Junior Rasmussen
Photographing a wedding with one camera and one lens is possible and can even be advantageous. While wedding photography often involves a lot of gear, simplifying your kit can free you up to focus more on what you are doing and less on the equipment you are using. It can also make you more creative. However, it is important to have backup gear in case of failure, and you should be confident in your ability to use your gear and understand its limitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of photographers | One |
| Number of cameras | One |
| Number of lenses | One |
| Number of flashes/strobes | One |
| Lighting setup | Simple |
| Camera type | Canon, Nikon, Sony |
| Lens type | 35mm, 50mm, 24-70mm, 24-120mm |
| Aperture | Wide open |
| ISO | 800 |
| Shutter speed | 1/125 |
| Flash | Nikon SB-800 |
| Reflector | Collapsible |
| Camera body | Sony a7S II |
| Lens brand | Rokinon |
| Focus | Manual |
| Editing | Required |
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Choose the right lens
When it comes to choosing the right lens for wedding photography, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the limitations of your gear and be comfortable using it. Practice with your chosen lens beforehand so that operating it becomes second nature.
Most photographers use a 35mm prime lens or a zoom lens for wedding photography. A 35mm lens is a great walk-around prime lens that gives beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for the "getting ready" part of the day and for portraits of the couple. However, it can be challenging to capture large groups with a 35mm prime or zoom lens, so keep this in mind when deciding on your lens.
If you're looking for a simple lighting setup, a zoom lens can be a good option. A high-quality zoom lens with a range like 24-105mm or 24-120mm can provide flexibility and eliminate the need for multiple lenses.
Alternatively, a 50mm prime lens is a versatile option that can be used for getting ready shots, while a 24-70mm lens is a good general lens to have as a backup. If you want to travel light, a 35mm lens with an aperture of f/2.0 or t/1.5 is a great choice, as it allows you to focus entirely on capturing the moment without worrying about lens selection.
While it's possible to shoot a wedding with just one lens, it's always a good idea to have a backup lens and camera body in case of gear failure. You don't want to miss any once-in-a-lifetime moments due to equipment issues.
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Simplify your kit
Wedding photography can be a stressful affair, especially if you're working solo. One way to reduce stress is to simplify your kit. This means eliminating all the gear that you don't absolutely need. Having too much equipment can be distracting, and you'll spend more time deciding which lens or camera to use than actually taking photos.
A wedding photographer should know which lens is best for weddings. Most photographers use a 35mm prime lens or a zoom lens. A 35mm prime lens is great for portraits, which are an important part of wedding photography. It also gives beautiful bokeh, making it a great walk-around lens for capturing the "getting ready" part of the day. With a 35mm lens, you can get 75-90% of the shots you want, and you can use another lens for the remaining 10-25% of shots.
If you're looking for a single lens to shoot a full wedding, a 24-70mm f/4 or a 50mm prime lens is a good option. These lenses cover a range of focal lengths that you would normally use at a wedding. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to get as close as you'd like during the ceremony with these lenses. A zoom lens can also be a good option, allowing you to shoot wide and tight without changing lenses.
While it's important to have a simplified kit, it's also crucial to have backup gear. Gear failure is not an excuse for missing a shot, especially when you're being paid to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. At a minimum, have a backup camera and a backup general lens.
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Know your gear
Wedding photography can be a daunting task, especially if you're working solo. It's important to be confident in your abilities and your equipment. Knowing your gear is crucial to capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
While some photographers prefer a variety of lenses for different purposes, it is possible to capture stunning wedding photos with just one camera and one lens. A 35mm prime lens is a popular choice for weddings as it is versatile and great for portraits, which are an essential part of wedding photography. It allows you to capture the couple's portraits as well as photos of the guests. However, keep in mind that a 35mm prime lens or a zoom lens may not be ideal for large group shots.
If you're comfortable with your gear and understand its limitations, you can be more creative and focus on capturing the moment rather than worrying about equipment. Practice with your gear beforehand so that moving around to get the right framing becomes second nature. This will help you capture those spontaneous moments during the wedding.
Additionally, consider having a backup plan in case of gear failure. Bring at least one backup camera and a general lens, such as a 24-70mm lens. This will ensure that you're prepared for any unforeseen equipment issues and can continue capturing memories without interruption.
By knowing your gear and having a simple setup, you'll be able to focus more on the moment and deliver beautiful wedding photos.
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Prioritise shots
When photographing a wedding with one camera, it's important to prioritise your shots. Here are some tips to help you capture the key moments and create a beautiful wedding album:
Start by creating a shot list: Compile a list of must-have photos, including formal family portraits, couple portraits, and essential details such as the wedding dress, shoes, jewellery, and other significant items. This will ensure you don't miss any important shots and help you stay organised throughout the day.
Focus on key moments: Prioritise capturing the pivotal moments of the wedding, such as the first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and speeches. These are the moments the couple and their families will want to remember and cherish.
Get a mix of close-ups and wide shots: Use your camera's zoom or different lenses to capture both intimate close-ups of the couple and wide shots that showcase the entire scene, including the venue and guests. This will provide variety to your photo collection.
Capture candid moments: In addition to posed portraits, aim to capture spontaneous moments between the couple and their guests. These candid shots often add depth and emotion to the collection, making the overall album feel more authentic and natural.
Plan ahead for lighting and locations: Scout the venue beforehand if possible, and plan for lighting and locations. Look for spots with beautiful, soft light, and consider the direction and quality of the light at different times of the day. If you're facing harsh lighting conditions, opt for shaded areas or indoor locations with better lighting control.
Take multiple shots per pose: To increase your chances of getting the perfect shot, take 3-5 images per pose or setup. This will allow you to capture the ideal moment, with everyone looking their best and ensure you have a variety of options to choose from during the selection process.
Remember, it's about quality over quantity. Focus on delivering a curated selection of stunning images that tell the story of the wedding day, rather than providing an overwhelming number of average photos.
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Be creative
Wedding photography is challenging, especially when working alone. However, with proper preparation, you can capture a wedding day effectively and creatively with just one camera. Here are some tips to help you get creative and make the most of your solo photography session:
Start by creating a timeline for the day. Having a clear plan will help eliminate stress for both you and the couple. Connect with the couple and, if possible, their wedding coordinator, to gather all the necessary information. This will help you understand the flow of the day and plan your shots accordingly.
On the wedding day, begin by capturing the little details—the wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, and other essential items. Split your time between photographing the bridal party getting ready and capturing these intimate moments. During the ceremony, it can be challenging to swap lenses, so having a camera harness to carry two cameras at once can be beneficial. However, if you are committed to using just one camera and one lens, ensure you choose the right equipment for the job.
Throughout the day, aim to capture a mix of candid and posed shots. Candid moments add depth and make portraits feel more natural. For posed family photos, take multiple shots of each group to ensure you capture everyone smiling with their eyes open. These are the photos that often get printed, so don't slack on these!
For key moments such as the bouquet toss, garter toss, and cake cutting, work with the coordinator to identify the best locations for lighting. Test your camera settings in advance so you're ready to capture the action. Get a variety of wide and close-up shots, and don't forget to capture the reactions of the guests, too.
Lastly, stay enthusiastic and dedicated throughout the day. Enjoy the excitement of shooting independently, and let your creativity shine!
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Frequently asked questions
Most photographers use a 35mm prime lens or a zoom lens. If you want to shoot with two cameras to avoid changing lenses, you can use a 35mm prime lens on one camera and a 24-70mm lens on the other.
Using one camera can simplify your setup, allowing you to focus more on what you are doing and less on your gear. It also forces you to be creative within your limitations.
One challenge is that you can only be in one place at a time. To address this, prioritize what you're shooting and when. Focus on capturing the couple and their portraits, as the wedding is more about them than anyone else.
It depends on the lighting conditions and your personal preferences. For example, you can shoot family photos or any series of photos with consistent lighting using full manual mode and a custom white balance setting.
Yes, it is recommended to have at least one backup camera and lens in case of gear failure. You don't want to miss any once-in-a-lifetime moments.
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