Curious about what’s in my camera bag? Let’s be honest — packing your camera bag well is essential for a stress-free day of wedding photography. The below list keeps my images on point without skipping a beat.

The last thing you want is to be scrambling around for gear in a disorganized bag, or wishing you brought something that would’ve come in so handy.

Are you ready to look inside my camera bag? These are my must-have items for a 2021 wedding.

Camera gear checklist

I like to have a variety of gear on hand, using two Mark IV Canons with plenty of memory cards and a variety of lenses for every shot type. I prefer my 50 1.2 mm for couple portraits, whereas my macro lens is so useful for ring shots! Both are needed at different points in the day.

• Two Mark IV Canon bodies
• Two Canon speed light flashes
• 20 memory cards for backups and extra footage
• Spare, charged batteries
• 50 1.2 mm lens for portraits of the couple and detail shots
• Macro 100 mm lens for ring shots, close ups and portraits
• 85 1.4 mm for tighter shots, like portraits
• Tamron 24-70 zoom lens 2.8 for candids, dances, bigger groups, etc. It’s a wide lens.
• Lens cleaning kit with a simple spray and microfiber cloth

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The camera bag

I use an Amazon basics roller bag and an over-the-shoulder bag for full-day weddings.

I use the smaller Lowepro bag on its own for elopements and engagement sessions. And let’s not forget my Holdfast harness! It’s essential when shooting with multiple cameras. It lets me swap lenses without having to actually reassemble anything seeing as I just put a different lens on each camera.

Bridal touch-up kit

Weddings last a long time and sometimes small things need to be touched up. Often times, as the photographer, I’m the only one there who can recognize and help adjust certain things like fly-away hairs or stains from the reception. Plus, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used the sewing kit for busted jackets!

• Bobby pins
• Stain remover
• Sewing kit
• Hair ties
• Mask and sanitizer

Styling kit

I bring a styling kit to weddings with everything you need to create gorgeous flatlays and other styled shots. It makes such a big difference for invitation and ring photos.

• Silk ribbons
• Styling acrylics
• Pretty dishes
• High-end styling mats from the Locust Collection

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Water and snacks

This might not be a surprise to you, but photographers usually don’t eat on wedding days. When you’ve been working for 12+ hours, you need to manage your own food and water intake.

I always have water and snacks for my team and I. It keeps us on our toes, instead of the alternative — low on energy with growling stomachs.

What’s in your camera bag?

That’s it! I’d rather have more than enough gear ready than to wish I brought something that’s just sitting around at home.

Loved these tips? Follow along on Instagram for more insights from a wedding photographer!