Building the right wedding photography kit can be a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out. Here’s what to bring for capturing those special moments without any hiccups.
Coming to you from John Branch IV Photography, this practical video walks you through the essentials of a well-equipped wedding photography kit. With ten years of experience, Branch offers a straightforward guide to what he includes in his own setup. The emphasis is on efficiency and reliability. Branch prefers a lean kit compared to others, making it easier to manage during the hustle of a wedding day.
Branch starts with the most important part of any kit: the cameras. He recommends having two cameras, though one can suffice if needed. The key is to have a backup plan. Dual card slots are essential for safeguarding those precious photos. Whether you prefer crop sensor, medium format, or full frame doesn’t matter as much as knowing your camera and having a reliable backup system. Branch uses Fujifilm cameras, but stresses that the best camera is the one you know and love.
Lenses come next, with two main approaches: zoom or prime. For zooms, the classic 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses cover most needs. If you go with primes, Branch suggests 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses. Using two camera bodies allows for a seamless switch between lenses without missing a beat. This setup ensures you’re ready for wide venue shots, intimate portraits, and everything in between.
Lighting is another critical component. Branch sees many new photographers skipping flashes and relying on high ISO and post-processing to fix low-light issues. Instead, he advocates for bringing speedlights, specifically the Godox V860II. He uses four of these flashes, which provide flexibility for both on-camera and off-camera lighting setups. This approach helps you avoid noisy images and reduces post-processing time.
Branch also highlights the importance of modifiers like the MagMod system, which helps improve the quality of light from your flashes. Additionally, he uses continuous lights like the Lume Cube for special moments like sparkler exits, where flash can ruin the ambiance. Having these tools at your disposal ensures you can handle various lighting conditions with ease. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Branch.
If you would like to continue to learn about wedding photography, be sure to check out “How To Become A Professional Commercial Wedding Photographer With Lee Morris and Patrick Hall!”
