Are you looking to get into wedding photography? Did you just book your first wedding? Did you just land your first second shooting gig and have no idea what to bring? Well you have come to the right place! This article will guide you through the process of assembling a kit for wedding photography.
First thing to know - Redundancy is KEY
You do not want to be the photographer who ruined a couples big day because your only camera or memory card failed and you did not have a backup. Having extras of particular items is an "insurance policy" against failure. Cameras break. Memory cards fail. Batteries die. Yes, most modern equipment is quiet durable and the failure rate is low. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to capturing your couples most important day!
Camera - Two is Ideal
It should come at no surprise that all wedding photography kits require a camera. Would not be much of a kit without one. Most professional wedding photographers choose to use Full Frame cameras. But, an APS-C or "crop sensor" camera will work just fine. Following our redundancy mantra, it would be ideal to have 2 cameras. One being your main or primary camera and the other being your back up camera. Each camera body should have 2 card slots, so 4 SD/CFexpress/XQD cards in total.
Lenses - Wide and Telephoto
Lens choice is a matter of preference. This all depends on how you shoot and the type of images you like to create. Wedding photographers usually have at least two different lenses. This is less for redundancy (although it helps) and more so for different applications. For example, a classic wedding lens combination would be a 24mm 1.4 and a 85mm 1.4. The 24mm for group shots or where space is a premium. The 85mm would be for portraits or for extra reach. The 24mm would be on one camera body and the 85mm on the other. You could also use two zooms instead of two primes, or one prime and one zoom. Also, depending on your camera bag, you could carry additional lenses and swap out throughout the day.
Camera straps or harness
Now that you have your camera setup, you have to find some way to haul it around all day. Utilizing a camera strap or harness will not only accomplish this, but will allow you quick access to your camera versus keeping it in a bag. Moments happen quickly. The faster you can access your camera, the better. The "industry" standard is the Hold Fast Money Maker harness. This harness has two mounting points that allows the photographer to carry two camera bodies on either side. It is made with high quality leather and comes in a variety of color options. But, it really comes down to personal preference. Find a strap or harness that is comfortable and works for you.
Lighting and Lighting equipment
Wouldn't it be nice if every wedding could be perfectly lit by natural light? Well, welcome to reality. Lighting is less sexy than cameras and lenses, but can make or break your wedding photography business if not done correctly. I won't go too deep into lighting setups or equipment, but once again, having extra gear is important. Here are example set ups one might have for a wedding:
Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
Two speed lights with diffusers. One on each camera. | One speed light with diffuser on camera. One or two speed lights on stands controlled by a wireless receiver on one camera. | 2 or more strobes on light stands controlled by a wireless receiver or speed light. Portable strobe with soft box for portraits. On camera speed lights for run and gun. |
Required Equipment | ||
Speed lights, diffusers, spare batteries | Speed lights, diffuser, light poles, wireless receiver, spare batteries | Speed lights, strobe lights, light pools, diffusers, wireless receivers, batteries, light meter (if applicable) |
Bags and Carrying Cases
Lugging around all of this gear isn't easy. Having the proper camera bag or case will help keep your gear organized and secure throughout your wedding shoot. Bags and cases are a personal preference. There are too many different sizes, styles and brands to mention. I would recommend finding something that is large enough to house all of your cameras, lenses, batteries and other accessories. Then use another bag or hard case for your lighting gear. Separating your camera gear from your lighting equipment will allow you to travel light during the times of the day when flashes and strobes are not needed. For example, if you are taking photos outside in daylight or using natural light indoors where artificial lighting is not required. Then, you can station your lighting gear where it will be needed, such as the reception area or dance floor. Some brands offer cases and bags that have built in security features like cable locks or combination locks that allow you to secure your equipment when out of sight.
Extra Batteries, Memory Cards.
Mirrorless cameras eat batteries. Memory cards can fail (or fill up). Always have a few spares on hand.
Personal Items
These items add little weight to your overall wedding kit and come in handy in a pinch.
Food and water - Hopefully your couple will provide you with food and drink, but sometimes grabbing a granola bar and water out of your bag is easier and quicker.
Tylenol/Motrin - Helpful if you get headaches or muscle/joint pain.
Mints - No one wants a photog with bad breath.
Caffeine - This can be controversial. How you respond to caffeine will determine if bringing some is right for you. If you tend to crash hard as the result of caffeine, then stay away. If caffeine is your life blood, bring some.
Sunscreen - For those hot, outdoor summer weddings.
Business cards
Lens wipes
Other Nice-To-Haves
Some items that are nice to have on a wedding day, but not always necessary:
Drone with extra batteries and filters
ND/CPL camera filters
Battery grip for easier vertical shooting
Battery chargers - Necessary if you don't have enough batteries to get you through a full day of shooting.
Gaffers tape - It is the duct tape of the photography world.
Props, sparklers, etc.
Conclusion
Remember - redundancy! Pack extra items that are critical to your wedding photography business. Everything that you bring should have a purpose. If it doesn't, leave it at home. And remember, assembling a kit should be fun!
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