Photographers love it and, of course, they need it, at least most of the time. It seems that whenever I'm around new photographers, and interested doctors, lawyers or business people for that matter, there is always that one inevitable question: What did you shoot? So, what I shoot with? What lenses can I use? Do you shoot in available light only, or should I use flash? Answer:. Yes
Just kidding. So, for those who are curious, I'll break my typical setting for a wedding, and why I own every piece. There is very little equipment, but do not worry, we'll get through this, even if it takes more than a blog posting. I have spent years building up my photography equipment, and will keep adding to it for the rest of my life (just do not say that my wife!), and you can too! So let's get to it.
First of all, the camera body. I shoot all digital SLR, which stands for single-lens reflex. Basically, these are cameras that accept interchangeable lenses, which, among other reasons, which makes them vastly superior to the point and shoot. Note * I love my Canon G9, great when you want to travel light. I shoot all Canon equipment, and the love of my gear. Nikon is a great brand as well, and I do not mean to call them names or stupid, just that we can move right past that whole Ford in relation to the Chevy thing. I've always used three cameras at my wedding, Canon 5D Mark II, which makes it a beautiful high resolution images, the Canon 1D Mark Iin, which is great for fast / low light focusing and high-speed and eventually reliable Canon 20D, which functions as a stationary ceremony camera, extra cam for an assistant or as a triple backup camera. I would recommend that you always carry at least two high-quality machine with you, because you never know what will happen. If you can not shoot the rest of the wedding due to equipment malfunction, you will have an incredibly unfortunate few, not to mention the parents who foot the account. So, just be smart, you can even rent a camera if necessary.
In addition, I would like to give a quick run-down on other items in my bag, especially my lenses. Before we get in too deep, remember something: if you buy a really nice body, and then buy a cheap glass (lenses), you are not going to get the best quality. Remember, it does not matter how nice body if it is what you see through is not well made. The same goes for Haze UV filter that you bought or will buy, to go to the front. Do not go for a bargain basement brand, and they go a long way in keeping the front glass lens for beautiful and happy.
Here are the lenses I normally use during the wedding: Canon 16-35mm F2.8 wide angle lens, Canon 50mm f1.4 lens, Canon 70-700 F2.8 IS telephoto lens. Also, I love shooting Canon 85mm F1.2 lens, it's very cute (and very expensive) lens that I rent from time to time. Let me tell you, it makes for incredible detail and portrait paintings. As you look at this list May you have noticed that all the lenses I mentioned the Canon. Keep in mind that whatever brand of camera you have, use the appropriate lens (kit lenses are usually not as good though), because they are designed specifically for your camera, and optics will be better quality than the third-party gear. If you have a question about a particular lens, feel free to ask. Now, about why I use all of these lenses.
16-35mm F2.8: This is a beautiful wide-angle lenses, and are perfect for hunting a wide scene, the emotional moments before the wedding and reception work. I shoot a documentary style, so this lens also allows me to layer elements in the picture, even in tight spaces.
50mm f1.4: Great portrait lens, especially when it is opened up to f1.8, very nice and sharp. I do not recommend going to f1.4 with it, because it is almost impossible to get anything sharp at this aperture (f-stop). This is also a good general purpose lens, and not good for getting nice details such as flowers and decorations, while throwing the background out of focus for the magazine-style layout.
70-200mm F2.8: This lens is an absolute must-have for anyone who works portraits, or have a camera. Seriously. I've shot everything from football to racing for bridal portraits with this lens, and handles all of them with ease. Also, in case you're interested, Canon is about to publish an updated version of it, who should have some nice improvements. This lens works very well for portraiture, and can also be on hand for the ceremony coverage when they can not come into contact with the bride and groom. There is an F2.8 version and the version of F4. 2.8 is heavier and more expensive, but allows you to shoot in lower light, which makes a profit in my opinion. I have a Canon 1.4 teleconverter that I get to that sometimes it is still more to come. In case you were wondering, teleconverter is basically a few accessories you on your lens that magnifies your lens, 1.4 times. They are 2x as well, but they are not doing well. Using a teleconverter can be very handy, but keep in mind that it takes more lights to make the images, which can be put at a disadvantage if you're somewhere very dark. It is all less of a problem now though, such as cameras able to perform more and more in the near-pitch black areas.
85mm F1.2: I love this lens. It will probably be the next lens I buy, as it does incredible things on a portrait shoot. I also love recording the details with her, and one to use almost every time I was shooting fashion editorial. It throws the background out of focus, so nice, or some will say that it has a nice bokeh (cool photo nerd word). Great lens.
Stay tuned for my next part, which I always like the extras in my bag.
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