Wedding photographers without assistants: how do you carry your equipment at weddings?

Question

I've used a photographer's vest in the past but I feel more like I'm going on a safari than photographing a wedding. The camera bag seems too bulky but I've seen some photographers just use a fanny pack. Any other methods used? Suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

check out the lowepro site,

me i always use an assistant its only $200, they look after my gear, change batteries, watch my back and my gear

Answer 2

There are a lot of reasons photographers bring assistants to weddings and some of those are to capture additional shots - and if the pictures were not up to the photog's standards he will not present them to you the client. The use of an assistant who is taking photos generally gives the original photographer rights to those photos since he hired them. But, he could have been trying someone out and in that case the photos may be for the photographer's use only. And, he could have brought that assistant along to help them gain experience. In all those cases, the photographer can decide whether the photographs are suitable for showing to the client. Bad photos could make him look bad, and he may be using that as an excuse. You don't know what happened with the assistant and there may have been a conflict in their relationship. And the photog should be straight with you. The bottom line is that the photographer has the rights to those photos, and he apparently doesn't want you seeing those pictures.

Answer 3

I guess it all depends on how much equipment you bring to a wedding. With the way I work (on the occasion I don't have an assisstant) My bags all stack on top of each other.

I use a customized Pelican rolling case as the base of my equipment. Inside it'll hold 2 cameras, 4 lenses, 2 flashes, spare batteries, media cards, etc. Then, on top of that, I'll sit down a Lightstand case for stands and anything else long and thin.

In the other hand, I'll use another Pelican rolling case (or general component case) for all my light heads and their reflectors / snoots / etc.

If I'm using a rolled canvas background, I'll usually make a seperate trip. However, this is a full, 4 light setup. Sometimes, I'll only pring one light (say for an outdoor wedding) and can compress everything into one case.

Answer 4

I wear a vest (not a photo vest, but a long vest with two patch pockets that will hold a couple of rolls of film and a memory card case.) I have a hard sided camera case that holds two bodies and several lenses and flashes. I keep it nearby, exactly where depends on the venue. I wear two cameras with their flashes and lenses and one lightsphere, which I switch if necessary, sometimes I have a bounce card on one and the Fong on the other. One camera has a longer strap than the other, and I usually have one around my neck and the other on my shoulder. That seems to work pretty good for me.

I set up the tripod for the ceremony when I arrive, so I don't lug it around. I don't use light setups, except for the occasional remote flash, so it's really not a problem.

I have never had anything stolen, but it happens, so get a rider attached to your homeowner's policy, or insure through one of the professional organizations.

Answer 5

If I'm doing a wedding outside where I have to move around a lot I use a photo back pack for the things I might need and a fanny pack for what I will need. On church or other indoor weddings I Just Keep my case near by.

Answer 6

I usually put my bags under the back pew and leave what I need sitting on the back pew. If there are guests sitting there, give them a grin when you pick up your things. I don't wear a vest, just the 2 cameras i need around my neck. I have to move too much to worry about fanny packs and bags being lugged around with me.

Answer 7

How about shopping for other bag ideas.. ebay has some great selections. I myself found a cute small bag for my slr camera and lights.

Answer 8

Buy a black vest from Domke at B&H photo. It goes with my suite pants and black jacket. It's not as noticable and no one ever complains that I look unprofessional.