My Favorite Photography Gear for Weddings & Seniors

I get asked all the time what’s in my camera bag, and honestly — I love talking about gear. Not because the gear makes the photographer (it doesn’t), but because having the right tools helps you stay creative, confident, and consistent on wedding days and senior shoots.

So here it is — my go-to gear lineup and a few of my secret weapons that make long days and fast-paced shoots feel effortless.

Camera Bodies

I shoot with a Canon R6 and Canon R6 Mark II, and I’m obsessed with them both. The color tones, speed, and low-light capability are amazing, and the dual slots give me peace of mind on wedding days. The R6 Mark II especially shines for fast-moving moments like receptions and send-offs — the autofocus is next level.

Lenses

Each lens has a specific purpose in my workflow, and I honestly can’t imagine a shoot without them.

• Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 – My absolute favorite for senior sessions. It gives that creamy background blur and soft, flattering compression that makes portraits feel timeless.
  
• Canon RF 28–70mm f/2.0 – My wedding day workhorse. From getting ready details to receptions, it covers everything with crisp sharpness and dreamy depth.
  
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 – My go-to for portraits and emotional moments. The tones and clarity from this lens are unreal — it’s the perfect mix of storytelling and intimacy.

Lighting Gear

For weddings, I use a Godox V1 Flash — it’s compact, reliable, and gives me the flexibility to bounce light in almost any environment. I’ll use it for receptions, dark churches, or indoor bridal prep shots when natural light needs a little help.

Accessories & Storage

The little things make a big difference in how smooth your day runs. Here’s what I never leave home without:

• SD Cards: Sandisk Extreme Pro V60 (64GB & 128GB)
  
• Batteries: Canon brand batteries only (trust me, it’s worth it)
  
• Storage: Samsung T7 SSD for backups — super fast and reliable
  
• Straps: Cora harness and Spider holster for comfort and security
  
• Reflectors: Simple Amazon finds that work beautifully for senior sessions
  
• Editing: Lightroom Classic and Aftershoot on my Windows XPS 15, which handles everything from culling to export with ease

Wedding Day & Session Essentials

Beyond the technical gear, there are a few non-negotiables that make my long shooting days smoother, more comfortable, and a lot more fun:

• Dr. Scholl’s Time Off shoes – a total lifesaver for 10+ hour wedding days
  
• Glymed+ chapstick – because cold wedding mornings are no joke
  
• Ray-Ban Meta glasses – perfect for recording behind-the-scenes content
  
• Clear umbrellas – my rainy day secret weapon for elegant, timeless photos
  
• Blankets for outfit changes – especially for seniors on location
  
• Fanny pack – for batteries, SD cards, and emergency snacks
  
• Organized cases – separate SD and battery cases keep everything easy to grab
  
• Flat lay mats (Olive & Oak) – the perfect backdrop for detail shots
  
• Multiple camera bags – because one bag never fits every scenario

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your gear should feel like an extension of you — reliable, comfortable, and capable of bringing your vision to life. The goal isn’t to have the most expensive setup; it’s to have tools that help you tell stories beautifully and consistently.

Whether I’m photographing a tear-filled first look or a joyful senior session in golden light, this gear setup helps me stay present, creative, and ready for anything.

Photographer: Katie Black Photography

Specialties: Weddings & Seniors | Based in Virginia