Have you been thinking of becoming a wedding photographer?

Here are 3 things you need to become a successful photographer!

I’ve shot weddings and destination weddings for 7 years, photographing love from Hawaii to Switzerland, and I have learned a lot along the way. I’ve invested in various gear, lighting, presets, client workflows, sample timelines, literally everything you can buy as a beginner photographer! And I’m here to share with you the 3 essential must-haves that you need in order to become a successful wedding photographer.

You can also watch our Youtube video on 3 things you need as a wedding photographer here! But if you can’t watch/listen right now? Read more below!

Let’s dive into what you need as a wedding photographer!

1. Gear

When it comes to gear, having the right equipment is crucial. Ensure you have a full-frame camera, as well as a backup camera (even if you need to rent one) – having two cameras is essential because gear malfunctions or accidents can happen and this is someone’s wedding day! A full-frame camera also allows you to provide your clients with high-quality, print-worthy images. Personally, I love shooting with Nikon D750s for their low-light capabilities and excellent dynamic range. However, remember that the gear doesn’t define a photographer, but it does offer more options for your clients and your own versatility!

2. Lens Selection

Building a lens collection can be costly, so it’s important to prioritize what works best for you. I’d highly recommend to start with a wide lens and a zoom or compressed lens. For example, a 24mm and 85mm lens or a 35mm and 70-200mm lens. These combinations allow you to capture wide shots, portraits, detail photos, and everything in between. My go-to lenses are the 24mm for wide shots and dance floor photos, the 58mm f1.4 for portraits and details, and the 70-200mm for close-up shots without intruding on the couple’s personal space. Remember, renting lenses is a great option to expand your toolkit without breaking the bank!

3. Lighting Equipment

Mastering low-light photography is essential for weddings. Whether you choose to shoot with on-camera flash or off-camera flash, it’s important to have at least one flash. The Godox V860 is an incredible flash that offers great performance, high-speed sync, and wireless control. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Neewer TT560 flash is a more affordable alternative. With proper techniques, you can achieve stunning results even with budget-friendly equipment!

If you’re wanting to learn more about artificial light, we’ve got a free flash photography guide for you here! Or you can dive right in to our fan favorite Indoor + Artificial Light Workshop.

*BONUS!

4. Wedding Questionnaire

Before the wedding day, there’s an essential element that often gets overlooked — communication. Being a successful wedding photographer isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about connecting with people and creating an experience they’ll treasure forever. Having an amazing wedding questionnaire is a game-changer. Weddings are filled with details, timelines, and important moments, and the last thing you want is to be unprepared or cause delays. Send your clients a detailed questionnaire well in advance, ideally around six weeks before the wedding. Include questions about their timeline, vendors, special requests, family dynamics, and emergency contacts. This information will help you navigate the day smoothly, allowing you to focus on capturing those precious moments.

Not sure where to get started with a questionnaire? You can grab our free 9-page wedding questionnaire to send to your couples! This questionnaire will help you gather essential information about the couple’s preferences, important moments, and cultural nuances, allowing you to tailor your photography approach to their unique vision.

Becoming a successful wedding photographer requires a combination of technical expertise, the right gear, and effective communication. By investing in full-frame cameras, a carefully selected lens collection, reliable lighting equipment, and a comprehensive wedding questionnaire, you’ll be well-prepared to capture beautiful moments and create an unforgettable experience for your clients! Let’s gooooo!

If you’re ready to take your wedding photography to the next level but don’t have thousands of dollars to pour into hours of education?

Welcome to where unbelievable value meets life altering education! Introducing our Ultimate Photographer Bundle – it’s time to get your hands on some of our best selling, client raving, courses for photographers. Covering everything you need to know from artistic voice + vision to tricky midday lighting. No matter what it is you’re struggling with, we’ve got you covered! See you in there! xx