As a wedding photographer with years of experience, I’ve learned that capturing one of the most important days in a couple’s life requires more than just skill behind the lens. It’s about being fully prepared, not just for the picture-perfect moments, but for everything in between—the unexpected lighting challenges, the fast-paced changes, and the fleeting emotions that make each wedding unique. Over the years, I’ve realized that even my best efforts would fall short without the right equipment.
Your expertise as a photographer is, of course, the foundation, but without the proper gear, it’s nearly impossible to deliver the stunning, high-quality images that your clients deserve. From essential cameras and lenses to backup gear and accessories, these tools not only ensure that I’m able to capture every precious moment, but they also provide the peace of mind that no matter what happens, I’m fully prepared.
After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered the 10 must-have items that are essential for every wedding photographer. Without them, I simply wouldn’t be able to do my job. These tools are what help me elevate my craft, set myself apart from the competition, and, most importantly, create timeless memories for my clients that they’ll treasure forever. Let’s explore the top 10 essentials that no wedding photographer should be without!
List of 10 Things I Use During a Wedding Photography Session
- Primary Camera (Full-Frame DSLR or Mirrorless)
- Backup Camera
- A Range of Lenses (Wide-Angle, Prime, and Telephoto)
- External Flash & Lighting Equipment
- Memory Cards (High-Capacity & Fast)
- Extra Batteries
- Lens Filters (UV, Polarizing, and ND Filters)
- Tripod or Monopod
- Camera Straps and Harnesses
- Lens Cleaning Kit
1. Primary Camera (Full-Frame DSLR or Mirrorless)
Why it’s important:
Your primary camera is the heart of your photography kit. For weddings, you need a camera that performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, from outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit reception halls. Full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras offer excellent image quality, better low-light performance, and wider dynamic range compared to crop-sensor models. These features allow you to capture details in both shadows and highlights, which is crucial for weddings where lighting can be unpredictable.
How it helps:
A high-quality primary camera will ensure you capture crisp, detailed images that preserve the essence of the wedding day. Whether it’s the emotional exchange of vows or the intricate details of the wedding décor, your camera needs to deliver consistently excellent results. I prefer a camera with fast autofocus, high burst rates (for those action-packed moments), and a sturdy build to handle long shoots.
What I use:
I currently shoot with a Fujixt5 and Fujixt30ii —both cropped mirrorless models that offer fantastic image quality, advanced autofocus, and strong performance in low light.
2. Backup Camera
Why it’s important:
Anything can happen at a wedding, including equipment malfunctions. That’s why having a backup camera is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss a moment because your main camera stops working or runs into an issue. A backup camera ensures you're covered no matter what.
How it helps:
A backup camera is your insurance policy. If your primary camera fails, you can switch to your backup without any downtime. It also allows you to quickly switch between lenses during crucial moments, like going from a wide-angle shot of the ceremony to a zoomed-in portrait of the couple exchanging rings. Over the years, I’ve found that having a backup camera also makes me more confident on the job, knowing I’m prepared for any situation.
What I use:
I typically use a second full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, such as the Fuji xt 30ii. This gives me similar image quality and ease of use to my primary camera.
3. A Range of Lenses (Wide-Angle, Prime, and Telephoto)
Why it’s important:
Lenses are what bring versatility to your photography. Different lenses serve different purposes, and as a wedding photographer, you need a range of focal lengths to capture everything from wide-angle venue shots to intimate close-ups.
Types of lenses:
- Wide-Angle Lens (14mm to 35mm): Perfect for capturing large group shots, wide scenes, and architectural elements of the venue.
- Prime Lens (35mm, 50mm, or 85mm): These fixed focal length lenses provide beautiful bokeh (blurred backgrounds) and are great for portrait shots, particularly of the bride and groom. The sharpness and low-light capabilities make these lenses invaluable during indoor ceremonies or receptions.
- Telephoto Lens (70-200mm): Ideal for capturing candid moments from a distance, especially during the ceremony. This allows you to stay discreet while still getting close-up shots without interrupting the moment.
How it helps:
Having a range of lenses allows you to adapt to the changing needs of the day. I often switch between a wide-angle lens for group photos and a prime lens for capturing emotional moments. A telephoto lens helps me capture candid shots from a distance, without making the couple feel like they’re constantly being photographed.
What I use:
I rely on a FUJIFILM Fuji Fujinon XF 16-55mm F/2.8, and Sigma 35mm f/1.4. This combination gives me the flexibility to capture both wide shots and intimate close-ups.
4. External Flash & Lighting Equipment
Why it’s important:
Weddings are filled with lighting challenges—dimly lit venues, harsh sunlight, and unpredictable weather. Relying solely on natural light is risky. An external flash and portable lighting equipment ensure you can still capture beautiful images, regardless of the lighting conditions.
How it helps:
An external flash helps you control lighting in low-light situations like indoor receptions. It can also be used to create dramatic lighting effects during the couple’s first dance or to highlight certain details like the wedding cake. I also bring portable lighting setups, such as LED panels or softboxes, for more control during the portrait sessions.
What I use:
My go-to flash is the LightPix Labs M20, known for its round head design, which gives a more natural light spread. I also carry a Godox TT350 for more powerful lighting when needed.
5. Memory Cards (High-Capacity & Fast)
Why it’s important:
On a wedding day, you’re shooting continuously for hours. High-capacity, fast memory cards allow you to store large numbers of photos without needing to stop and swap cards. Speed is also crucial; slow cards can cause lag, leading to missed moments.
How it helps:
Fast memory cards, such as SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional, help you shoot continuously without waiting for the camera to write the data. High-capacity cards (64GB or 128GB) mean you won’t need to swap cards frequently, which is especially important during key moments like the ceremony.
What I use:
I use SanDisk 128GB or higher SD cards with fast read/write speeds (up to 170MB/s). This ensures I never miss a moment, and I can safely store all my RAW files until I can back them up.
6. Extra Batteries
Why it’s important:
Shooting a wedding often means hours of continuous use of your camera and flash. Batteries drain fast, and you don’t want to run out of power just as the couple is about to cut the cake or have their first dance.
How it helps:
Extra batteries are a lifesaver. I always carry at least three fully charged batteries for each camera and a few extra for my flash. This ensures I have enough power to last through the day and night without having to pause and recharge.
What I use:
I carry Fujifilm np-W235, K&F Concept np-W235 and Fujifilm np-W126 batteries, depending on which camera I’m using. I keep them in labeled pouches so I know which ones are fully charged and ready to go.
7. Lens Filters (UV, Polarizing, and ND Filters)
Why it’s important:
Lens filters protect your lenses and enhance your images. UV filters reduce haze and protect the lens from scratches, polarizing filters manage reflections and improve color saturation, and ND filters allow you to shoot at wider apertures in bright sunlight.
How it helps:
I use a polarizing filter when shooting outdoor ceremonies to reduce glare and enhance the color of the sky and foliage. An ND filter is essential when I want to create a shallow depth of field in bright conditions. UV filters not only protect the lens but also improve clarity on sunny days.
What I use:
My go-to filters are from Tiffen and K&H concept, which offer excellent clarity and durability.
8. Tripod or Monopod
Why it’s important:
While wedding photographers are typically on the move, there are moments when stability is key. A tripod or monopod is essential for long-exposure shots, particularly when shooting in low light or capturing the ambiance of the venue.
How it helps:
During the ceremony, I often use a tripod for steady shots of the couple exchanging vows. A monopod is great for stability during candid moments or speeches when I need mobility but also steadiness.
What I use:
I carry a lightweight Neewer Springloaded aluminum tripod and a compact Amazon Basics small tripod to give me flexibility without weighing me down.
9. Camera Straps and Harnesses
Why it’s important:
Weddings are long, and carrying your camera for hours can be physically exhausting. Camera straps and harnesses distribute the weight, allowing you to move freely while staying comfortable.
How it helps:
A camera harness lets me carry two cameras comfortably and switch between them quickly. This means I’m always ready to capture different angles without having to fumble with my gear. Straps with quick-release mechanisms are also great for fast lens changes or when I need to set down my camera quickly.
What I use:
I use a COIRO leather harness, which is both stylish and functional, distributing the weight of my cameras across my shoulders and back. When I am using one camera I use Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap with Peak Design anchor links.
10. Lens Cleaning Kit
Why it’s important:
Weddings can be messy. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges on your lens can ruin your shots. A lens cleaning kit ensures your lenses stay clean and sharp throughout the day.
How it helps:
I carry a lens cleaning pen, microfiber cloth, and air blower to keep my gear spotless. This is especially important when moving between outdoor and indoor locations, where dust and moisture can easily affect your lenses.
What I use:
My kit includes Zeiss lens cleaning wipes, a Rocket blower, and a K&F Concept lens pen.
Conclusion
As a wedding photographer, your gear is your toolkit, and each piece serves a vital role in ensuring you can capture every important moment. Over the years, I’ve learned that investing in the right equipment is key to delivering high-quality, memorable images. By being prepared with the essentials—from cameras and lenses to lighting and memory cards—you can handle any situation that comes your way, allowing you to focus on what matters: telling the couple’s story through stunning photography.
