What Camera Gear Do I Pack For A Wedding Day
When I first started getting into wedding photography, I SCOURED other photographers’ blog to see what kind of gear they used for a wedding day. Camera equipment is majorly expensive, so picking the right pieces to invest in that you’ll truly use on a wedding day is CRUCIAL.
If you are someone looking to get into wedding photography and are having a hard time figuring out which lenses to start investing in, I totally get where you are at. My first advice for you would be to read through this guide, and then maybe rent a couple lenses to try out at your next session/wedding. Renting is a GREAT way to find out what kind of lenses work for the style of photography you want without dropping a ton of money at once. I rented lenses for the first 2 years of my business and have NEVER regretted that decision.
For those of you that are curious, I am sharing EVERYTHING that’s in my bag on a wedding day - from lenses to memory cards to emergency items:
THE CAMERA BODIES
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body - This is my main camera body that I will use all day! I only use one body at a time just cause it’s something I’ve gotten used to!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body - I always bring a backup camera in case something would ever happen to my (or my second shooter’s) camera. I like having the same model just so the color and photo quality stays consistent. Plus, I can switch the same bodies every other wedding so I keep the shutter count about equal.
THE CAMERA LENSES
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens - This lens is a MUST HAVE for all wedding photographer’s - the wide angle is perfect for all parts of the day, from getting ready photos, portraits, details, group portraits, and the entire reception. It’s probably my most used lens over an entire wedding day since it is so versatile.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens - Other than is 35mm, this is my favorite lens for portraits on a wedding day. The bokeh it creates is the most GORGEOUS I’ve ever seen on ANY lens. I first started with only a 50mm and a zoom lens for weddings, and definitely could get by with just those!
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens - This zoom lens is great for the ceremony and parts of the reception - I always recommend having a lens that goes at least 85mm+ in your bag, in case you ever end up being far away from the shot you need (which happens a LOT at weddings!).
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens - I don’t bring this lens to every wedding (depending on the day), but I mainly use it for just ring shots and jewelry. I opted for the cheaper version since I don’t focus too much on macro-type shots for weddings, and this lens does an amazing job for what I use it for. This is definitely not a need-to-have - I’ve actually used my 35mm and 50mm a TON for gorgeous ring shots!
THE FLASH EQUIPMENT
YONGNUO YN600EX-RT II Flash Speedlite - I always pack between 2-3 of these flashes - one for on camera, one for off camera, and one occasionally for backup (or an additional off camera flash). These are at a fraction of the cost of Canon brand flashes and work EXCELLENTLY - all though they sometimes may be temperamental, I’ve never run into any type of issue with them.
13’ Impact Heavy-Duty Light Stand - This light stand is excellent for OCF - it’s heavy duty and can stretch up extremely high, so I never have to worry about filling up a room with light.
LimoStudio 2X 33 Studio Lighting Umbrellas Translucent White Soft Umbrella - These white umbrellas LIGHT UP SO MUCH! If you are having a hard time with spotty lighting or it just not getting bright enough, invest in some umbrellas to help project your OCF light without it coming off too harshly.
Anwenk Camera Flash Speedlite Mount Swivel Light Stand Bracket with Umbrella Reflector Holder - These are simply the must have brackets in order to link up my flash and umbrella to my light stand!
THE MISCELLANEOUS TECH
Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery Pack - these are just the batteries that go along with my Mark IV’s - I pack 2-3 + their chargers, but I generally only get through about 2 during a wedding day.
Panasonic AA eneloop pro Rechargeable Batteries - I have around 16 of these rechargeable batteries charged up and ready to go for my flashes on a wedding day! I rarely use more than 8, but I would much rather be safe than sorry. These batteries are so reliable and 100% worth investing in rechargeable vs buying new batteries every wedding.
And there’s my exhaustive list!!! Again, I totally recommend just renting gear at first to figure out what lenses and equipment fit your photography style the best! It gets expensive, but investing in gear that gets the images you LOVE is so so so important. And for those of you that are used to your equipment, I challenge you to go and try something new - it can totally restart your creativity and give you a new perspective on a wedding day!
