Amanda May Photos || What I Take To A Wedding

What’s in ALL my Bags that I Take to a Wedding??

If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding photographer actually takes to a wedding, you are not alone. One of the most common behind-the-scenes questions I get is about my gear, my bags, and all the “extra” things that come with me on a wedding day. While my camera equipment is obviously the star of the show, there’s so much more that goes into being fully prepared, calm, and ready for anything a wedding day throws my way. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly what I take to a wedding.

My Core Camera Equipment

Of course, it all starts with my cameras and lenses. These are the tools that allow me to capture your day beautifully, consistently, and professionally:

• Canon R6II Body – my main camera
• Canon R6 Body – my backup camera
• Canon EF 135mm f/2L – for low light candids
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L – for all those close up shots of the rings and jewelry
• Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L – the lens you’ll see me using the most throughout the day
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2L – my favorite portrait lens
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L – brought out for the ceremony and toasts
• Three GODOX speed lights – lifesavers in low or tricky lighting situations

Having reliable gear (and backups!) is a non-negotiable part of what I take to a wedding. It ensures nothing is missed, no matter the lighting, timeline shifts, or weather surprises.

The Other Essentials I Bring

Beyond camera equipment, there’s a ton of other items that help me stay organized, hydrated, creative, and prepared all day long:

• MacBook Pro & iPad Pro – for backups and a fun little surprise for the bride & groom
• Canon Ivy Printer – I love using this for quick keepsakes and behind-the-scenes fun
• Yeti gallon water jug & Owala 36oz water bottle – hydration is key
• Impact tripods and umbrella – especially helpful for lighting setups
• Pelican Air case – ultimate protection for my gear
• Two Kelly Moore bags – RIP to my all-time favorite brand
• Kindly crossbody bag – my new go-to for essentials
• Chasing Stone flatlay mats – for beautiful detail photos
• Camp Snap camera – just for fun bts shots and creativity
• Burt’s Bees chapstick – a small but mighty essential
• Printed timeline with a pen – always within reach
• Extra batteries and memory cards – because redundancy matters
• Snacks! – wedding days are long and energy is important… I can always tell when I’ve gone too long with no food. Not good for anyone ha!

Every single thing I take to a wedding serves a purpose. It allows me to stay focused, creative, and fully present for my couples. Preparation is one of the biggest ways I serve my clients well, and having these tools on hand makes all the difference from start to finish.