Photo Nights Boston

The 5 Essential Items of the Wedding Photographer's Toolkit by Doug Levy

Years ago, before I became a wedding photographer, I spent six years umpiring professional baseball. And toward the end of my career, when I was working at the AA level, many (most? that’s probably an overstatement), fans watching me work couldn’t have told the difference between my strike zone and a big league zone. Everything went smooth, no pitches in the dirt were called strikes, nothing down the middle a ball, and everyone went home happy. But on those other nights…those other nights are one of many reasons I would never have made it as a big leaguer. Those other nights I would have been the lead-in to SportsCenter.

Wedding photography is kind of like that. Not an obvious comparison? Most of the weddings I photograph move along pretty smoothly. The couple and I have discussed the timeline in advance and I pride myself on never being the reason for a delay. Most of the weddings I photograph have gorgeous light, great stories and no major mishaps. Most of the weddings.

Sometimes though, often because of matters beyond my control, things happen. It rains. It snows. The limo gets stuck in traffic. The hotel forgets to unlock the bridal suite. The groom doesn’t have a black belt for his suit (that happened, and I once shot a wedding beltless as a result. Thankfully my pants stayed up). Those days are the reason you hire a professional and where I really earn my money.

Because at the end of the day, clients don’t care that I shoot 29, awesome problem free weddings this year if number 30 is a mess, nor should they. The same way my baseball bosses wouldn’t have cared if I’d called every pitch right all night but missed one in the bottom of the 14^th.

With an eye toward making those days that might not stick strickly to the plans, I’ve learned over the years there are a few items I can’t leave home without. Some are probably obvious, others less so.

1)      Leatherman: Bride’s dress has a stray string? Need a kiwi cut in half for a ring shot? Groomsmen needs to open a beer? Table for the ceremony needs a shim (yup, that happened once), my Leatherman is there.

2)      King sized white bed sheet: I know, I know. It sounds like the most conspicuous obnoxious thing to bring to a wedding. The truth is, most of the time the sheet never leaves my car, but it did come in especially handy for this photo last year when the sun set directly into the faces of the bride and groom during the best man’s toast. Taped discreetly to the tent behind the band, I’d bet that Ali and Chris never knew it was there, but it sure helped me make better photos.

3)      Westcott double fold 42” umbrella: Among all the expensive gear I own, this $20 item travels with me always. It makes a great lighting modifier (as seen in this photo from 2011 in York Maine), but I’ve used it as a reflector and an actual rain umbrella in a pinch.

4)      Full sized apple box: This is a new addition this year, and hasn’t seen action at a wedding yet, but it’s proven its worth at more than one engagement shoot. Need a step? A seat? Groom is 18 inches taller than the bride? No problem.

5)      Tide Pen: Two words. Wedding. Dress.

A few other odds and ends that have proven themselves handy over the years (and that don't take up much space in my bag). Wet naps, bug spray (travel packet size), bungee cords and a travel flashlight. 

Doug Levy is a wedding photographer living and working in Boston. His savy, MacGyver ways and work can be found on his website: http://douglaslevyphotography.com