Gear I Use to Photograph Elopements & Weddings in the PNW

Mar 23

The Cameras

I always carry at least 2 camera bodies with me when I shoot weddings or elopements. Not only does this serve as a backup should gear fail, it also means I have two distinctly differences lenses mounted at all times, ready to capture important moments without having to do the clunky awkward dance switching out lenses and wasting time.

Fujifilm XH2 (the most versatile camera I own)

Fujifilm HS2s (the fastest camera I own)

Fujifilm GFX100s (best for large-scale portraits)

Fujifilm GFX50sII (fastest medium format camera)

The Lenses

I usually have at least 3 lenses with me for any session, but more often I have 4. I bring along the whole crew for wedding days, and I do a little bit more minimalist for hiking elopements. But unless I know exactly the circumstances I’ll encounter, I’d rather than more gear on me than wish I had another lens.

XF 23mm F1.2 R LM WR (the standard “35mm” lens)

XF 56mm F1.2 R WR (my favorite portrait lens)

XF 30mm F2.8 R LM WR Macro (my “rings/details” lens)

XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR (incredible for extreme distances)

XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR (my workhorse lens)

XF 50-140 F2.8 R LM OIS WR (my favorite zoom lens)

GF 45mm F2.8 R WR (my go-to medium format lens)

The Drone

So, to be perfectly blunt, I don’t include drone photography in my packages at the moment. I think it’s a huge hassle when a lot of locations it is not ideal, not legal, or simply impractical to fly. However, I do have one and use it often for personal projects and I may one day make it available for client photos when appropriate.

DJI Mini 3 Pro (fast, easy to fly, great camera)

The Bags

I have a backpack that I took with me for years and I will sing it’s praises until the day I die. When I was shooting with a slightly smaller setup, it was perfect for literally weeks (I once went to Costa Rica for 3 weeks with only this as my carryon). But recently my back has begun appreciating the rollerbag solution, with a lighter backpack. Whatever you do, remember that camera bags are meant to be manageable, first and foremost.

My favorite camera backpack—Shimoda Action X50

My favorite camera rollerbag—Pelican 1535 Air Carry-On Case

Essential Wedding Photography Accessories

Memory Card Case—Pelican

Best SD Cards—SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB

Best Camera Strap for Weddings—Holdfast Vegan Leather MoneyMaker

Best Camera Strap for Travel—PeakDesign Slide Light

Best Lanterns—Barebones Railroad Lantern

Best Headlamps—Black Diamond Storm

Tripod—Joby GorrilaPod

Best Portable Gibal—DJI Ronin SC

If you have any opinions about these choices, want to offer your own recommendations, or are curious about this gear in specific circumstances, leave a comment below!

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Hey, I’m Jenn!

Whether you’re planning a just-us elopement, or a party with all your loved ones, my photography approach is 100% tailored to YOU! My goal is that you relive the memories through images that remind you of how much FUN you had—it’s my job to ensure you feel comfortable, confident & truly seen when your picture is taken.