Many photographers who are new to the business quickly find that their equipment needs rise exponentially in a short amount of time. This is natural. The main reason is that as a photographer new to weddings, one is trying to find a balance between having what is needed to do the job, and being mobile.
A new camera body, with no lenses, can cost $3,000 up to around $8,000 for a professional grade body. A photographer needs at least two camera bodies with them at a wedding. That could cost you up to $16,000 just for two camera bodies.
But, it’s not only about cameras and lenses. There are computers and associated equipment. Usually, a photographer needs a good high-quality, high-performance desktop computer, and a laptop. They also need some good hard drives, and a high-qualty LCD or CRT screen for doing color critical work.
Lastly, they will want lots of CF cards for their cameras. Lots. This need seems to never be fulfilled. One can never have enough cards.
The good news is that technology is getting cheaper as time goes on. The bad news is that it’s easy to fall into a trap of always having the latest and greatest of everything. What you need to do the job are two really great camera bodies, some very nice fast lenses (a good range from 24mm to about 200mm). You need a flash unit for each camera. You need a good bag for you equipment. And enough CF Cards to do the job. If you find yourself running out of CF Cards at weddings, buy more. Keep buying them until you always have a couple of cards left over. It is better to have too many, than to not have enough.
NEVER download cards at a wedding, and reuse them. This is very dangerous. I’ll discuss this in more detail in a future post.
Once your equipment is all set, there is no reason to buy more. If it does it’s job now, it will continue to do it’s job over many years. Do not fall for the equipment lust that so many photographers do. While we all love our equipment, the name of the game is keeping as much $$$ as you can. Every cent you spend on equipment should be looked at from a return on inestment (ROI) standpoint. If it has no ROI, you don’t buy it.
This is a business. Run your business to maximize your profits. Be reasonable. Be realistic.
March 3, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Good article!
March 4, 2007 at 2:36 am
You’re very right. It’s so easy to fall into an ‘I need this gear’ mindset. There is something to be said about having good, working, professional gear. I’d encourage people to get to that place and enjoy it. Easier said than done!
March 18, 2007 at 8:39 am
In my view, good fast glass are seriously important. While I agree that you don’t need all the latest and greatest, having a really powerful fast lens can save you some headaches in challenging lighting situations. I think once I finally get a Canon 70-200mm I’ll be set in the glass area for a while.
March 11, 2009 at 5:12 am
So true! A couple of great camera bodies will serve you for years. There are deals to be had especially the 5D’s (Mk I)….a camera that many world class shooters have used and touted. Heck, Monte Zucker used his 10D