Today I will be talking about what lenses I use when I am shooting a wedding and when I use them. I like to make my life as easy as possible when I am shooting a wedding and I certainly don't want to be lugging all of my gear around with me all day so I transport all of my photography gear in a large bag and then transfer my equipment into a smaller bag and a belt system to use at certain times of the wedding day.
Wedding photography is a combination of every genre of photography. Portrait photography, food photography, fashion photography, architectural photography and family photography. These are all areas of photography that you will shoot as a wedding photographer.
This is my list of lenses that I use when I am shooting weddings as a Nottingham wedding photographer and by know means are these the lenses that you have to go out and buy. These are just what I choose to use to get the look I want. I generally prefer to use prime lenses because of their shallower depth of field and low light capabilities but I also own and shoot with a couple of zoom lenses.
1. Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
This is a fantastic lens and has recently become one of my favourites. It has a really wide aperture that makes it perfect for shooting in all lighting conditions. It produces beautiful, natural sharp images. I use this for some details, bride and groom portraits, small groups.
2. Nikon 24-70 f/2.8G
This lens has a very versatile zoom range. I also call it the lazy boy lens because you cant shoot from 24mm right through to 70mm with out the need to change your lens or move your feet. It can also really save the day when you don't have very much room to work with and you need to get that important shot. This lens has a constant aperture of f/2.8 and it also produces wonderful colours and sharpness.
3. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II
This is my favourite lens, it creates beautiful bokeh at 2.8 and gives you fantastic compression and very sharp images that are hard to get with any other lens. It will also get you close to the action without disturbing the moment. A lot of wedding photographers are put off by this lens because of its price and weight but once you have used it you will soon realise why it is so expensive and in my opinion its worth every penny. I use this lens for some portraits, small group shots and for shooting the ceremony from a distance.
4. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
I really love this lens especially for portraits of the bride. Just like the 50mm this can be use in almost all lighting conditions. Not as expensive as its older brother the 85mm 1.4G but given that its a 1/3 of the price its definitely worth looking into if you need an 85mm prime. I generally use this for portraits of the bride and groom and candids of the wedding guests. This is one of the sharpest mid range primes that Nikon have produced.
I hope this post helps you out with regards to lenses and how I choose to use them. Do you have a lens that you just couldn't live without?
Happy shooting,
Matt
Website : www.mattandrew.co.uk
Email : matt@mattandrew.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/MattAndrewPhotography
