What’s In My Camera Bag for Weddings (Photo and Video)
As a wedding photographer and videographer, one of the most common questions I get asked is: What’s in your camera bag for weddings? Since I always strive to be efficient, prepared, and stress-free on wedding days, I’ve developed a system for packing my gear in a way that makes my job seamless.
In this post, I’m giving you an inside look at what’s in my camera bag for weddings (photo and video)—including my must-have wedding photography gear, my favorite camera bag that looks like a purse, and my tips for charging, organizing, and packing efficiently. Plus, I’ll walk you through how I organize my SD cards, why a family photo list is essential, and how I stay ready for any situation.
Let’s dive in!
My Camera Bag Setup: The Essentials
The star of my wedding photography gear setup is my camera bag that looks like a purse—yes, really! This sleek bag is stylish, discreet, and fits everything I need while keeping my gear safe.
Inside my bag, I carry:
Cameras & Lenses for Photography
✔️ Two Canon R6s – My go-to for wedding photography
✔️ 35mm f/1.4 lens – Perfect for capturing full scenes with a natural feel
✔️ 50mm f/1.2 lens – My favorite for portraits and details
✔️ 70-200mm f/2.8 lens – Great for ceremonies and capturing moments from a distance
Video Equipment: What I Use for Wedding Videography
Since I also offer wedding videography, I make sure to pack everything needed for a smooth photo and video workflow.
Cameras & Lenses for Videography
🎥 Sony a7IV – Amazing low-light performance and dynamic range
🎥 Sony FX3 – My videographer’s favorite for cinematic wedding videos
🎥 16-24mm zoom lens – Great for wide shots of the venue and dance floor
🎥 85mm prime lens – Ideal for emotional close-ups during speeches
Lighting for Wedding Videos
💡 NanLite video lights – Compact, portable, and bright enough for receptions
💡 On-camera video light – Helps in dimly lit getting-ready rooms
Audio Gear for Weddings
🎙 Tascam mics – Crystal-clear audio for vows and speeches
🎙 Rode Go mics – Great for quick audio setups and interviews
🎙 Zoom H4 recorder – Plugs directly into the DJ system for perfect sound
“Having a dedicated video setup makes it easy to deliver high-quality films alongside photography. The key is preparation—know your settings, charge your batteries, and have backups ready!”
Charging and Battery Management: A Non-Negotiable
Before every wedding, I charge every single battery. My charging station is my lifeline, and I make sure to have:
🔋 Multiple camera batteries – Because wedding days are LONG!
🔋 Extra SD cards – More on this below!
🔋 AA and AAA batteries – Needed for flashes, audio mics, and transmitters
🔋 Drone batteries – Because I always want to be ready to capture epic aerial shots
Why I Label and Organize My SD Cards
Let’s talk about one of the most important things you can do as a wedding photographer or videographer—organizing your SD cards.
How I Label My SD Cards
1️⃣ Primary SD cards (for photography) – Labeled P1, P2, P3, etc. so I can grab them in order
2️⃣ Backup SD cards – Labeled B1, B2, B3, etc. to ensure I never lose footage
3️⃣ Video SD cards – Kept in a separate case labeled V1, V2, V3
💡 Pro Tip: Always use high-speed, professional SD cards that won’t fail you mid-wedding. I format each card before a shoot to ensure no errors!
The Family Photo List: Why It’s Essential
Weddings are fast-paced, and one of the most stressful parts of the day is gathering everyone for family portraits. This is why I never go into a wedding without a printed family photo list!
What’s on My Family Photo List?
📜 Immediate family shots – Bride with parents, groom with parents, siblings, grandparents
📜 Extended family shots – Aunts, uncles, cousins (if requested)
📜 Full group shots – Everyone together in one frame
“Nothing slows down family photos more than not knowing who should be in them. I work with my couples ahead of time to create a streamlined list that keeps things moving!”
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a copy of the list in your fanny pack for quick access!
Drone Footage: Should You Bring a Drone to a Wedding?
I recently upgraded to the DJI Mavic Pro 3, and it has been a game-changer for wedding photography and videography.
✔️ Shoots in D-log for easy color grading
✔️ Captures stunning venue shots
✔️ Helps tell a complete wedding day story
🚨 Important: You CAN’T fly a drone in the rain! Always check the weather beforehand.
Final Packing: My Step-by-Step Process
Here’s my wedding day packing routine:
✅ Step 1: Lay everything out in categories – cameras, lenses, audio, video, lighting
✅ Step 2: Charge everything
✅ Step 3: Insert fresh batteries & SD cards
✅ Step 4: Pack everything into my camera bag that looks like a purse
✅ Step 5: Load up my car, double-check my checklist, and I’m ready to go!
Watch the YouTube Video All About This Here:
