Bringing the right gear to a wedding is crucial. It’s not just about your camera or lenses; it’s about having everything you need to get through the day smoothly. Forgetting even one item could create unnecessary stress when you’re on the job. If you’ve ever scrambled to make sure you packed everything, you’re not alone.
Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this informative video breaks down a pre-wedding checklist that’s all about being prepared. The most obvious item on the list? Your camera gear. Branch emphasizes the importance of bringing two camera bodies. You never know when one might fail, and having a backup ensures you can keep shooting without interruptions. He also highlights the benefits of using prime lenses versus zoom lenses. Branch prefers prime lenses for their image quality, but zoom lenses can offer more versatility if you prefer fewer lens changes during the day.
Next, Branch dives into the importance of SD cards. If your camera doesn’t have dual slots, it’s time to upgrade. Shooting to two cards at once means that even if one card fails, your images are backed up. While Branch hasn’t had an SD card fail in his 10 years of shooting, the peace of mind dual slots offer is worth it. He recommends bringing four SD cards, plus extras for your second photographer if you’re working with one.
Branch also discusses battery management, particularly with mirrorless cameras that tend to drain batteries faster than DSLRs. He suggests bringing at least four spare batteries, depending on how power-hungry your camera is. Mirrorless shooters should err on the side of caution and consider six. Having enough power throughout the day ensures you won’t run out of juice at a crucial moment, like during the ceremony or reception.
Flash units are another must-have. Branch is clear—don’t rely solely on denoising software to fix low-light situations. Bring speedlights or off-camera flashes to handle tricky lighting. For a simple setup, Branch uses two speedlights on his cameras and brings two additional off-camera flashes for versatility. He also mentions the Godox AD200 as a powerful strobe option for those looking to throw more light in larger spaces.
In addition to the essentials, Branch shares some less obvious tips. He always prints out the timeline and shot list, which may seem old school, but it keeps things efficient. Checking your phone during a wedding can give off the wrong impression, so having a physical copy to refer to is both practical and professional. He also advises wearing a good camera strap and keeping your bag light and easy to carry, so you can stay mobile without being bogged down by gear. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Branch.
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!"
Highlights
📸 Camera Gear: Bring two camera bodies for backups.
🔍 Lenses: Choose between prime and zoom lenses for versatility.
💾 SD Cards: Always carry extra cards and consider dual card slots.
🔋 Batteries: Pack at least four additional batteries for mirrorless cameras.
💡 Flashes: Use speed lights for better lighting situations.
🗒️ Printed Shot List: Have a physical copy for easy access during the event.
💧 Water: Stay hydrated, especially during long wedding days.
Key Insights
📷 Backup Equipment: Having two camera bodies is crucial for avoiding potential mishaps during the wedding. This ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected camera failures.
⚖️ Lenses Choice: The decision between prime and zoom lenses affects shooting flexibility. Prime lenses offer superior quality, while zoom lenses provide convenience for changing scenes quickly.
📝 SD Card Strategy: Using dual card slots can prevent data loss. Regularly backing up images during the event is essential for safeguarding the couple’s memories.
🔋 Power Management: Understanding your camera’s battery consumption helps in planning how many additional batteries to bring, allowing for uninterrupted shooting throughout the day.
💡 Lighting Solutions: Utilizing both speed lights and LED lights can enhance the quality of the photos taken in low-light situations, providing a balanced ambiance.
📄 Organization Tools: A printed shot list and timeline keep you focused and professional, reducing the distraction of using a phone during the event.
🚰 Stay Hydrated: Keeping water accessible helps maintain energy levels, ensuring you can perform at your best during long wedding hours.