Today I wanted to share the equipment that I use to capture a wedding day! I fully realize that there are so many different ways to capture a photo, let alone shoot a wedding! That’s why it’s called art, right? It’s all subjective and open to interpretation! It’s both exciting and a little intimidating when you’re just starting out, and trying to find your style. And while there are “rules” for what focal lengths look “best” in certain situations, it’s up to the artist to make the call! Some people like shooting portraits on a 35mm lens while others would never consider shooting on anything less than 85mm. This is what’s in my camera bag, and what works for me!

THE EQUIPMENT

I’m a firm believer that a great photo depends more on the person taking it, than it does on the equipment! In fact, I took that entire gear shot with my iPhone X (It’s kinda hard to have all your gear in the photo and then take a picture with it too haha)! We all start somewhere! I started out with a Canon Rebel T3 and the kit lenses it came with. But the right equipment, in the right hands, is where magic is made. Throughout my 5 years as a wedding photographer, I have continually reinvested in my business, and upgraded my equipment. So if you’re looking at all this equipment and thinking you’ll never have enough money for all of this, don’t worry! Start saving, and adding on equipment when you can. There were plenty of years where I rented lenses for weddings, and that’s perfectly okay too!

CAMERA BODY + LENSES

• Canon 5D Mark III (x2)
• Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
• Canon 50mm 1.2
• Canon 70-200mm 2.8
• Canon 100mm Macro.

What I have today is pretty perfect for my taste. Almost all of my bases covered with the different focal lengths, and I have two full-frame cameras with dual card slots so that I am backed up and covered in any situation. I dual-shoot for all of my sessions, so I always have two camera bodies + lenses on me. I use the Anders and Lee harness (use code: PS30 for 25% off). For me personally, I shoot a good 70% of my photos on my 35mm lens. I LOVE that lens. It’s so sharp, it captures so much of the scenery, and it allows me to get close to my clients and give them direction without having to yell.

This last year I added in the 70-200mm lens, which is dreamy! This lens is essential for wedding ceremonies and capturing all those moments without being front and center and blocking the guests’ view. I also just recently bought the 50mm 1.2, and so far I’m pretty smitten. It’s sharp, has amazing bokeh, and allows me to stop down in low light situations! And lastly, I use the 100mm macro lens for all of my detail shots, and I absolutely love love love it!

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT

• Canon 580EX II Speedlite
• Yongnuo YN600EX-RT Speedlite (x2)
• Yongnuo YN-E3-RT Trigger
• Gary Fong Diffuser
• Video Light
• Stands
• White Umbrellas

I am a mainly natural light photographer, so the only time I pull out my flashes is in low light situations, like getting ready rooms and receptions. In rare cases I’ll use my flash during a darkly lit ceremony, but in that situation I always ask my clients first, because I know flashes can be distracting. I have three speedlites and I use them in various ways. Usually one speedlite on camera with the Gary Fong diffuser when I need to quickly light something, like a guest portrait during the reception, or to front light a first dance. I usually put one or two of my speedlites up on stands throughout a reception hall so that I can light the whole place.

During receptions, I sometimes use the video light too, because it can be hard for cameras to focus in low light. I also use the video light for wedding exits, since those are commonly at night in the pitch black. It helps light my couples and assists my camera with focusing. Love that nifty little light!!

THE EXTRAS

In addition to all my normal photography gear, I have a lot of extras that I bring to a wedding day. Styling boards are what I use to capture the details (jewelry, invitations, rings, etc). Also included is extra tidbits like pink salt, ribbons, and ring boxes that help elevate the whole look and add interest and dimension to the detail photos. I bring an over the door hook in case there isn’t anywhere to hang the dress, and I also bring clamps so I can clamp the dress in and make it look nice! And of course, the handy dandy sewing kit from the dollar store! I can’t tell you how many times that thing has come in handy! Definitely a must-have!

That’s all folks! Let me know if you have any questions about my gear!

And if you have any suggestions for future educational blog posts, leave a comment or send me an email!