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!"
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.
When those unplanned, seconds-only moments happen, I wonder how many prime shooters find their feet not fast enough or people are in the way to get the shot...? (All in a photographer's wet-dream of F1.4 or having an edge sharpness that the client doesn't care about.)
For me, and event is about moments, not about having an extreme optic. I carry two cameras with 24-70 F2.8 and 70-200 F2.8, and that's shallow / sharp enough for me.
Maybe I'd switch to a prime for controlled stuff, (like getting ready or when I'm in a confined space with no one in my way), but for everything else my two workhorses get the moments.
(Note: I don't shoot weddings, I shoot higher-end private parties and corporate events) - but the skill set and outcome is very much the same.)