Covering events as a Florida wedding photographer can be challenging but rewarding. There’s so much to it than just taking nice pictures. It’s about being efficient, covering the right moments, having the right conditions, and much more.
To make all these things happen, you must have the right gear to successfully cover wedding photography in Florida.
We’ve taken the time to compile a list of essential gear for wedding photography in Florida that any professional should always have with them.
Your primary camera is your biggest asset. It’s the camera you’re most comfortable with and have previously worked with. Having a high-quality and reliable camera is essential, as it’s your bread and butter.
Some great models to check out are the Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z6 II, and Sony A7 III.
A backup camera body could make all the difference on the event day. No matter how reliable or sturdy your primary camera is, there’s always room for mishap, so always have a backup camera body available for you.
To capture different kinds of pictures, you need to control the focal length of your shots. You can do this by using different lenses.
These are perfect for group shots, pictures with many people, or situations where you want some distance from the subject.
These are essential to capture close-up shots of the couple.
Great for taking those candid shots.
Ask any wedding photographer in Florida, and they’ll tell you lighting is their biggest challenge. Getting the right light for your shot is crucial to capturing the true essence of the moment.
To always get the right light, here are some essential lighting gear you should carry with you
External flashes are life-changers. They can help provide consistent lighting, provide more freedom in terms of settings, and soften shadows and highlight features.
Light modifiers can include diffusers, umbrellas, and softboxes. They direct, shape, and control lighting and help manage reflections and highlights.
Of course, all the high-quality pictures you take need to be stored somewhere. Correct memory and storage systems can be a worthwhile investment for any Florida wedding photographer.
Here’s a list of a few things you should take into account:
Modern cameras, specifically those that shoot in RAW format, take up a lot of space. Having a high-capacity and fast storage system is key to ensuring smooth transfers and saving time.
For longer shots with a large number of pictures, it is best to keep backup storage options with you. Transfer your media to backup disks in a timely manner to ensure risk mitigation.
Having multiple cards is a smart option because, first, it allows you to divide your data so that you lose only part of it in case of an error. Secondly, it will enable you to always have backup memory if you fill up your primary card.
Naturally, your camera needs batteries to work. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if your battery died at one of the most important wedding moments. Don’t worry because here are the essential things you need to secure your energy needs.
Keeping extra batteries is a no-brainer for any Florida wedding photographer. Your camera always needs juice, and it’s best to pack more than you need.
A battery grip is a battery that can be installed on a digital camera. It provides additional power backup and adds ergonomics and stability.
A battery grip is a wonderful investment that goes a long way. To get the most out of it, research the best battery grips for your camera type.
You should carry portable chargers and power banks even if you have spare batteries. These provide backup in untimely situations and give you peace of mind.
Besides the core things mentioned above, many things get forgotten. Here’s a list of essential miscellaneous gear for smooth Florida wedding photography.
Tripods provide several benefits. They allow for better stability, so you can get sharper pictures. Since your camera is fixed in place, you can get consistent framing, and lastly, you can try different creative techniques using them.
You’ll be thankful you bought a camera strap during those lengthy shoots. These help distribute the camera’s weight and hence cause less stress on your neck and back.
They also allow for quick access and add another layer of security.
Don’t you hate it when you have the perfect frame in front of you but a blurry lens? Using a lens cleaning kit could help you save time and get that perfect shot.
No matter how much planning goes into an event, the weather can only partially be accounted for. Having suitable weather protection ensures that your equipment is safe and that you can function without the weather being a hindrance.
Covering wedding photography in Florida can be a long and arduous task. Having comfortable footwear makes it much more manageable. Ensure you use a pair you’re familiar with and can rely on.
While ensuring that your equipment is charged, remember you need to be. Florida wedding photographers must often remember to eat or drink during event days. Try to have water and something to munch on with you.
Sometimes, days can be long and sweaty, or food can spill all over you. Wedding photography in Florida can be full of surprises, so carry a spare set of clothes with you to be prepared for the worst.
Now that you know what essential gear is needed for great Florida wedding photography, keep yourself updated with your equipment.
If you’re looking for wedding photography in Florida who’s already got all the gear they could need and come prepared schedule an appointment with us today to learn more, or visit our website for more information.