A Complete Photography Gear Guide
What’s in My Camera Bag as a Destination Wedding Photographer
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve learned that preparation is critical to capturing the perfect moments in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
Every shoot is unique, and traveling to new destinations presents different challenges. Having the right gear in my camera bag is essential to ensure
I’m ready for anything that comes my way. So, here’s a look at what I carry to every destination wedding!
1. Main Camera Body
I carry two camera bodies, typically a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon R6.
Having a backup camera is crucial for peace of mind and ensuring I’m always ready to capture moments from different perspectives without constantly switching lenses.
This also gives me a safety net in case of any technical mishaps.
2. Lenses for Every Situation
The lenses I pack cover all the bases for a wedding day. Here are the essential lenses I rely on:
– Canon 24-70mm f/2.8:
My go-to for versatility. It’s perfect for everything from wide shots of the venue to close-ups during the ceremony.
– Canon 70-200mm f/2.8:
This lens is essential for capturing intimate moments from a distance without being intrusive.
It is great for ceremonies, candid moments, and even emotional speeches.
– Canon 35mm f/1.4:
I love this for comprehensive environmental portraits and documentary-style shots. It’s excellent for capturing the atmosphere of the location.
Canon 50mm f/1.2:
This lens is Perfect for dreamy, romantic shots. It gives a lovely bokeh and is my go-to for detail shots, like rings and flowers.
– Canon 85mm f/1.4:
This lens shines when I’m doing portraits. It delivers beautiful, sharp images with incredible background separation, perfect for a couple of shots.
3. Flashes and Lighting Gear
Weddings, especially destination ones, can last from bright midday to night. I’m always prepared for various lighting conditions.
– Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT:
I rely on my Speedlites for receptions and dimly lit areas. They’re portable and powerful enough to light up key moments, like the first dance.
-MagMod Modifiers:
These are fantastic for controlling the light and adding creativity to my shots.
– LED Video Light:
Subtle continuous lighting is sometimes needed, especially for video or evening portraits.
4. Memory Cards and Storage
I never skimp on memory cards. I pack SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB cards and plenty of them!
Destination weddings are often multi-day events, so I need ample storage to capture every moment.
I always keep my memory cards organized with a sturdy memory card holder, and I back up all my photos daily using a portable SSD like the Samsung T7.
5. Portable Hard Drives and Laptop
Backing up is non-negotiable, especially when I’m far from home.
I travel with a MacBook Pro and a couple of LaCie Rugged Hard Drives to ensure I can back up all my images right after the wedding.
Redundancy is critical, so I always ensure multiple copies of the files, just in case.
6. Tripods and Light Stands
While I don’t use a tripod for most of the day, I always pack a Manfrotto Befree tripod for long-exposure shots, like capturing the night sky over the wedding venue.
For lighting, I bring collapsible light stands for off-camera flash setups during the reception.
7. Drone
When the venue calls for it (and permits allow), I use a DJI Mavic Air 2 for breathtaking aerial shots.
Destination weddings often have stunning locations, and capturing those from above adds a unique perspective to the couple’s photo collection.
8. Accessories and Essentials
These may seem small, but they make all the difference on a shoot:
– Extra Batteries:
I bring enough Canon LP-E6N batteries to last an entire day without worrying about recharging.
– Battery Chargers and Power Adapters:
Since I travel to various locations, I always carry universal power adapters and multiple chargers to keep my gear powered up.
– Lens Cloths and Blower:
Destination weddings can be in dusty or humid locations, so I clean my lenses and sensors regularly throughout the day.
– ND Filters and Polarizers:
When shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, ND filters help me maintain my desired depth of field, while polarizers cut through reflections and enhance skies.
– Camera Straps:
I use Holdfast MoneyMaker straps for comfort and quick camera access.
They’re durable and make it easy to carry two bodies at once.
9. Personal Items
Traveling for destination weddings means I’m often far from home and sometimes in remote areas. So, I always pack some essentials for personal comfort and peace of mind:
– Snacks and Water Bottle:
Wedding days are long, and I need to stay energized.
– Comfortable Shoes:
Supportive shoes are a must since I’m on my feet all day.
– Sunscreen and Hat:
For outdoor shoots, especially in sunny destinations, these are lifesavers.
Business Cards: I meet many people at weddings, and having some cards on hand for future referrals is always a good idea.
10. Mindset: Prepared and Flexible
Aside from the gear, the most important thing I bring to every wedding is the right mindset. Destination weddings can be unpredictable, with varying weather, schedules, and environments.
Being adaptable and ready for any challenge is crucial to capturing stunning images and ensuring the couple’s day goes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
As a destination wedding photographer, my camera bag is packed with everything I need to capture both the big moments and the small, intimate ones.
A well-rounded kit ensures I’m ready for any scenario, from golden-hour portraits to dark reception halls. But beyond the gear, the connection with the couple and the ability to tell their story in a beautiful location makes this job so rewarding.
