If you’re new to wedding photography and need advice on what to buy, you’re in the right place. This blog has put together this comprehensive guide on wedding photography equipment for beginners, covering all the essential tools to help you prepare for your first wedding shoot.
While photography is about skill, having high-quality equipment is key to delivering excellent service and results for your clients. It also ensures you’re ready for any challenges that may arise during a wedding. We hope this guide helps you get started on the right path.
Checklist of beginner wedding photography equipment
To capture a wedding successfully, you need reliable equipment that ensures quality and adaptability. Below is a checklist of essential gear to help you get started on your journey as a wedding photographer:
- Camera body
- Camera lenses
- Artificial photography light and stand
- V-mount batteries and chargers
- Memory cards
- Camera bags
Camera body: It should work well in low-light conditions
A camera body is the foundation of beginner wedding photography gear. The right choice will not only support your artistic growth but also help you build your business. As a beginner, look for a camera that performs well in low light and has a fast shutter speed to capture every moment with clarity.
Camera lenses: It depends on your shooting style and wedding scenarios
Another essential wedding photography equipment for beginners is camera lens. The ideal ones vary based on personal preference and shooting style. Every professional has different opinions on which ones are essential, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you. Ultimately, the number and type of lenses you choose will depend on your approach to capturing weddings.
Camera lenses come in a variety of types, differing in glass quality, aperture range, andmechanical design. Higher-quality glass and mechanics contribute to sharper images, while the aperture range influences bokeh and depth of field. Here are two common types of lenses that can help you in different wedding photography situations:
- Prime lenses: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning they do not zoom in or out. Because of this, they typically offer a wider aperture range, making them excellent for portraits with beautiful background blur. One key benefit of using prime lenses is that they encourage movement and composition adjustments instead of relying on zoom. Additionally, they are often faster and more intuitive than zoom lenses.
- Zoom lenses: Zoom lenses allow you to adjust focal length by twisting the lens, bringing subjects closer or further away. These lenses are especially useful for large wedding ceremonies, church weddings with strict photography restrictions, and receptions where mobility may be limited.
Artificial lighting gear: A speed light, video light, and light stand are essential for wedding photography beginner
Artificial lighting gear is a must-have in wedding photography equipment for beginners. Natural light isn’t always available during the weddings you shoot. Indoor lighting can be unpredictable, and crucial moments may happen outdoors at night, such as send-offs or outdoor receptions. Instead of relying solely on your camera and risking grainy or blurry images, investing in proper lighting equipment allows you to maintain control in any setting. Here is the artificial lighting gear you will need in your first wedding shoot:
- Speed light: This is the most basic yet essential lighting tool for wedding photography. Unlike built-in pop-up flashes, it attaches to your camera’s hot shoe or can be used off-camera with a light stand. Choose a model with a flexible rotating head that allows you to bounce light in different directions for better illumination.
- Video light: A video light is another key piece of wedding lighting equipment. Since not every shoot will have a videographer, it’s useful to have a light that provides continuous illumination. For beginners, a lightweight and user-friendly option like the COLBOR W100 is ideal. Weighing just 345g, this portable light delivers 28,700 lux, supports multiple charging options, and can be easily controlled via the COLBOR Studio app, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting.
- Light stand: A video light is the last essential to your kit, especially if you’re working without an assistant or second shooter. It allows you to move your speed light or video light around the venue easily. When shooting alone, a light stand is essential for positioning your lighting as needed.
If you want to create more professional lighting effects, the diffuser and umbrella mentioned in this article will be good additions to wedding photography equipment.
Batteries and chargers: V-mount battery is a reliable and cost-effective beginner equipment for wedding photography
Batteries and chargers are essential for wedding photography, as dead batteries can mean missed moments. Investing in these extra power solutions ensures you’re always prepared. If needed, you can quickly swap in fresh batteries during the event. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) batteries are designed specifically by the camera brand, ensuring compatibility and reliability. However, they come at a premium price, and purchasing just a few extras can cost hundreds of dollars.
V-mount batteries are a great affordable alternative for wedding photography beginners, offering long-lasting power to keep your gear running throughout the event. Their high capacity minimizes the need for frequent battery swaps, while their ability to power multiple devices—such as cameras and lights—streamlines your setup. With reliable, consistent power, they help prevent unexpected shutdowns. Despite their high capacity, V mount batteries remain lightweight and portable, making them an efficient choice for fast-paced wedding shoots.
Memory cards: It should have high read/write speeds and be replaced annually
When preparing your wedding photography gear as a beginner, memory cards might not be the first thing you think about, but they’re crucial to ensure smooth operation.
Memory cards with a higher read/write speed (measured in mb/s) transfer images faster than slower cards. Why does this matter? For instance, during key moments like the couple’s first kiss or an emotional speech, you’ll be snapping multiple shots to capture every detail. If your memory card doesn’t have a high enough transfer rate, it could cause delays or miss moments you’re trying to preserve.
Pro tip: Label your memory cards with the date and replace them annually. This helps you identify which cards are newer and which ones might be approaching the end of their useful life.
Camera bag: It should be versatile and durable based on your special need
The final step is choosing a sturdy and adaptable bag to carry all your wedding photography equipment for beginners. Whether you prefer a camera backpack or a messenger bag depends on your needs, shooting style, and typical locations.
