Wedding photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear. The key is knowing what’s essential to deliver great results while staying focused on capturing the day. Simplifying your kit can help you stay present, especially if you’re just starting out.
Coming to you from Luke Cleland, this informative video emphasizes building a minimalist wedding photography setup. Cleland starts with the foundation: a reliable camera body and a 50mm lens. This lens is versatile, ideal for portraits, and helps create a cohesive look throughout the wedding. Cleland shares how he initially believed every focal length was necessary but later realized that focusing on a single lens could improve the style and consistency of his work. The 50mm lens became his go-to choice, and he suggests it could handle an entire wedding on its own.
The video also highlights the importance of a secondary lens, both for variety and as a backup. Cleland uses a 35mm lens, which complements the 50mm well and adds flexibility for tighter spaces or group shots. For added security, he recommends a zoom lens like a 24-70mm, calling it a “worst-case scenario” option if something goes wrong with your primary gear. Having a secondary lens ensures you’re covered, no matter what happens.
Cleland stresses the need for two camera bodies, especially for wedding work. If your primary camera fails mid-shoot, a second body ensures you won’t miss critical moments. For those starting out, Cleland advises upgrading one body at a time and using the second as a backup. Over time, this approach allows you to build a professional setup without overspending upfront.
A flash is another essential, particularly for low-light situations like indoor receptions. While boosting ISO might work in some cases, Cleland points out that the quality of your images can suffer. A single flash can make a big difference in maintaining clarity and detail in challenging lighting environments.
Memory cards and batteries round out the essentials. Cleland prefers large-capacity SD cards, such as 256 GB, to avoid frequent swaps during a wedding. He also recommends dual card slots for immediate backups. For batteries, having extras is non-negotiable. Cleland brings enough fully charged batteries to last the entire day without relying on charging during the event. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cleland.
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!"
