Gear Breakdown: What’s in Photography Kit & Why

When it comes to wedding photography, having the right gear is essential—not just for capturing stunning images, but also for ensuring reliability, versatility, and efficiency throughout the day. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my kit to include only the tools that allow me to work seamlessly while delivering the best possible experience for my couples. Here’s a breakdown of what I use and why each piece is an essential part of my workflow.

Camera Bodies: Dual Canon R6s

I shoot with two Canon R6 mirrorless cameras, and for good reason:

  • Dual Card Slots for Backup – Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and having dual card slots ensures that every image is backed up in real-time.
  • Incredible Low-Light Performance – Wedding days don’t always have perfect lighting, and the R6 handles dimly lit receptions and candlelit ceremonies with ease.
  • Fast & Reliable Autofocus – With Canon’s advanced eye-tracking autofocus, I can trust that every emotional moment stays tack-sharp.
  • Compact & Lightweight – Since I carry two bodies throughout the day, the R6’s compact design helps reduce fatigue.

Lenses: The Workhorses

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L – My Go-To for Everything

This lens practically lives on my main camera body because it’s an absolute powerhouse:

  • Prime-Like Sharpness with Zoom Convenience – The f/2 aperture provides incredible depth of field, making it feel like I have multiple prime lenses in one.
  • Versatility – Whether it’s wide-angle ceremony shots or tight portrait moments, the 28-70mm range covers it all without sacrificing quality.
  • Low-Light Performance – The f/2 aperture makes this lens perfect for dark receptions or ambient-lit getting-ready moments.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 – For Storytelling & Candid Moments

While my 28-70mm covers most situations, my RF 35mm f/1.8 is my go-to for:

  • Documentary-Style Shots – The 35mm focal length is perfect for storytelling, capturing wide shots without distortion.
  • Up-Close & Personal – Great for intimate moments, like detail shots of hands, wedding rings, and stolen glances.
  • Super Lightweight – Perfect for when I want to shoot handheld for long periods without fatigue.

Lighting: Godox V1 Flash

Wedding receptions are often dimly lit, so a solid flash system is a must. I rely on the Godox V1 for:

  • Round Head for Natural Light Falloff – The soft, natural light from the round head creates a more flattering look compared to traditional speedlights.
  • TTL & Manual Modes – Whether I need full control or quick automatic adjustments, this flash delivers.
  • Wireless Compatibility – Can easily sync with other Godox flashes if I need off-camera lighting.

Drone: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

For breathtaking aerial shots, I use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro:

  • Exceptional Image Quality – The Hasselblad camera captures ultra-detailed, high-resolution images.
  • Multiple Lenses for Versatility – The Mavic 3 Pro has multiple focal lengths, allowing me to create cinematic aerial perspectives.
  • Strong Battery Life – Ensures I can capture everything from scenic venue shots to dramatic golden-hour portraits.

Editing & Workflow: 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 Chip

A fast and reliable computer is crucial for editing high-resolution images efficiently. I use the 2023 MacBook Pro (largest model) with the M2 chip because:

  • Unmatched Processing Power – The M2 chip allows for seamless editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, even with large RAW files.
  • Stunning Display – The Retina display ensures accurate color grading and detailed image retouching.
  • Long Battery Life – Essential for on-the-go editing when traveling for destination weddings.
  • Ample Storage & RAM – Handles large wedding galleries and batch processing with ease.

Essential Business Protections for Wedding Photographers

Having great gear is only part of running a successful wedding photography business. Protecting yourself and your clients is just as crucial. Here are the insurances I recommend for wedding photographers:

1. Equipment Insurance

Cameras and lenses are expensive, and accidents happen. Equipment insurance covers theft, damage, and loss, ensuring you can quickly replace your gear if needed.

2. General Liability Insurance

Most wedding venues require photographers to have liability insurance in case of accidents (like a guest tripping over your tripod). This protects you from potential lawsuits and damages.

3. Professional Indemnity Insurance

If a client claims you didn’t deliver what was promised, this insurance protects against legal fees and financial losses related to disputes.

4. Backup & Data Protection

Using dual card slots is essential, but I also recommend off-site backups, cloud storage, and external hard drives to ensure your clients’ memories are safe.

Booking, Contracts, and Workflow: Why I Use HoneyBook

Having a streamlined booking and contract system makes life so much easier. I use HoneyBook to handle:

  • Client Contracts & Retainers – Ensures every agreement is legally binding and payments are secure.
  • Automated Invoices & Payment Plans – Helps clients stay on top of their wedding photography payments.
  • Scheduling & Communication – Keeps all client interactions in one place, reducing email clutter and missed details.
  • Workflows & Task Management – Helps me stay organized with reminders for meetings, edits, and deliveries.

For any photographer looking to level up their business management, HoneyBook is a game-changer!

Final Thoughts

Your gear, business protections, and workflow systems all play a crucial role in how smoothly you operate as a wedding photographer. Investing in quality equipment, ensuring you’re covered with the right insurance, and using smart business tools like HoneyBook will set you up for success.

If you’re a photographer looking to refine your setup or a couple wanting to know what’s behind the magic of wedding photography, I hope this breakdown gives you insight into how I work! Let me know if you have any questions or want recommendations.

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