What’s in My Camera Bag: Wedding Day Essentials
As a wedding photographer, I know that preparation is everything. Every wedding day is different, and there’s no second chance to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. That’s why I make sure my camera bag is packed with everything I need—not just for beautiful photos, but to support my couples throughout the day.
Here’s a look inside my bag and the gear I rely on to document weddings with care, creativity, and calm.
We’re talking photo only weddings, my video gear will require a post of its own.
1. Camera Bodies & Lenses
I always carry at least two camera bodies with different lenses, usually a wide & a portrait lens. Plus a spare camera body for just in case.
My current camera bodies at the moment include Nikon mirrorless z6iii & Nikon z7ii for fast processing, excellent noise reduction & colour handling. Plus the FTZII adapters for my high quality lenses to be used on my mirrorless cameras. Believe it or not with the new technology of Auto-Focusing in mirrorless camera’s combined with my nikkor lenses, sharpness & speed is at an all new level!
Additionally I have been packing my Nikon f100, a professional 35 mm film-based camera body. To shoot with consistency while utilising all my nikkor lenses. With this setup I can add a touch of nostalgia, warmth and dreamy qualities.
My go-to lenses include:
35mm 1.4 lens for storytelling and wide, natural frames.
50mm 1.4 lens for timeless portraits with beautiful depth.
85mm 1.8 lens for dreamy, intimate close-ups.
24–70mm 2.8 z mount for versatility when things move quickly.
70-200mm 2.8 telephoto For close up shots when you need to be out of the way.
14-24mm 2.8 wide or 20mm lens for tight spaces
Each lens gives me different ways to tell your story, from sweeping landscapes to delicate details.
2. Flashes & Lighting Gear
While I adore natural light, weddings often move from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions. My on-camera flashes and small portable lights ensure I can capture the joy on the dance floor or the sparkle of a candlelit dinner without missing a beat.
SB910 & SB700 - Nikon speed lights for on camera & off camera lighting w/ modifiers
Godox AD100 Pro w/ remote trigger - ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight small LED flash light which is small enough to put in your pocket
SmallRig Vibe P108 RGB Video light - For constant fill lighting in dim situations, think sparkler exit! It is also has an fully adjustable 2700 to 6500K RGB color to match any lighting situation.
Small Rig Portable Focusable LED Video Light - Great for adjusting the flash's beam to fill shadows, create dramatic lighting effects, illuminate distant subjects, or fill a large area for group photos.
3. Lens Filters: Subtle Tools for Creativity
Filters might be small, but they can make a big difference in the way wedding photos look and feel. I keep a few in my bag to adapt to different lighting situations and creative needs.
UV Filters protect lenses from scratches and dust while keeping images crystal clear.
Polarizing Filters help cut glare on sunny days (perfect for beach weddings or reflective surfaces like glass and water).
ND Filters (Neutral Density) are handy for balancing bright light, allowing for dreamy motion blur in waterfalls, sparklers, or flowing veils. ND8 and ND1000, ND64 and Soft Graduated ND8.
Night Filter artificial light pollution for true-to-life colours in low-light environments.
These subtle tools help me stay prepared for any environment—from harsh midday sun to romantic golden-hour light.
4. Memory Cards & Backups
Weddings generate thousands of images, so I carry multiple high-speed memory cards. I also shoot to dual card slots, meaning every photo is instantly backed up as I go. Peace of mind for me—and for you. A laptop & SSD hard drive is an important duo to pack for any scenario.
5. Batteries & Chargers
Wedding days are long, and the last thing anyone needs is a dead camera. I pack a stack of fully charged batteries (plus spares), along with chargers, so my gear keeps running no matter what. Not to mention a whole bucket load of Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries & charger for my lighting.
6. The Little Things
Sometimes, it’s the smallest items that make the biggest difference. My bag always has:
Lens cloths & cleaning kits (for rain, dust, or fingerprints).
A multi-tool and gaffer tape (photography’s version of a magic wand!).
Snacks and water—because a well-fed photographer is a happy photographer.
Spare hairpins, tissues, or bandaids—I’ve learned couples often need them in a pinch!
A change of clothes (for me!) For situations like when it decides to rain during your portrait session.
Cables! One of every type of cable I could possibly require to charge, tether, back up!
I wear a Camera holster for both my camera’s while shooting plus pack peak design spare camera straps and leave the quick release clips on camera at all times.
Tripod & plates - never know when you want to do a long exposure or timelapse! Plus great for photobooth style shots of guests at the reception.
7. Essential: Calm & Creativity
Gear is only part of the equation. The most important things I bring are my creativity, calm energy, and ability to adapt to the unexpected. Weddings move quickly, but with preparation (and a bag full of essentials), I can focus on what matters most: capturing the love, laughter, and little details of your day.
What’s in my camera bag isn’t just equipment—it’s preparation, experience, and care. Every lens, light, and backup battery is there so you can relax, knowing your memories are in safe hands.
