3 Reasons Why One Photographer Uses Prime Lenses for Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is a very challenging genre that requires a lot of versatility both as a photographer and in terms of gear. As such, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are highly popular options, but they are far from the only choices for wedding work. This great video essay features a seasoned wedding photographer discussing some of the reasons he prefers using prime lenses for his work instead. 

Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this interesting video essay discusses why he prefers prime lenses for wedding work. One of the most obvious advantages of a prime lens is the wider aperture, which can be quite useful in dimly lit venues, but one point I found particularly interesting and important is the increased consistency. Because of the fixed focal lengths and the compositional limitations imposed by prime lenses, you are more forced to develop a certain style and approach to composition, which, in turn, lends a higher level of consistency to your photos. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

If you would like to continue to learn about wedding photography, be sure to check out "How To Become A Professional Commercial Wedding Photographer With Lee Morris and Patrick Hall!"

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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2 Comments

There's no right or wrong answer, everyone has a different approach. I don't shoot Weddings but I've shot Events and go through possible scenarios before the shoot to form a gameplay. I only own two zooms and will carry two bodies which will usually have a 35/1.4 and 85/1.4. At the last event, I also carried a 16-35/4LIS just in case along with extra batteries and cards but I left the 70-200/2.8LII at home.