As a DC film and digital wedding photographer, there are a number of things that enable me to fully support my clients. In no particular order, those things are creative freedom and trust, a good night’s sleep, food, plenty of water, and my camera equipment. This is my personal wedding photography gear list. Of course, everyones preferences may vary – some like Canon, while some prefer Sony. These are all of the items I prep and frequently use at weddings. It seems exhausting and possibly excessive (and maybe it is), but when I’m solely responsible for documenting the magic of someone’s wedding day, there’s no cutting corners. Let’s get into it.
This is the essential gear I can’t live without. If I need to travel light due to logistics or the overall requirements, this is what I bring:
- Digital camera body – I alway bring two with me
- Digital camera lenses – I use an assortment throughout the day, but typically bring a 28-70 f2, 70-200 f2.8, and 35 f1.4
- Film camera body – I always bring two of these as well
- Film camera lenses – I typically use a 24-70 f2.8 or 50 f1.4
- Film point and shoot
- Flashes – This consists of a least two on camera flashes, two off camera flashes, and a trigger
Digital Gear for Wedding Photographers
This is a more detailed breakdown of what I rely on. Since day one, I’ve been a Canon photographer, and I’ve heavily bought into the ecosystem. It’s reliable, functional, and widely regarded as the best for a reason. These are my digital photography favorites.
- Canon EOS R6
- Canon EOS R6ii – This is currently my favorite digital body!!
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon RF 28-70 f2 – If you can only have one lens, let this be it. She’s heavy, but this is a judgement free zone and she does the job the best.
- Canon RF 70-200 f2
- Canon RF 35 f1.4
- Profoto A10
- Profoto A2
- Profoto Pro Connect trigger for Canon
- Godox V1C
Film Gear for Wedding Photographers
This full list doesn’t come to every wedding, I select equipment based on the logistics and overall expected environment of the day. This is a list of the film equipment that I’ve tested and will stand by for wedding photography.
- Canon EOS 1V – 35mm
- Canon EOS 3 – 35mm
- Contax T3 – 35mm
- Canon EF 24-70 f2.8 L USM ii
- Canon EF 50 f1.4 L USM ii
- Pentax 645n – 120mm
- Godox 1VC (yes, it works with the Canon EOS 35mm bodies!)
- Sekonic L-358 Flash Master
Other Wedding Photographer Essentials
Okay, this is where I get a bit crazy. But I’ve never been upset when someone asks me for something (Tide pen and mints are common requests!) and all I have to do is grab it from my case. To me, that justifies carrying it.
- 2 heavy duty flash stands – I can’t recommend this heavy-duty, air-cushioned 9.5″ set enough
- Bi-color LED flood light (a constant light source is a lifesaver when flash doesn’t cut it, or is too disturbing in the environment)
- Wall plug and extra batteries for the flood light
- DJI Osmo 3 – takes the best behind-the-scenes videos, but I don’t always have time to use it
- Extra batteries
- Battery chargers
- Cables and charging blocks – USB-C, UBS-A, micro-USB, lighting
- Portable battery charger for my phone
- Flat lay styling mat
- Acrylic styling blocks
- Acrylic flower rings
- AA and AAA batteries
- Harness and/or spider belt
- Flash diffusers
- Profoto Octa Clic softbox
- Screw driver
- Camera D rings
- Lint roller
- Face wipes
- Tide pen
- Mints and/or gum
- Bandaids
- Floss picks
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Loop earplugs
- Water bottle
- Alani nu
- Snacks
- Bobby pins and hairclip
- Makeup wipes
- Blotting paper
- A wagon to carry everything
Have more questions about how I prepare to photograph weddings and the gear I use? Send me a message and let’s chat.
Meet Jalisa
DC Film Wedding Photographer
Jalisa is a documentary wedding photographer who passionately preserves weddings on digital and film.
Serving Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond.
