Yes. Uh-huh. Absolutely.
As a professional photographer, I consider it mandatory that I have the most up-to-date, most professional equipment a wedding photographer can buy. I want every photo that comes out of Sean O’Leary Photography to be as crisp and clear as it can be. And the only way I can guarantee that is to make sure I use top-of-the-line equipment every step of the way.
Now, is it possible to get great photographs without the most expensive equipment? Yes. But understand that every piece of equipment your photographer compromises on, increases the potential for problems. To me, equipment is an easy factor I can control to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
So, what kind of equipment should your photographer have?
1. First and most obviously, a camera. This is one place where your great aunt’s point-and-shoot just won’t cut it. I personally use a Canon EOS Professional, which is the choice of photojournalists the world over. Most photographers will have an excellent camera (if they’re worth their salt) but it’s always good to check.
2. Lenses. Camera lenses basically determine how clear a shot your wedding photographer will be able to get. I use a Canon Professional (Canon is a great brand) which lets me capture extremely sharp images.
3. Portable lighting equipment. This is not a must-have for all photographers but I’ve found it to be extremely helpful. I have a Elinchrome of Switzerland wireless lighting set, which accommodates all lighting techniques without the need for power outlets.
So, if the light isn’t working outdoors or we need to light up a dark corner, I can set it up quickly and easily without slowing down the day or wasting valuable time.
4. Light modifiers and light shaping tools. You know all of the umbrellas, coloring gels, soft boxes, reflectors and diffusers they use on magazine shoots? That’s the equipment that can make your indoor pictures look, well, magazine-worthy.
5. Radio transmission system. Again, this is not a must-have but it certainly makes things easier. I use a Pocket Wizard digital triggering system which basically lets me fire lights and cameras remotely. This means I can position my lights and my camera anywhere without having to worry about wires.
It’s just another way good equipment keeps my attention completely focused on your wedding.
6. Ways to see your photos on location. Your photographer should be constantly checking to make sure your pictures are looking good (you don’t want to find out the next day that your picture with Grandma was out-of-focus!). I’m constantly checking my Epson P-5000 image viewer throughout the day to make sure each detail is showing up on film. I also bring my Macbook Pro so you can sneak a peek at your photos.
7. An excellent high-def monitor. After all of the photos have been taken, your photographer should head back to the studio to review and process all of your images. You want to make sure they have a high definition monitor so they can see photo details clearly and catch imperfections -that way they’re not printed onto your nice, big, wall-size photograph.
I believe that using the best photography equipment means there is less room for error and more room for creativity and spontaneity; I can concentrate on the moments that make up your wedding rather than my equipment.
Have a specific question about equipment? Leave it in the comments section and I’ll get back to you right away.
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kelly 02.27.09 at 3:58 am
In your opinion, what lenses are vital for wedding photography?