My Go-To Wedding Day Photography Equipment

As a full time wedding photographer, it’s important to have the right equipment, and quality equipment at that. Our job is to literally capture a day that only happens ONCE, so no pressure, right?? 😉

My equipment for every wedding day looks the same essentially. And it’s constantly growing and evolving as I’m able to purchase additional equipment that makes sense for my business.

No matter what stage you’re at in your wedding photography journey, you’ll want to make sure you always have in your bag:

-a camera body

-a lens that is wide enough for family photos, bridal party photos, far away shots

-a portrait lens (not required, but very helpful)

-a flash for the reception

Okay now let’s get into what I personally use:

1. I personally am a Nikon user. I have many peers in the industry that use Canon, Sony, Fuji, etc., but Nikon is what I started on and what I’ve always stuck with. However, many of these apply to all brands (with some differences).I always carry two camera bodies on me. I carry two Nikon D850’s on me. They’re pricey but wow so worth the price!! The quality is phenomenal not only outdoor, but in low-light situations as well. I carry two of them, because it’s easier to have a lens on each and have a camera on each hip, then grab one followed by the other when I need to use each lens. Highly recommend!!

Nikon D850

2. 35 mm lens! Oh my goodness this is my go-to lens HANDS DOWN. I love it because it’s great for bride and groom portraits, and is close enough but also far enough that I can easily move around and get all of the far away and close up shots. Prime lenses are by far my favorite types of lenses to use (Prime lens means it’s one focal length, vs. Zoom lenses). I would say that I use my 35 mm lens 97% of the time. THAT’S how much it’s my go-to!

Nikon 35 mm lens

3. 24-70 mm lens! Okay so this one is a Zoom lens. I am not a huge Zoom lens kinda girl, BUT I do love having the 24-70 on every wedding day for those bridal party photos, family photos, and any wide-angle photos I want to get. Highly recommend this one in the bag!

Nikon 24-70 mm lens

4. Godox flash! I have one for each camera, and it’s definitely been my go-to for every wedding reception. I like these lenses because they’re simple to use, yet do a great job and perfectly capture receptions the way that my eye sees them. They’re also inexpensive so you don’t need to break the bank every time you buy a new one.

Godox Flash

5. Sony SD cards and Sony XQD cards. I personally have the 128 GB and 120 GB cards. I love these because I don’t need to change out several within a wedding day, and they’re reliable cards that have always served me well. Definitely recommend these – especially for Nikon D850 users!

Sony 128 GB

And that’s it! These are the primary tools I use on every wedding day! Occasionally I’ll use other lenses or change out small tools, but these are must-haves in my opinion. Can’t imagine doing a wedding day without any of these tools. Highly worth the investment!

What is in your wedding day bag?

xoxo