Dear Jenna: 

What camera equipment do you use and what would you recommend to someone just starting to get into the wedding business? I know I need to buy a lot of things but I’m not sure where to begin, what’s worth it, how much I need to spend… This stuff is confusing and I feel lost! HELP so I don’t make bad investments. 

Thanks! 

 

– Not a Camera Gearhead

 

Hey, Not a Camera Gearhead, Hey!

I feel you. For real, I remember I was just getting started and felt like a sad little lost puppy trying to track down what I needed, how to buy it, and what I should be spending while diving into the world of photography. It’s intimidating and takes a LONG time to fully understand each piece of equipment, how it works, and if you need it in your workflow. When I saw your email, it took me right back to five years ago when I sent out a similar plea to a photographer hoping to crack the gear code.

So first, let me give you my line up and then I’ll explain it:

– 2 Camera Bodies (one main, one back up!) Nikon d750 + Nikon d610

– 1 Mirrorless Camera (for travel!) Fuji XT1 + 35mm Lens

– Prime Lenses: 

• Nikon 50mm 1.4
• Sigma Art 85mm 1.4
• Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
• Nikon 60mm 2.8
• Back Up Lenses: Nikon 85mm 1.4, Nikon 50mm 1.4

– 3 Flashes 

• 2 Nikon SB700
• Nikon SB 910

– 2 Light Stands for Off Camera Flash with Yongnuo Triggers

– SD Cards and Pelican Case 

– Batteries: 

• 3 Nikon Batteries
• 20 Eneloop AA Batteries

Sounds like a lot right? It is and I didn’t just buy it all overnight. In fact it took me years and years to find this set up that I haven’t changed in quite awhile. Here’s the thing: gear is super expensive and when you’re just starting out, your funds might not support a ton of purchases. My advice? Don’t get into debt for your business ever. I started on a Craigslist camera that cost $300, when I mastered that, I sold it online and bought a newer model until I finally made it up to a full frame camera. A lot of my gear was purchased used, it’s a great way to save money and not get the immediate depreciation you get when you purchase new.

A few things I wish I would have known when just getting started: your gear does not define you or your potential of success, mastering what you have does. You can take epic photos on your iPhone, right? So don’t let the gear bug bite you and make you spend your life savings. Start small and work big! You can even rent gear to make sure it’s something you love and would use. For me, I hate zoom lenses, they are heavy and just not my taste. I love prime lenses because they are quick and sharp and require me to move to get the shot. Some people swear by zooms but I tried them and they just weren’t for me! I also wish I would have know the importance of having back ups. Thankfully I never caught myself in bad situations but when I started out, I didn’t have a ton of batteries or memory cards, these smaller purchases can make a giant impact for you.

Lastly, really knowing how to use your gear will get you a lot further than any purchase. Learning to shoot in manual, knowing how to use light, understanding aperture, ISO, shutter speed will come in far more handy then buying the latest, greatest gear! So before pouring money into it, invest in your education so that when the time comes to upgrade, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge necessary to pick out the right things! Just remember, start small, work big! Your gear is just an extension of your vision!

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