If you are a wedding photographer, then you know how much preparation it takes before each wedding day you document. When I first started shooting weddings not too long ago, I was clueless! I assumed all I’d need was my camera, flash, batteries, and a few CF cards. I was definitely right about those things, but there’s so much more that you need to have with you and prepare for. Below is my basic checklist for each wedding I shoot.
1. Camera Body-Fully charged battery
2. Backup Camera Body-Fully charged battery
3. Extra camera battery-Fully charged
4. All the lenses I need
5. Flash
6. Backup Flash
7. AA batteries for flashes
8. CF cards-formatted
9. Light Stands
10. Storm Jacket In case it rains. Keeps camera dry
11. Gary Fong lightSphere For my flash
12. Address(es) for wedding and reception
13. GPS!
13. Wedding Shot List
I always pack a bag full of treats to munch on when I get a sugar low. For those of you who wait until the reception to eat, you guys are crazy! 
At least one month before a wedding, I contact the bride to get all of the details in order. For example, wedding day shot list, addresses, and anything they may need or have a question about. Year after year, this is my go-to list for every wedding day. If you are a photographer reading this and have any questions or suggestions you would like to add, please do! I am always looking to add to the list to make each one my weddings as smooth as possible.
