I used to feel new to weddings, but lately I’ve felt like a true veteran. I started shooting weddings back in 2016 and have been obsessed ever since. I absolutely LOVE getting to spend such a special day with two people in love.
One thing I pride myself on is being super buttoned-up for weddings. That comes in the form of detailed preparation (read how I prepare for weddings here). It also means making sure my equipment is all top-notch. Here are some of my all-time favorite accessories I use throughout the day.
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Holdfast MONEYMAKERS - leather DUal Camera Straps
I remember buying these when I was first starting my business in 2017. It was a big purchase and rather hard to justify for “just camera straps”. It’s been over 5 years and they’ve only gotten better with time. This makes carrying two cameras with big lenses totally manageable and keeps my hands free to direct. And now with the attachable bag, it’s the dream setup.
HOLDFAST QUIVER BAG
I used to use a lens pouch connected to my holdfast moneymakers, but I never really loved it. It made one side heavier and kinda got in the way. Then came the quiver bag. It hides perfectly behind your back. It holds gum, cash, my water bottle, a flash, lens wipes, spare batteries, film, a bandana and a lens if I need it. It sits perfectly across your back so you don’t even notice it there, but everything you need is within reach.
Pelican 1535 AIR WITH TREK PACK
This has to be one of my favorite purchases. It is so nice to travel with. I love the wheels so I don’t have to carry 40lbs of gear and it’s built so tough and durable. I love the organization too. The trek pack makes me feel like my gear is protected as it needs to be without being overly padded and taking up way too much space. It’s quickly and easily customizable as my kit changes for different shoots. I love showing up at a wedding, popping this open and being able to quickly see and find everything I need, nicely organized. Oh and I forgot to mention, it’s the exact size for approve carry-on for traveling.
Macro Filter
This makes it so I need to own one less lens. Sure the 100mm Macro lens is a nice-to-have but when I’m only using it for a couple photos per wedding, the macro filter on my 50mm does that job great. It makes it so I can get up close and get those juicy ring shots with ease with only having to carry a little filter I can throw in my bag after I’m done.
WHAT I WEAR
Look good, feel good, play good. One of the questions on the couple’s pre-wedding questionnaire is “What’s the guest attire for the wedding”. I ask this so I can comfortably fit in. If it’s black tie, I don’t want to be wearing a short sleeve Hawaiian shirt. Here is a popular article I wrote on my favorite wedding day things to wear (for men, sorry ladies, hahaha).
TAP & DYE Legacy Film Pouches
I LOVE these little pouches. They’re handmade waxed canvas and look so cool. You can fit 5 rolls of 35 or 120 in them. Definitely an aesthetically pleasing accessory that matches my quiver bag nicely. I have a tan one and slate one. The slate I put black and white film in, and the tan I put color in. This helps me stay organized.
SD Card Organizer
So here’s my system. Get home from the wedding and backup all the photos on a SSD drive. Then I store my SD cards away in this little organizer. That gives me two separate backups of the wedding. I don’t reformat the SD cards until I deliver the final gallery. I use a dry erase pen on the plastic organizer to write the couples name and erase them easily after I deliver the wedding. And yes, I have A LOT of SD cards haha.
Goal Zero Charger
The Goal Zero one is crucial for the plane so I can get another full charge on my laptop while I’m flying. It also has a DC port so I can charge literally anything I want. I love it.
Portable Little Charger
The littler one is much more practical if I’m on the move. I can throw it in my Quiver bag and let my phone charge while I’m on the run.
JBL Speaker
This thing has been so clutch. I mainly use this at Engagement Shoots since there’s usually some music or not an appropriate time to be pumping jams at a wedding. For engagement shoots, it helps relax my couple so much and takes that awkward silence away. It is a good quality speaker and the clip perfectly attaches to my holdfast, belt loop, backpack, really whatever I need.
Snacks
For snacks I’ve been loving go macro bars and LMNT packets. Go Macro bars fill me up and give me enough energy to keep going without being packed full of sugar. The LMNT packets have been so clutch to help me stay hydrated.
More Goodies
KEH- Where I buy all my film cameras
Kodak Portra 400 in 120 | Moment
Kodak Portra 400 in 35 | Moment
Super Glue - You never know when you’ll need this
Gaff Tape - you can Macgyver anything with this.
Cash - Valet, tipping people, whatever. It’s always nice to have.
A visual breakdown of lighting & composition to help you take better photos.