Often times I’m asked what camera equipment I use to make the photographs I do, here’s a basic list of everything I bring to a usual wedding day with me. Granted, this may change from time to time depending on the wedding location, size of the ceremony, but 9 times out of 10, this is what you can find in my bag or the back of my car at any wedding:
Cameras & Lenses
I started out shooting Nikon, then shot on the Canon 5D MKIII for 3 years, then when the D750 came out, that changed everything for me. I’ve since owned six, yes SIX D750s since it came out and now use the D850 to rock.
I don’t think there’s a huge battle between camera companies anymore, as long as you recognize their advantages and disadvantages, which there are a few for every camera.
Here are the cameras and lenses I use on wedding days.
Cameras: (2) Nikon D850 Full-Frame 46MP
Lenses:
Sigma 20mm f/1.4,
Nikon 35mm f/1.4,
58mm f/1.4,
105mm f/1.4
105mm f/2.8 Macro
(4) Nikon EL15 Batteries (Do NOT buy imitation batteries. I’m okay buying imitation chargers, especially ones that charge via USB, but cameras need proper power and everything to run properly, especially in bad weather conditions)
Lighting
I love shooting natural light as much as the next person, as long as the QUALITY of the light is to my liking. Also, on wedding days there are often receptions inside or that go until midnight. For that, I just do not prefer the look of not shooting without additional lighting, so I bring a few things to help with that:
(3) Godox V860IIn Flashes (or as I call them, “Speedlites”)
(5) Godox Batteries
(2) Manfrotto 12ft Master Stands (these are the best AND they’re stackable!)
(2) Flash Adapters. These are silly, but you need these to slide your flashes into and adjust their angle and such on top of the Manfrotto stands
(2) 15lb Sandbags. These help keep the stands in place and aren’t too heavy to carry when needed
(3) MagMod flash adapters. These are on every flash I own and really help me quickly adjust the quality, color, and direction of my lights. Below is what I normally use on flashes
(2) MagMod MagGrids
(3) MagMod Full CTO Gels
Accessories
There are certain just non-camera related things that you may need on wedding day and although it may seem silly, this is the stuff no one talks about, so I’ll go a bit overboard and list everything else I bring on wedding day below:
Thinktank Airport International V3.0 (this holds everything other than light stands and sandbags)
Bag Lock – This one locks the zippers on the bag to prevent theft
Regular Lock – I use this one and a steel cable to loop the bag to my trunk then lock the loop to the bag. I’m sure someone could bring all of this if they wanted, but I’ve had to cut my own cable before (whoops!) and it will take a little while at least!
Tile – These things kind of suck, but when they work they’re awesome. This is permanently in my bag and only comes out when I need a new one
Gum – Impressions and fresh breath are important!
Business Cards – Okay, this one is a lie. I don’t often carry any business cards let alone do I have any. But even though these things are dumb and seldom used it’s a cheap “nice-to-have” this is helpful when you are asked.
RX Bar – I don’t require a meal on wedding day (but every couple has given me one) so I bring these when I need an energy boost or the vendor meal doesn’t seem like it’ll work with my needs.
Sticky Tack – I shot over 100 ring shots before someone told me about sticky tack. Yes, that stuff your teacher may have used to put stuff on the wall, but didn’t leave any residue? This is SO helpful for creating fun and interesting ring shots. A little goes a long way. I’ve had my 1 pack for 3 years and it stays fresh in my bag.
Mini-Tripod
Anker USB Brick
USB Battery Charger – Two Nikon batteries from USB!
Amazon Lightning Cable
Flash Battery Charger
USB 3.0 Card Reader
Lexar XQD Card Reader
See more of my favorite gear and technology on Amazon
