wedding day. Over the years, I’ve added things to the list and taken things off as I developed a better sense of what's truly vital. The list lets me focus on the important stuff, never forget anything, and get the job done without breaking my back lugging gear I don't need.
CAMERA GEAR WE USE
I typically bring three camerasI usually bring three cameras on the day of a shoot. The first camera is my main, the second and third cameras I have are used as a backup. I do think two would get the job done though. It's essential to have an extra in case something goes wrong with your primary camera — and there are so many things that can go wrong. Live by this mantra: The most important equipment is your backup equipment! I carry two Canon 5d Mark IV’s and a Canon 6D as an additional back-up camera.
PRIME LENSES
Wide-aperature lenses allow you to shoot in low light at lower ISOs and higher shutter speeds for better image quality, but they also deliver shallower depth of field for creating vibrant pictorial effects at their widest apertures. We prefer shooting with prime lenses that allow for these f1.4 or f1.8 apertures. I feel as though we get the best quality from prime lenses. My go-to medium prime lens is the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens.
SPEEDLIGHT FLASHES
First, do you need a flash in order to shoot a wedding? My answer is yes. You are going to have to shoot in situations that are not ideal. Not every wedding is going to have the perfect outdoor ceremony followed by the perfectly lit reception. Most first dances happen on a dance floor that requires you to light the subject. The bottom line is, if you are walking out the door without any lighting, then you cannot shoot in any situation.
Second, do you have to be able to get the flash off-camera? And, my very hesitant response: No. You can light a group with your on camera flash -- not well, but you can do it. You can also light dark reception venues without having a light off-camera. It's not the look I like at all, but you can do it. My go-to is a Canon Speedlite 600exii.
IN SUMMARY
Finally, I want to again state that in my opinion if you are setting out with lesser camera bodies, without a flash (and the knowledge of how to light with only one flash), and without a wide and tight lens, you should be very upfront with your bride or groom. If for nothing else than to protect yourself. You don't want the expectations to be unsaid and then deliver images that are not what the client expected. (this statement is more for the beginners, I don't want anyone new misleading themselves and then getting themselves sued). As a wedding photographer the job is unique in that you need to be ready for any and all situations.
That being said, having all the best gear in the world does not replace knowledge and experience, nor predetermine success or "professionalism". Conversely, not having a D610 or D6 doesn't mean you can't shoot epic weddings, certainly skill and knowledge can over ride your gear budget (within reason), but having lower end gear, even with great skill, does mean you will be some what limited in particular situations. This article is simply a gear list intended for those looking to build their first kit, to have a starting point, or for those looking to stream line their wedding kit.