Hey there, fellow creatives! š If you’re new to the world of wedding photography and videography, you’re in the right place. I’m about to spill all the tea on what’s inside my gear bag. Trust me, Iāve curated this setup to capture everything from dreamy first kisses to those spontaneous dance floor moments (looking at you, Uncle Bob with the killer moves).
Whether you’re a budding photographer, a videographer, or a hybrid artist like me, knowing what tools you’ll need is essential to building your brand and elevating your craft. So let’s dive in!
My Photography Gear
When it comes to photography, I’m all about versatility and capturing a wide range of emotions and moments. Hereās what keeps me ready for anything on a wedding day:
Two Canon R6 Bodies: These are my ride-or-die cameras! Lightweight, with incredible low-light performanceāa must when you’re shooting in dim churches or candlelit receptions. Plus, dual card slots keep my images backed up and safe.
Pentax 645 Film Camera: Yep, you read that right. Iām a sucker for a bit of nostalgia. Film just adds that timeless, dreamy quality to portraits and detail shots. š
Lenses:
- RF 70-200mm f/2.8: Perfect for ceremonies where I need to be stealthy but still get those intimate close-ups.
- RF 28-70mm f/2.0: Talk about versatility! This beauty covers wide angles and portraits, making it a powerhouse lens for both fast-paced and slow moments.
- RF 85mm f/1.2: My go-to for dreamy, creamy portraits. š That bokeh is chefās kiss.
- 100mm: Detail shots? Nailed. This macro lens helps me highlight the delicate embroidery on dresses or sparkling rings.
- RF 24mm: For those grand, sweeping venue shots or when I need to capture the whole squadābridesmaids, groomsmen, and all!
Two Godox V1 Flashes: Portable, powerful, and perfect for reception lighting or portraits in tricky lighting situations. Bonus: the round heads produce beautifully soft, natural light.
Reflector: I love to use the white side of my reflector to bounce light back onto my flat lays.
My Videography Gear
When Iām wearing my videographer hat, I need tools that deliver buttery-smooth footage and crystal-clear audioāeven in chaotic wedding environments.
Canon R6 Mark II & Canon R5C: These two are the dynamic duo of wedding videography! The R6 Mark II is perfect for quick handheld shots, while the R5Cās cinema features let me push creative boundaries.
Lenses:
- RF 24-70mm f/2.8: A workhorse that handles a variety of shots, from close-ups of emotional vows to sweeping reception entrances.
- Two 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses: Dual purpose hereāone stays with me, and the other with my second shooter. We can cover large ceremonies without missing a beat.
Rode Mic: Clear audio is EVERYTHING for capturing vows, speeches, and toasts. The Rode mic delivers crystal-clear sound, even in noisy environments.
DJI Ronin RS3 Gimbal: For those cinematic shotsāyou know, the ones where the couple is gliding through a field during golden hour like a fairytale come to life.
DJI Air 2S Drone: Want breathtaking aerial shots of the venue or establishing shots that wow your clients? This drone is a game-changer.
Two Tascam Mics: Audio redundancy is crucial! I mic up the groom and officiant with Tascams so I can always capture those heartfelt ceremony moments.
Zoom F3 Field Recorder: I use this to plug into the DJ’s sound board. Just make sure to bring your own cords to do that.
Two Aperture Lights: A good video light is important for wedding videographers. We use this during important reception moments like speeches and special dances. I like these because they can change color temperature and have a great range in terms of brightness.
Why Gear Matters (But Donāt Overthink It!)
Having the right gear gives you creative flexibility and peace of mind on a wedding day. That said, rememberāitās not just about the gear; itās how you use it. Knowing when to switch lenses, how to control your lighting, and how to manage audio will elevate your storytelling. Invest in learning your tools inside and out.
And hey, if youāre not in a place to own everything yet, no worries! Borrow, rent, or invest in pieces over time. Your artistry matters more than the brand name on your camera.
Bonus Tips for New Photographers & Videographers
- Double Up: Always have backup gear. Weddings are unpredictable, and equipment can fail. Dual camera bodies and lenses are life-savers.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with your equipment long before wedding day. Confidence with your gear will help you focus on your clients, not your settings.
- Invest in Quality Audio: Bad audio can ruin an otherwise perfect video. Redundancy with mics and recorders will save you every time.
- Stay Organized: Pack your gear strategically. I keep my photography and video setups separate so I can switch between them without digging around.
There you have itāmy complete gear setup for weddings! Iām constantly learning and refining my approach, so Iād love to hear whatās in your bag. Drop your favorite gear or must-have accessories in the comments! Letās keep inspiring and supporting each other.
I hope you enjoyed reading what is in my gear bag! Keep creating magic, friends! š Want more photography education? Check out this blog on speeding up your workflow.
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