What’s in My Bag (and Why It Matters for Your Wedding Day)
As a wedding and portrait photographer, I’ve learned that gear alone doesn’t make a photo powerful—the connection, creativity, and vision do. But the right tools help me show up fully prepared for every moment, every lighting situation, and every “once-in-a-lifetime” memory.
I often get asked: “What’s in your bag?” So today, I’m breaking it down—not just to show what I use, but to explain why I’ve invested in it, how it impacts your photos, and why my pricing reflects the level of quality and security I bring to your wedding day.
Camera Body: The Foundation
Sony A7iii – This is my workhorse. Professional-grade camera bodies are built for speed, reliability, and image quality. On your wedding day, there are no do-overs, so I need a camera that performs consistently in every situation—whether it’s a dimly lit ceremony, a fast-paced reception, or an emotional moment happening in seconds.
Why this matters for you: My camera ensures sharp images, beautiful color, and reliability so you never miss a memory.
Lenses: Telling Your Story from Every Angle
I rely on prime lenses because they deliver the best clarity, sharpness, and depth. Each lens has its own personality and purpose:
Tamron 24mm f2.8 Prime – Perfect for wide shots of the ceremony, big group photos, or capturing the energy of the dance floor. It tells the whole story.
Sony 50mm f 1.8 Prime – The all-around favorite. It works beautifully for candid moments and portraits, giving a natural and timeless look.
Viltrox 85mm f 1.8 Prime – My portrait secret weapon. It creates stunning, editorial-style images with dreamy background blur and flattering compression.
Why this matters for you: Using the right lens at the right time means you’ll have a gallery that feels full, intentional, and diverse—not just the same angle over and over.
Lighting: Creating Consistency No Matter What
My Go-To: Neewer Q4 Strobe
Modifier Go-to: EZ Glow 36" Softbox
My main lighting combo is the Neewer Q4 strobe paired with the EZ Glow 36-inch softbox. Together, they give me complete control over light—whether I’m shooting a bold editorial portrait or handling tricky wedding lighting situations.
Here’s why I rely on it:
- 400Ws of Power – Strong enough to handle everything from outdoor portraits in bright sunlight to indoor receptions with low light.
- High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s – Perfect for freezing motion and working with wide apertures, even in bright daylight.
- Bowens Mount Compatibility – Lets me attach a wide range of modifiers (softboxes, beauty dishes, etc.) to shape light exactly how I want.
- Large Capacity Battery – Delivers up to 400+ full-power flashes per charge, so I don’t have to worry about running out of power mid-wedding.
- Fast Recycle Time (0.01–1.5s) – This means I can capture every important moment without missing a beat.
- Wireless 2.4G System – Gives me reliable off-camera control, which is key for creative setups during portraits.
EZ Glow 36" Softbox Highlights:
- Soft, Even Light – Creates flattering skin tones and smooth shadows, ideal for portraits and bridal shots.
- Large Surface Area – Perfect for full-body portraits or small groups while still looking natural.
- Portable Design – Quick to set up and easy to carry, making it wedding-day friendly.
- Directional Control – Lets me shape and control the light so it doesn’t spill everywhere.