Inside My Earlier Wedding Photography Kit

Photographers often ask what gear I use and why. This is a look back at an earlier version of my kit, rather than a current equipment list or a buying guide for 2027.

I started with a second-hand Nikon D70 and an 18–55mm kit lens. For my first wedding, I borrowed another camera and some lenses from a friend. There was a great deal I still had to learn.

I built my kit gradually, buying most of it second-hand and putting money earned from photography back into the business. That approach gave me time to learn what I actually needed before making bigger purchases.

Camera bodies

At the time of these photographs, I used two Canon EOS 5D Mark III bodies. Moving from my older 5D gave me more flexibility in dim reception light. I liked having two matching cameras so I could switch lenses quickly without changing the way I worked.

Lenses

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L was my favourite. I loved how it let me include the surroundings while staying close to the people and the moment.

I also used a 45mm tilt-shift lens for selected portraits. It gave me another way to draw attention to a subject, though it was a creative choice rather than something every photograph needed.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 gave me a longer view in a compact lens. I valued its handling for candid moments and portraits.

After borrowing a Canon EF 135mm f/2L, I added one to my kit. I enjoyed using it for portraits and for photographing expressions during speeches from a little further away.

Flash

A Canon Speedlite 430EX II was part of this setup, mainly for dance-floor photographs. My approach then was to keep the lighting equipment simple.

A smaller travel camera

Away from weddings, I enjoyed carrying a Fujifilm X-Pro1 with a 35mm f/1.4 lens. I liked its size, its appearance and the photographs I could make with it when I wanted to travel light.

Straps and a bag

A HoldFast MoneyMaker harness let me carry two cameras comfortably. My ONA Brixton bag held the rest of the kit, with spare batteries and memory cards close at hand.

The useful lesson from this older setup is to choose equipment around the way you work. Learn what you have, understand its limitations and let real needs guide the next purchase.