As I’m leading up to my first wedding of 2017 this weekend, I’m all over the place with my excitement, nervous energy, list making, and wild aspirations of what this season will hold. Not only am I thinking of the emotions each couple may be feeling and their love story, but also their families, guests, and myself as well (cause I have been known to shed a tear or two during a ceremony!) I’m by nature, a planner. So to help myself get through the rollercoaster ride called a wedding, I must ensure I’m prepared with everything I bring to assist me in capturing the moments of my couple as they journey through their incredible day. In comes my camera bag! Full of so many goodies to allow me to carry everything I need to photograph efficiently with a few extras to be one step ahead. Let’s dive in, shall we?

My beautiful grey Kelly Moore canvas bag is large and in charge! If you remember the type of bag that Mary Poppins carried around…My bag’s shape is similar and you probably will see me pull out objects that have no business fitting in there! I have a bunch of room for my baby, which is my new Canon 5D Mark iii! She’s a beauty! Along with my 50mm 1.4 prime and 24mm 1.4 wide angle lenses. I have my Canon Speedlite flash I use primarily after the sun goes down at the reception. As well as plenty of memory cards, business cards, and if I photographed my couple’s engagement session, cards with a few of their photos which include a link of where to find all of their edited images when the wedding photos are complete. The cards are an added bonus for the guests to take home so they don’t miss out on viewing all of the photos when I am finished editing. I make sure to always have a copy of the final timeline and family VIP shots we will be taking during the day. This year I’m excited to start using my Apple Watch, I received for my birthday, to aid me in keeping timeline reminders all day. I know weddings can be tough to stay on time with the bridal party, vendors, and family members to juggle around. But keeping a wedding party on schedule is one unspoken goal of mine. It is not always a goal that is achieved, simply because of things that are outside of my control. However I do my best to ensure no bride and groom are late on my account. The last few of things I shove into my camera bag (I know you are totally thinking…”There is more?”) are extra batteries (of course) and a little accessory bag with essentials that most brides don’t think they would need on their big day. Especially when getting ready. Tiny items such as scissors, safety pins, needle & thread, or even headache medicine to chase away any aches and pains are thrown in for good measure. More times than I can count I’ve heard a bridesmaid or mother of the bride requesting such objects to help with a stuck zipper or another small fix that is required. My little bag of tricks has been there on plenty of occasions to save the day! 

Now as I said at the beginning, I am a planner. Yet, this year I did decide to throw myself a little curveball and I’ll have to make a game time decision on what to do. I bought myself a new Jo Totes black herringbone camera bag, which is much smaller, but gorgeous and easier on my shoulder. I will have to determine if I can fit everything I just talked about in this new bag or simply use it only for portrait sessions. #WeddingPhotogProblems                                                                                                          Either way, I cannot wait to stand witness to all my wedding couples entering into marriage this year and ready to create beautiful imagery unique to each of them. 

Warm Regards, 
Lauren