Wedding Photography Tips - Gear

A friend recently asked for some tips for photographing a wedding so I thought I would share these with anyone who happens to stumble across them. They will be identifiable by the label "Wedding Photography Tips " and I will endeavour to include links to the other "Wedding Photography Tips" posts in each  "Wedding Photography Tips" post. I will approach this as if you will only be photographing one wedding so some of the things I say may seem strange to those looking to photograph multiple weddings. This information will also be re-posted on http://www.pattenmakers.co.nz in the future.

Gear

Gear is the thing I am most often asked about when photographing a wedding. While this is probably because it's the most obvious thing it seems like a good place to start.

Memory Cards and Spare Batteries

If your camera doesn't go or has nothing to record to you don't have anything. Make sure you have an ample supply.

Pen, Paper, and a few Rubbish Bags

Take a pen and a piece of paper with you for the family shots so that you're sure not to miss anyone.

Take some rubbish bags to make a make-shift rain jacket for your camera if it rains or give the Bride, Groom, or whoever something to sit on to protect their fancy clothes.

Food, Drink, and maybe a Spare Shirt

Photographing a wedding is thirsty, hungry, sweaty work. Keep yourself fed and hydrated to keep from falling over. If you think you might get unpleasant to stand next to, take the a spare shirt too.

Cameras

You need at least 2 just in case one fails.

Borrow or rent a spare if you need to. If you do this be sure to allow yourself time to familiarise yourself with the new camera.

Ideally these will be SLRs or something with minimal shutter delay. Point and shoots are unlikely to cut it unless photography is only an added bonus (something they would be happy to go without).

Ideally these will have 10 or more megapixels. If you crop your photos a lot you will definitely want more than 10 megapixels.

Lenses

Lenses are important. If you're not looking to spend up large you can rent them.

If you can only get your hands on one lens go for a mid range zoom, something like an 18-55 (crop sensor) or a 24-70 (full frame sensor).

If you can get your hands on 2 lenses your second lens should be a telephoto (such as a 70-200) in most cases or a wide (12-24 or similar) if you will be in cramped spaces a lot. 

Ideally these lenses will have apertures of 2.8 or lower.

Beyond these, or instead of these depending on your shooting style, a set of prime (non-zoom lenses) can also be beneficial. With apertures of 1.x they can be very good in lowlight and for portraits. 

External Flash

This is exceptionally useful especially if you're going to be photographing the reception indoors.

In this scenario you will want a unit with a swivel head.

When you decide you want to use the flash turn it on, swivel the head to face the ceiling, and flash away.

This gives much nicer light than pointing the flash straight at your subjects.

Try this yourself at home and have a look at the results.

Extras

Beyond this a bag to carry your equipment, a ladder to stand on for group shots, a sewing kit for clothing related disasters, some gaffa tape for other emergencies and a watch can all come in handy.