Wedding photography gear is essential for capturing stunning images and videos. A full-frame professional camera is ideal, but a crop-sensor camera can also be used. Lenses are another crucial aspect of wedding photography, with the 70-200mm being a popular choice due to its versatility and sharpness. Prime lenses, such as the 50mm or 1.8, are also recommended. Camera bags are essential for carrying all necessary equipment, and tripods are valuable for landscape photography.
The Canon EOS R5 is a top-rated camera for wedding photography due to its full-frame, 30MP sensor, fast burst rates, and exceptional eye autofocus. Other options include 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses. A wedding photography checklist can help make the most of a wedding day, as well as understanding air bubbles and using them to your advantage.
Fast aperture lenses are essential for capturing low-light situations during the ceremony and reception. A 50mm f/1.8 lens or an 85mm f/1.8 lens is perfect for portraits and detail shots. Zoom lenses like the 24-85mm are also suitable for portraits and close-ups. The 70-200mm lens is a staple of wedding photography, primarily for portraits.
A minimalist wedding photography gear checklist includes two reliable, durable, dual card slot camera bodies, one telephoto zoom lens, and one wide-angle lens. Other essential wedding photography accessories include optical prisms, small portable mirrors, sparkers/lighter, LED string lights, spray bottles, Tiffen ND filters, and Canon free lenses.
In summary, wedding photography gear is essential for capturing stunning images and videos. It includes a professional camera, lenses, flash, memory cards, spare batteries, remote triggers, and other non-essential items.
📹 All you NEED for Weddings | Beginner Wedding Photography Gear
When starting with wedding photography knowing what wedding photography gear to buy can be a hard task. I’m here to give you …
How many pictures should be expected from a 1 hour shoot?
How many photos do you get in a mini photoshoot? A 1-hour session will give you more photos to choose from, while a 30-minute session might not. In a 30-minute shoot, you’ll get about 20 photos, while a 1-hour shoot will give you 40-50 pictures. Also, think about warm-up time! The first 10 minutes of a mini session is for warm-up photos. The best photos will be at the end of your 30-minute photoshoot because you’re warmed up and creative. A 30-minute shoot might get you one great photo, but a longer shoot gives you more chances to get epic photos.
What do professional photographers need?
Photography equipment list for professionalsFilters.Tripod.Camera straps.Color correction card.Flash.Reflectors.Light kit.Studio backdrop. *To run a successful photography business, you need more than a creative eye — you need a whole lot of gear! Between cameras, tripods, and editing software, it can be a bit of a challenge managing your equipment needs on top of managing your growing business. Not to worry — We’ve created the ultimate professional photography equipment list with all the must-have gear for photographers. *One note before we begin: For the purposes of this list of photography equipment for professionals, we’ve left off cameras and lenses. While those are essentials indeed (it would be difficult to have a photography business without them!), your choice of cameras and lenses will depend upon a combination of your professional specialization and your personal preferences. *So whether you’re looking to upgrade or make sure you have all of the required tools of the trade, let’s go shopping!
What cameras do professional wedding photographers use?
Wedding Photography CameraFujifilm X-S10.Nikon D780.Canon EOS R6.Nikon Z6 II.Nikon D850.Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.Sony A7 III.Nikon D750. *From a professional camera to the best lenses for various scenarios, we’ll make sure you’re all stocked up with the best wedding photography equipment before you put yourself out there. Because, trust us, as much as disposable camera wedding photos might be trendy now, your bride and groom will likely want to have professional images that they can cherish for a lifetime. *Read on to discover our top recommendations for wedding photography equipment, and don’t forget to check out some of the best wedding photography portfolios, as well as these wedding websites for even more inspiration. *You won’t be too shocked to discover that a high-quality camera is an absolute must as a professional wedding photographer. Remember, it is your responsibility as the photographer to capture special moments that otherwise would be missed if you weren’t present. Take this role seriously and be sure to purchase the best wedding photography camera possible. It might seem like an investment now, but if you’re serious about wedding photography, having a reliable and professional camera will make all the difference.
How many photos should a wedding photographer give you?
Ordinary number of pictures delivered by hours. To give you an idea, the average number of pictures delivered by a wedding photographer for one hour is between 50 up to 100 wedding photos.Most of the time I will deliver 800 to 1000 digital files for 12-hour reportage. For a 12-hour coverage, on a big day, I can distribute 1200 to 1400 pics.
Long Answer: more is not always better. Why this question makes sense. Wedding photography is all about creating cherished keepsake. Each photograph is what you will cherish when you relive every memory of your wedding day! Best wedding photographers capture memories so you can order enlargement photo print, hang them on your wall, and design your photo book. For this purpose you need more than 500 photos to choose from.
- I believe asking this question makes sense for 3 conditions:. If the photographer is a beginner, and you want to make sure he will manage to catch (and deliver to you), more than 100 images for your wedding album.
- Its “easy” to shoot a few respectable pics on a wedding and create a website, but its another job to capture 700 stunning images. So if the photographer doesnt allow you to see a few entire wedding gallery (pretexting client privacy), then you should start to worry.
- Some very good photographers are only focus on improving their portfolio and dont care at all of your invitee and capturing real moments. So you may end with 300 amazing artistic cliche, but not one of your guests!
Do I need two cameras to shoot a wedding?
I pride myself in delivering a complete gallery to all of my wedding clients, but theres only so much shooting one person can do! If you want photos of each and every detail of your day, go ahead and swing for the second shooter. Theyll be able to fill out your gallery with even more angles and images than Ill be able to shoot alone. *Theres nothing worse than being one one side of a massive reception hall and hearing the DJ announce that the couple is about cutting the cake on the other. As a solo photographer, my only options are to 1) make the couple wait until I can get to them, which creates an awkward moment of silence or 2) bulldoze my way through your guests tables and hope I get there in time. (Trust me, you dont want either of those.) Having a second shooter will make it easier for me to capture all your special moments during the ceremony and reception without having to crowdsurf through your guests. *You and your partner are getting ready in different locations.
Do you need a full frame camera for wedding photography?
Your employer is telling you to invest in one dead system, while in a dead system. Bad idea.Lacking detail…let me guess, low light, shot at f1.8 the whole time or a lot…..yeah, thats gonna be a limited look.Without seeing pictures you probably shouldnt post for various reasons, its hard to say much honestly, but sometimes you have bad gigs. It happens.You dont explain what you want to do with your camera. Making a good recommendation is hard without that. If youre gonna shoot weddings, full frame will give you more light. M43 will give you faster speeds and lower-light lens options. The Nikon latest is something I see praises heap on like crazy and the photographer at the last wedding I was at had two. *A better camera would help, but hard to say without seeing the photos. Some questions if you do not mind. *Do you have non wedding photos of people you can share ? Was this the only feedback you received from weddings you shot this year ?
What is the basic equipment in photography?
FAQ. What Essential Photography Equipment Do You Need as a Beginner?. You dont need the most expensive equipment to start your business or hobby. Consider buying gear that fits your budget, including a camera body, a few lenses, a tripod, a memory card, a camera bag, and batteries. *Are There Any Specific Camera Brands or Models Recommended for Beginners?. There are several camera brands and models that are often recommended for beginners because of their user-friendly features, affordability, and availability of learning resources. Some popular options include Fujifilm X-T30 II, Canon EOS M50 Mark II, and Nikon D5600. *What Accessories Can Enhance My Photography Experience?. Improving image quality doesnt always require big, expensive, or complicated camera accessories. The best ones can be simple and affordable, while still providing valuable support for your photography. You can consider purchasing an external flash, remote shutter release, and lens cleaning kit.
Is it better to take wedding photos in film or digital?
In the end, it really comes down to the personal preference of the bride and groom-to-be. Some couples prefer the classic look and feel of film photography, while others enjoy the convenience and sharpness of digital photography. When it comes to film vs. digital photography, couples should base their decision on the style and budget of the wedding. Digital photography is more versatile, cost-effective, and easier to store and share images. But film photography still offers a unique look that is truly timeless.
How many pictures do you need for a 5 hour wedding?
Wedding photographers usually deliver photos in sets. Wedding photographers typically deliver 50-100 photos for every hour of coverage. If your wedding photography session is from noon to 4 pm, you will get 200 to 400 photos in the final delivery package. Each additional hour will get you another 50 to 100 photos. The number of photos you get depends on the photographer’s experience, skill, and the size of your wedding.
Does every photographer need a tripod?
Well, for one, tripods are fantastic for fending off other tourists. But when youre not swatting people out of your way, they are necessary for many photography applications. In fact, any type of photography that requires precision will almost always involve a tripod. In some cases, you could get away with setting your camera on a rock or even a backpack. But expecting to set up the camera that way is going to mean leaving your photos up to the chance that theres a rock in just the right place. *Another type of photography where youll need a tripod is when youre shooting a panorama. It may be tempting to just take a bunch of photos from left to right handheld and hope Lightroom and Photoshop can make something out of it. Sometimes that can work. But in most cases, the photos will be stitched together with a number of holes. Thats why I use a tripod with a pan and tilt head. That way, you can easily keep the camera in line while panning left to right. *HDR photography also relies heavily on having a solid tripod. If theres motion in the photo, youll end up with some weird patchy ghosting that Lightroom and Photoshop might not be able to remove. And if the details arent fully lined up, solid lines turn into an unsharp mess.
What equipment do you need to become a photographer?
When starting a photography business, you need some equipment, but you can wait to get others. You need a good camera, lenses, a computer, lighting, and accessories to run a small photography business. Gear is important for creative photography, but not the most important thing. Choose the best tools for the job so you can focus on taking great pictures. Get your 12-week roadmap to launching a photography business. Learn more.
Do you need a tripod for wedding photography?
When to Use a Tripod at a Wedding. Weddings vary a lot, so the tools you need to capture them also vary. A tripod can help you work more efficiently. Weddings often have dim or difficult lighting, so longer exposures are needed to compensate. If you’re photographing indoors without flash, a tripod is essential for long exposures. Tripods are also useful for photographers using multiple cameras in remote settings. Positioning cameras at different angles lets you work handheld or free up an assistant to move. A tripod with a background makes it easier to take formal portraits of guests and wedding party members. The background stays the same, so you don’t have to worry about it moving. Lastly, a tripod is useful for close-up shots and photos of wedding preparations. At a wedding, sharp photos are important for your clients. What to Look for in a Tripod System. There are so many tripod and support options, it can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help you choose the right tripod for your needs.
📹 Everything YOU NEED For Your First Wedding | Complete Photography Gear Guide
In today’s video, I’ll go through everything you need for your first wedding. Weddings might seem stressful, going in prepared …
I’m glad to hear you use a crop sensor. I have an a6400 and am looking to start doing some wedding photography and I have been feeling a little pressure to get a full frame camera thinking I need it for low light performance. I think some people get caught up on specs and I fall pray to that sometimes! The other reason I feel the pressure to go up to a full frame sensor is because I like my sony cameras… but the crop sensor cameras only have 1 sd card slot. Which is really unfortunate. I’m hoping to get away with it for the first year before relegating the a6400 to a backup camera before upgrading to an A75 when it comes out.
I haven’t shot pictures at a wedding yet. I shot my Granddaughter’s Junior prom with a Canon 90D, and the EF 50mm f/1.2. It wasn’t a problem on individual shots, but it was a major problem on group shots, which was a great lesson on aperture. I was shooting manual, still taking lessons, and I had owned the lens for 2 weeks. I was shooting everything with the aperture wide open. I should have been around f/8 to f/11 on the group shots, since they were 2 to 3 rows deep. Every group shot had out of focus people, depending on where I focused. With giggling girls, my shutter speed was to low. I was shooting on continuous, and that was a smart move. Next time I will hopefully do better. That lens is actually sharpest at f/5 on my camera body.
I just want to say thank you for the detailed and full send vibed articles RE: wedding photography. From my very green beginnings (with my fuji xt-4) I’ve really enjoyed your articles. Maybe it’s my fuji love or it’s your vibes (hell maybe it’s your smooth style) but I’ve enjoyed learning (and I am learning) through your articles. Keep u( the great work. (I assume you are in for a crazy busy wedding season after the pandemic peak… wish I was ready because this is about to be a busy wedding season. THanks again for your work. I went from thinking weddings are just an inevitable for photographers to make money at a stage to being genuinely excited at the prospect of sharing and documenting such an important and magical day for the rest of the clients lives.
I started with a zoom kit lens and used it like normal. Then I started switching to Sony and used primes. I started seeing the different qualities of the focal lengths. Then I went to full frame so y and have a 24-70 zoom and now I feel like I can get more out of a zoom because I know what look I can gets out of each focal length. Plus shooting weddings, you don’t always get as much of a choice as you want on where you can stand so being able to zoom a little saves some resolution instead of heavy cropping in post to get a little closer. I still always have an 85mm on a second body too
I’d love a article on wedding OFC with the godox/flashpoint gear! I’m new to the game, but I’m shooting with a Fuji ecosystem also (team Prime, all the way) and I just picked up a pair of AD300s and an AD400. I would love to see how you’re setting up everything! And thanks for being an awesome source of inspiration & knowledge for me!
Firstly, excellent and informative article thanks very much. I am a Nikon user and have a D750. I have to confess to going for the 24-70 and 70-200 zooms when I first started but having since bought 50mm and 85mm primes I am a complete prime convert. You are spot on when you say that you feel part of the process with primer lenses. Dare say the zooms will have their day but at the moment they are gathering dust.
John I I love your articles. I’ve learned so much h from you. Ouse a Nikon D750 with nothing prime and zoom lenses. But when I add the 24-70 I tend to forget I have a 35 and 50mm. i have the Godox speed lights as well as the AD200 but I have problems synching them. I would love a lighting set up article.
Love your articles! Saving up for my secon Fuji body just now, I’m currently on an XT4 and then I’ve got an old canon on the other side but I hardly ever reach for the canon now, I just hate shooting with it sooo much haha. It’s great for YouTube articles but I can’t switch from Fuji now, the love is too deep!
I do social events, motorsports (mostly WRC and other rally events), weddings and portraiture. I own 2 camera bodies and 9 expensive lenses but I do 99% of my work with only two lenses and rarely ever use any of my other lenses. The two lenses that are on my cameras 99% of the time are the 35mm and 105mm. I used to use 35mm with an 85mm instead of 105mm but I noticed that my images shot with 105mm look much, much nicer, especially when I do portraits and outdoor events and if I ever want a wider look or composition, I can always do a few steps back and have the 85mm look, whereas if I was using my 85mm, I could step closer and get the similar composition to an 105mm but I can’t get that 105mm look, I can’t get that 105mm compression! Anyhow, whenever someone asks me which lenses they should buy first, I always recommend a 35mm and either an 85mm or 105/135mm! Most useful pair of lenses across all fields of photography!
Excellent article and excellent advice! I’m with you on your gear recommendations, including the use of Fuji. I’m glad this was sponsored by KEH, from whom I’ve bought gear in the past. I want share a story about KEH with you and others here. My Episcopal church has an arts center and they do community outreach, including to a local private home for troubled teenage boys. This home is their last hope before heading into the system. The arts center approached me to hold a photography course for a semester since the boys expressed an interest. I was told there would be 12 boys. My ideal would be for each boy to have his own camera to use and care for. The arts center secured a grant to allow us to buy equipment. I called KEH and explained our need. I wanted a DSLR with a zoom lens as the kit and told them how much money we had. I asked for as many cameras as we could get for the money, thinking at least some boys would have to buddy up. A few days later I got a call back saying they could provide 12 kits for the money! They provided Canon Rebels with a kit zoom. All the cameras were in great shape and the boys and I had a blast learning the fundamentals and taking lots of photos. At the end of the course they had their own showing at the arts center and some even sold some of their photos! This was made possible by KEH working with us to support a good cause.
Hey John thanks for your article today. when I watch this I get more and more desire to photograph weddings 😀 Currently I’m using my Sony a7III and 85mm1.8f (Prime :D) and I have a Godox V860III but I still feel like I’m missing so many things xD i am still at the beginning but i will always remember your articles and your behind the scenes 😀 your positive attitude and tips are the best combination! Thanks for your work:chillwcat::elbowcough:
I’v been a high school photographer for over 15 years, everything from sports, plays, evens and proms/dances. I guess proms are as close as I have come to a wedding, but I am pretty confident I can do a wedding. My question is, where and how do I get started in weddings? Do I look for a “second shooter” opportunity to get a wedding portfolio going? Your advice would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!
Great info… you mentioned that you use two cameras but didn’t mention that as part of what you “need” for weddings. It’s my opinion that anyone who is getting paid to shoot a wedding must have at least two cameras. Even if you shot 100% of you shots on one camera having a second camera that works with your lenses is critical for the moment when a camera stops working or is damaged. Even if you need to rent or borrow a 2nd body for every wedding until you make a little money — do it.
Thanks for smacking me in the face with Crop sensor argument since I was about to spend money on getting one because of the additional stops of light i would get in low light situations but at the end of the day I can make up with prime lenses. note aside I love your website and all the tips you provide!
i might have to disagree with the zoom lens. In my honest opinion it’s versatile and you can still know your gear with zoom and still have intimate sessions with your couples. Also with newer camera body you can push the ISO safely so you have useable photos. again each to their own and how each person use their gear. I’ve been a prime user as well and transitioning to zoom change my perspective on zoom lens.
If you shoot RF from canon just get the 28-70 F2. For weddings I use to have to run to the camera bag and get different lens or carry them on me, be fumbling around changing lenses and missing what is going on. For weddings there is no reason to shoot at 1.4 because one eye is in focus and the other is soft. Canon has changed the game with the RF 28-70. 3 lens needed for a wedding with the R5/R6 = 28-70, 70-200, 100 macro.
IMO, first thing to do is buy lessons, e.g. SLRlounge Wedding Course etc.. Learn OCF. Then invest in a 2 body setup with something like a 35/85 or a 24-70/70-200 Doesn’t matter if you’re into primes or zooms. If you learned what a focal plane is and how distance works with depth of field, you’ll realize that primes or zooms becomes a preference at that point. Also, if all you’re doing is bokeh, then you’re using a crutch. Once you learn OCF, anything is possible. What people need to realize is that lens choice doesn’t matter. Photography is all about light. With the right light, even a phone camera can take great photos. So invest in a good light! I agree with investing in flashes. Great article as always!
Regarding Zooms. As I’m ” old skool ” and prefer to zone focus ( especially for portrait & product photos) with exception of tracking of action shots, I tend to preset my Zooms Focal length for the effect I’m trying to achieve and them position myself as if it where a prime.. ( You might find this interesting).but to shoot soft I use my 1.7 50mm + 2x Teleconverter ( as you stated in your bright sunlight day article) not only does the 50 double up as a 100mm by the teleconveter also behavies as a 2stop.ND .. All the Best 🤗
1. “When you’re using a zoom camera you’re like separated from what is happening. When I use a prime I have to step into my photos”. With my 24-70 @24 I’m separated while with your 50mm prime (=85) you step in. Okaaaay… 2. “Where as with a zoom you just stand back and you’re like zooming the whole time”. It may come as a surprise to you but with zoom lens you can zoom in but you can also zoom out. 3. “I know, when I use a 35mm where I need to stand”. Right, but if you’re not there, you have to walk there. While with a zoom lens… 4. “With a zoom, you’re just like… you’re always trying to figure out where the zoom is. Guess what! You can set your 24-70 constantly at 24, or 35, or 50 or 70 and all this with a twist of the wrist. No lens changing! 5. ” …and your focal length is never the same … With the zoom sometimes you’re like 33, you know, 38mm”. What’s wrong with 33 and 38? BTW, your “50mm” (35mm with a crop factor of 1,53) is actually 53,55mm. Ughhh… 6. “I know what my 35mm looks like, I know what 50mm looks like”. What does that even mean? You never crop? Nothing against primes! John, I’m just teasing you. I love you man!
As a broke photographer, for wedding photographies i usually use my A6000 and Nex 6 with an la-ea2 adapter so that i can mount Amount lenses on it. The Amount lenses i typically use are 16-50 SSM 2.8, Minolta 50mm 1.4 AF and Sony 300mm f2.8 SSM….Only e mount lens i own is the 50mm fe 1.8. Overall they are working out great and havent given up on me during weddings.
How would someone start out on becoming a Professional Photographer on any paying gig without a portfolio no ad’s + never charging anyone in the past? So Day #1 Rookie what would you do today if you were just starting out and already have enough G.E.A.R. camera bodies lenses backpacks for cameras lenses SD cards computers tripods lighting speedlights etc. etc. Thanks for your time and amazing articles.
Hi John. I am seriously thinking on starting on weddings. I have my Nikon Z62 and 24-70 2.8 S Lens. What would you recommend for me adding to my gear, besides an on camera flash, so I could safely be able to start shooting a wedding? I appreciate your content and its tremendously helpful. Thank you so much!
I’m an enthusiast wedding photographer. Though I have experience, I’ve not been able to invest as much as I wish I could into my gear. I have a Canon 760D and an M50 (recent purchase). I use my M50 as my main.. and hope to ditch the 760D soon and replace with another mirrorless camera. My gear at the moment is 24mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 17-50mm 2.8 (Sigma) and the most expensive part of my kit – 70-200mm f 2.8 DG OS HSM. But my issue isn’t my gear, I think. As an enthusiast I’m usually approached by couples on a very tight budget. That includes venues. I shot at a restaurant that had a stage setup and had the ugliest, unflatteing fixed ceiling spotlights directly above the couples heads. I’m so, so disappointed by the photos. The shadows on their faces are absolutely angering to me. I tried using my speedlight, but the space was too tight and overexposed even with exposure adjustment. There were also reflective surfaces on the sides. I had light bouncing off everything. I’ve never been so disappointed. I knew I’d struggle when it came to those lights but I just have no idea how to work around it in the photos. My aim, and the same for the couples, are more to get clear, focused images of their day. They weren’t looking for fancy, stylish shots (though my style is candid, Asian weddings often have stage photos and stage lighting is not appealing) but even though I’ve got those, I cant even edit it out. I’m in dire need of advice here. How do I avoid this next time?
I’m of the firm belief that 24/50/135 is the best prime trio. If I’m gonna shave it down to two, I’ll stick to the 24 and 50, leaving the 135 in the bag or at home, but I completely get why others would go 35/85, instead. The one point I wanna bring up, and you may have caught onto it, is that having too many lenses is a cluttered experience. Bringing a 24/35/50/85 lens kit is just too much, you’ll wanna swap lenses too often.
Full frame vs cropped. It doesnt matter. But i will say that I love the freedom of not caring! I love the idea of shooting with gear that inspires me. two Times I bought used gear and was truly inspired: – The first time I shot with the 85 1.2 EF on my 5d 4. The cinematic feel of the image, the texture! – Recently, I scored a 135 2.0 L EF for $500! I used it for headshots, (Adapted to EOS R) and was profoundly shocked at how different it is from the feel of the 85mm. Its the falloff from the eyes to the ears, even at 4.0 produce really strong looks.
Additional Tip: you need two camera bodies. You can’t go to a wedding without a backup – it’s so irresponsible. It doesn’t need to be as nice as your main camera, but you need something you’re comfortable shooting with. A really good way to start is if you get a backup camera that uses the same batteries as your main camera. A last gen camera, chances are, is still plenty good. John’s suggested 24, 35, 50 and 85 lenses also means you have a nice level of redundancy too 🙂 If your 35 breaks, you have a 24 and 50, for example. Great vid John, as always! Congrats on the Rangefinder Rising 30. Imagine what you could have done with a full frame! I’m kidding, I don’t shoot FF either 😉
This strikes me as attempting to cover all the options most of the time. It’s arguably about skill and experience. I certainly wouldn’t want to hire someone who was ‘learning’ and only comfortable shooting on-camera flash (typically flat harsh lighting) with say a cheapo MFT. Suggesting it’s OK to shoot with a single card to start with is just rolling the dice and coupled with limited experience is hardly going to result in great memorable coverage. IMO best to gain experience as a second shooter assisting someone who has been through a number of successful shoots. I only ever did weddings a few times, but I ensured I did it professionally. I started when friends saw my (amateur) photography and wanted me to shoot their wedding. I hesitated at first as I didn’t want to ‘f*** it up’. But found, despite the stress, my 20+ years as a photographer helped, especially if/when things didn’t go to plan. Everyone I ever shot for was delighted. But I met enough wannabes to realise that many less skilled and less equipped (skills, technique, experience and kit) photographers (chancers) were attempting to ply their trade. Sadly many couples don’t really know what to look for in a photographer and can be tempted to hire inexperienced ‘cut price’ opportunists. But, as the saying goes, things are often ‘cheap’ for a reason.
Further to my earlier comments, if you don’t already know most of this advice, then you probably aren’t really ready to shoot a wedding ‘professionally’. On flash I’d steer people to Godox (prob best range and pro value). I have used Nikon, no brand subs when learning, Metz, Bowens, Profoto and finally have about 5 Godox flash units plus a range of grip kit (stands, clamps, weights, poles, brollies, reflectors, etc etc) so I can cover just about any eventuality with backup and knowledge on how/when to use. Camera is less important (I now use several full frame Sony bodies) but knowing how to use rapidly is more important. Fast shooting (5-10 FPS) is arguably a luxury. One should have the skill and experience to anticipate and ‘read’ the event rather than attracting attention and attempting to ‘machine gun’ the decisive moment. Failing to plan is, as they say, akin to planning to fail. For a wedding you owe it to your clients to deliver quality work, well composed, exposed and ideally ‘delighting’. Sadly I suspect too many ‘cut price,’ inexperienced opportunists mistakenly think this is an easy earner. Then again ‘smart’ clients should ensure they are careful, do their own due diligence, check competencies and look for a proven portfolio and ideally personal recommendations. One funny thing I learnt is that the more I charged the more my clients seemed to appreciate my work. I’m actually just a long-time amateur photographer who learnt how to shoot properly. I might do the occasional wedding, if asked and I like the clients, but Im fortunate that I don’t need the income and can treat photography as an indulgent hobby.
Very Nice Review – I like what you said about buying 2nd hand or used by from dealer since you can usually get warranty with your purchase. I was selling my GH5 camera, a person reached out to me that had purchased same camera model from FB. When he took the camera home, took a bunch of photos he realize something was off. It appeared the sensor was dirty. Turned out the sensor was damage. He reached out to the owner explaining this was the case. Long story short, the buyer was now out a lot of money. I felt some horrible for him since that was all he could afford and he got taken. So be very careful when buying used . Thanks for your informative article.