Wedding photography requires more than just showing up with a camera. From securing bookings to planning for lighting conditions, every step before the wedding day impacts your results. The right preparation ensures a smooth experience, minimizes surprises, and helps you capture meaningful images.
Coming to you from John Branch IV with B&H Photo and Video, this practical video outlines what you should do before a wedding and the gear that makes a difference. It starts with the first step—your website’s contact form. A short, effective form encourages more couples to reach out while still giving you the details you need. After that, an initial meeting—whether by phone, Zoom, or in person—helps align expectations. Asking the right questions upfront, like how many guests are expected or whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors, prevents problems later. Knowing these details in advance avoids last-minute scrambling and ensures you're prepared for different lighting and space constraints.
Next comes venue scouting. Outdoor locations for portraits, the placement of ceremony seating, and the number of windows in a getting-ready suite all influence your approach. If the groom’s suite has no natural light, you’ll need to bring extra lighting. Reception locations also matter—some are outdoors and require additional flash setups, while others have unpredictable lighting. Understanding these conditions ahead of time helps you bring the right gear instead of making adjustments under pressure.
Gear choices matter when shooting long wedding days. A lightweight camera makes it easier to work for hours without strain, while a well-chosen set of lenses ensures you can adapt to different scenes. A fast prime lens helps in low light and creates a natural look for portraits, while a zoom lens offers flexibility for capturing moments at varying distances. Keeping your gear organized—such as designating one camera for wide shots and another for tighter compositions—minimizes unnecessary lens changes and keeps you focused on the action.
Lighting should be simple and effective. A dependable flash with a long-lasting battery ensures you’re ready for dim receptions and indoor ceremonies. A soft modifier helps diffuse harsh light for a more natural feel, and off-camera lighting can provide depth and dimension when needed. Keeping your setup streamlined prevents delays and lets you focus on capturing key moments without fumbling with gear. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Branch.
