Starting a wedding photography business can be a daunting task. However, knowing what equipment you need to begin your business goes a long way in making that leap easier. Outlined are ten must haves to get your business started.
* Camera -- It goes without saying that you need to invest in a good camera. It is important to get a sturdy reliable digital single lens reflex (DSLR) model, because a wedding photographer's camera is his workhorse. Depending on your preference and your budget, of course, scout around for what's available and read countless reviews on what the market is offering. Do your homework and do it well! You do not want to spend money and effort in repairing a less than satisfactory camera.
* Tripod -- Invest in a sturdy tripod. Steer clear of the less stable ones that threaten to blow over with the slightest breeze, no matter how low they are priced. At a shoot, your concentration should be on the subjects in front of you and not on making sure your tripod does not topple over. Also, a tripod is a must have for those group shots, most importantly so, if you do not have image stabilization built into your lens.
* Zoom lens 70 -- 200mm -- This zoom lens correctly allows you to captures all those quaint moments unobtrusively, i.e. loving glance, ring exchange, flowers, corsage, bride's hair clip, pearl earring - the possibilities are endless. It ensures that romance, candid shots and detail is added to your album and is a great way of documenting all the finer details of the wedding day.
* Wide angle zoom lens 17 -- 55mm -- This is your group lens and is ideal for the bridal party, family formal and informal shots. It allows you to capture all the subjects in the view finder effortlessly, without cutting out any limbs or subjects. This lens is of paramount importance for all those group photos that you take on that wedding day, which, trust me, are usually a lot.
* Flash -- The need for a flash cannot be stressed enough. A good image is all about the amount of light let in and if there is not enough light, you run the risk of having under-exposed images. A flash helps mitigate this and is a must have for evenings as well as indoor shoots where the lighting is insufficient.
* Memory cards -- This is perhaps one of the most important must haves to invest in. Secure Digital (SD) or Compact Flash (CF) cards that are good quality and a decent speed guarantee that the images captured are of outstanding quality and will never get lost. Do not opt for cheap cards that compromise on reliability and performance. This is part of the vehicle, so to say, of your final product and it must deliver the desired outcome for both you and your clients. Also if you can, invest in larger cards that can allow you to shoot in RAW, maximizing the opportunity to correct your digital negatives after the shoot.
* Back up equipment -- It is important to have back up equipment. Whether it is that used DSLR camera or a couple of memory cards on standby. Accidents happen and you can find yourself without a memory card or worse still, a properly working camera. Back up equipment comes in handy in such situations. Also, it is advisable to have a laptop that allows you to download your images at the venue, so that you have backup photos in the event of any loss or damage.
* Camera Bag -- A practical must have is a protective camera bag to carry all your equipment. Not just any bag will do, as some inner linings cause scratch marks on your equipment, while others provide poor equipment support. Most camera bags have handy compartments that allow you to store your equipment neatly, making it very easy for you to find them when you need to use them. Also some of them are kitted with soft felt inner landing to cushion your equipment as you go about your shoot.
* Cleaning equipment -- It is essential to invest in a good cleaning kit for your lens, which basically should contain a soft cloth, blower, cleaning swabs and cleaning solution. There are many things Photoshop can do, but the one task that belies it is a serious smudge from a dirty lens. It also follows that after investing in cleaning equipment, be sure to use it!
* A back like a duck -- As a wedding photographer, it is helpful to have a back like a duck - that is, be able to handle demanding and emotional situations without letting them get you down.
A wedding can be a stressful event and expectations, emotions and other general behind the scene hiccups, can threaten to throw your shoot. It is therefore important to remain chirpy and professional and this will ultimately translate into the photos you take and ensure greater success of your wedding photography business.
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