What should I bring?

[brookiepictures]

I was just curious to see what people bring with them to different type of shoots. Weddings and senior pictures is what I'm wondering for the most part. Other that of course the camera what other equipment do you bring to each different shoot.

 

[cgipson1]

The equipment you need!! Is that what you are asking, what is needed?

 

[brookiepictures]

I don't really know someone was saying how appalled he was that people did weddings with just their camera and kit lens. I guess I just don't understand enough about photography to understand what other things you would bring with you.

 

[cgipson1]

I don't really know someone was saying how appalled he was that people did weddings with just their camera and kit lens. I guess I just don't understand enough about photography to understand what other things you would bring with you.

He was referring to total amateurs with very little to no knowledge trying to act in a professional manner, probably! Entry level cameras can do great work, if there is knowledge behind them. Kit lenses are kit lenses... low end, and usually have less aperture range, and less image quality than better lenses have... but used correctly, they can turn out decent images! It is knowing their limitations, and how to work around those limitations... that makes the difference!

We see many "PRO's" on here.. that barely know how to turn on the cameras that they bought last week.... and they all ask similar questions! Like what lens should I buy to shoot weddings, etc..? lol! Gets a little tiring at times...

Many professionals would bring a 70-200 2.8 VRII, a 24-70 2.8, maybe a UWA... maybe a couple of primes like the 85mm 1.4, probably a couple of speedlights and monolights, and whatever modifiers they feel might be needed... (or similar other brand equipment)

 

[Overread14 2]

Also what you bring does depend on the photographer to some degree - some will use different tools to get the job done and there are a massive array of possible setups for any situation.


There are some commonly expected setups or starting points if you will, but each situation generally comes down to an individual.

How much they have to invest in equipment
What their understandings are
What their desire to create is (ie what kind of photo and effects)

Other things also come into the mix such as travelling arrangements (if you're going by foot chances are you can't carry half as much gear as if you were to take a car); restrictions at the shooting site (eg churches restricting the use of flash or certain areas not allowing tripods); access to power sockets (if you don't have a portable generator and there are no power outlets on site chances are those studio strobes will have to stay at the studio and one will need a more portable lighting setup).


So the answer can be both quite simple, but also quite complex.

In general a professional is expected to turn up with good quality equipment necessary to get the job done, but which is also of sufficient quality as to give as much adaptability to the possible situations that the photographer is to shoot in.

 

[Pallycow]

Whisky.

Lots of whisky.

 

[cgipson1]

Whisky.

Lots of whisky.

Only if it is Irish!

 

[weepete]

Whisky.

Lots of whisky.

Only if it is Irish!

No at the weddings round my bit mate

 

[Pallycow]

seeing how I hate weddings, it's essential for me for any wedding. ;-)

 

[DiskoJoe]

I was just curious to see what people bring with them to different type of shoots. Weddings and senior pictures is what I'm wondering for the most part. Other that of course the camera what other equipment do you bring to each different shoot.

What gear do you have?

 

[runnah]

Depends on the wedding. Indoor and outdoor would make a difference and so would the time of day.

 

[table1349]

Whisky.

Lots of whisky.

Only if it is Irish!

If its not 25 year old Talisker, well then......
:lmao:

 

[Designer]

I was just curious to see what people bring with them to different type of shoots. Weddings and senior pictures is what I'm wondering for the most part. Other that of course the camera what other equipment do you bring to each different shoot.

brookie; you're going to need some light, modifiers for the lights, light stands if that applies, a list of poses, locations scouted beforehand, extra items such as batteries, etc. Some photographers have a little kit that they automatically throw into the car, consisting of all the incidentals that experience has indicated there will be a need.

 

[runnah]

brookie; you're going to need some light, modifiers for the lights, light stands if that applies, a list of poses, locations scouted beforehand, extra items such as batteries, etc. Some photographers have a little kit that they automatically throw into the car, consisting of all the incidentals that experience has indicated there will be a need.

Yup, and the kit can be a life saver. I have one when I am on the job (not weddings) and that has saved my bacon many a time.

 

[manaheim]

I don't really know someone was saying how appalled he was that people did weddings with just their camera and kit lens. I guess I just don't understand enough about photography to understand what other things you would bring with you.

Usually the way this stuff works is this: if you have to ask, you're nowhere near ready to do the work, and therefore nowhere near ready to need to ask.

As you go along and develop the skills you need to embark on these kinds of things, you will stumble across these answers. What's more is the answers are kinda complicated, and much of it is personal to the individual photographer, their methods and their style.

This isn't meant to be putting you off or putting you down... it's just sorta reality.