Wedding photography gear list 2023
Our wedding photography gear list changes every year. Some gear sticks and pieces of gear are added to the kit. This post aims to share what we are currently using, along with some suggestions for different scenarios. Wedding photography has been a journey filled with amazing moments, and we think gear helps tell those stories. Often, in the industry, you’ll hear the statement saying that gear doesn’t matter. I disagree. Photography gear is the same, just like a painter uses a different brush for various purposes.
Camera System
We are team Sony. I’m not going to get into which is “better,” but I will say for our needs which include video work, I believe Sony is the best hybrid camera system giving great results for photos and video in one camera. That said, we have used the Sony A7RIII for years at this point. Sometimes we will rent the latest R Series camera when we need an extra, but we also use the Sony A7III and A7IV for photography work.
If we had to choose only one lens, it would be the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM. It covers most focal ranges needed to accomplish the job, low light is clean, and hardly comes off the camera. Other lenses we like to use are the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM, Sony 85mm f1.8 G, and the Sony 50mm f1.2 GM. The 85mm lens is a ‘cheap’ lens that gives such lovely results with interesting bokeh and amazing low light.
Lighting
We are a flash photography company. Meaning we like to use on and off-camera flash to light the scene and subjects. Our style is full color, on the brighter side, with a little extra color style. However, we are not using flash the entire wedding day. For example, we use natural light with flat lays, details, first looks, and ceremony. We’ll bring out the flash for portraits and reception time.
Flash Gear
Constant Lighting
Aputure 120D with a can diffuser and barn doors. Get a V-Mount battery (or 2) if there’s no electrical outlet. Having a good constant light like this has saved us so many times when we are dealing with really low-lit venues or environments. Without this light, our images would have suffered.
LED panel lights with a C-Stand or light stand. Don’t forget a sandbag to prevent the gear from falling over. These small lights can pack a punch, and we love using them for the exits.
Fabrics, spools, and materials.
Ring boxes for his and hers.
Lastly
All the above might sound like a ton to work with, but we regularly use this to get the results we want. Some photographers simply use a camera, lens, and on-camera flash, which is great, and I’ve seen some nice images from even that simple of a setup. It all comes down to your own preferences. Most of all, we invest in an assistant. Yes, the job can be done solo, but in my opinion, every job needs an assistant. Having someone there to help with gear, keeping up with logistics, moral support, and all the random stuff that can happen is worth the investment.