Above: An emergency prop in use
We have all been there, trying to block out a shot and from off frame you hear “Oh *%$#@, who has a…”. As a wedding photographer, one of the key elements to keeping a day stress free is ensuring the inevitable hitches don’t turn into train wrecks. Even with all the planning and prep in the world, things are still going to happen which could range from a slight delay, to a code-red, day stopping problem. When hired as a photographer, duties are contractually different from planners, assistants, venue staff etc. Though, all of those roles have the vested interest of the day going as well as possible. That being said, if there are things we can do to make the day better for our clients we should be doing them. Part of that is just providing a good customer experience. It means less delays, allowing our allotted time to be used for more photographic endeavors. It also means coming through in a pinch. Sometimes this means putting down the camera and providing assistance in other ways. This can be a valuable element to your quiver which can bolster your professionalism while also reminding the client you are in this together.
Being prepared is the key here. This means having some sort of a wedding day emergency kit on you. I’m going to share with you what I and my associate bring with us. Some of the things I mention will probably already be in your camera bag for your own benefit. However, this list is for the benefit of the client experience, I’m not going to tell you how many camera batteries you should have. (Fun Fact: the answer is 12). The mild paranoia that seems to come with being a working artist only provides so much foresight. Many of these items have come from things happening and NOT having them handy. So now we do.
Here is the list.
A roll of Gaff Tape. If you’re not familiar with gaff/gaffers tape, its like duck tape, but with some differences. I have found it doesn’t leave residue so I feel safer putting it on painted or more delicate surfaces. It doesn't reflect light at all. Even though it’s more expensive, I feel it’s worth the extra money for the application. I keep a roll on the strap of my main camera bag. Nice and handy.
Consumables. Gatorade/Pedialyte - Sometimes people get let things get away from them, in my car I keep a little cooler with 2 liters of some electrolyte drink. Can help turn someone's day or help yourself rehydrate for the ride home after a successful day. Energy Bars can help everyone keep going, it can be hard to remember to keep taking in calories especially during the middle of the day. Gum is great especially when working in close quarters.
A Leatherman. These things are lifesavers. They’re compact and have a bunch of things you might need like a small knife, nail file, pliers screwdriver. You can carry all of these separately, but it’s a good way to save space and will last you a lifetime.
Pens. Yes multiple pens. Not to be a nerd about it, but a felt and a ball point is good to have depending on what you need to write on. This comes up often and I’m always glad to have them handy.
A small First Aid Kit is a great addition. These will have simple things like bandaids and athletic tape. I recommend also adding individual dose over the counter items like Pepto, Tums and pain relievers. If it is needed to cover up a blister from new high heels or cut from cleaning up broken bottles, it’s nice to have. Though hopefully never needed.
Shout Wipes or a Tide Pen. Both have their specific applications depending on the material and what kind of stain you are dealing with. Stains happen and though I’m not worried about someones suit deposit, I don’t want to spend time editing out stains if I can help it.
You can find small Sewing Kits which can be indispensable if the situation comes up. With the sewing kit I keep safety pins in an old 35mm cartridge. A good pair of scissors can be great as well, just be careful where you stick them in your bag. People are very often wearing clothes which they don’t typically don, so last minute alterations or old/new issues come up often.
Then there are small items like Chap Stick (new, don’t share, thats gross), Clear Nail Polish, Makeup Wipes, Bobbie Pins, Floss, Earring Backs and Hygiene products. These are items which most wedding parties have access to but can be easily left in the room when you’re out. Three of the most used items in this sort are Hair Spray, Hair Ties (always on my wrist anyway) and a small Mirror. This sounds like a lot of stuff but all these items can be purchased in travel sizes. If you’ve never been down the travel size aisle at Target. Treat yourself.
I’m not saying you need to run out and buy all these items and keep them in a red duffle bag which you drag around all day during the wedding. I’m saying that between my associate, myself and my car, we have these items available. Some stay in special pockets on my camera bags like the hair spray and gaff tape. Some in my car like the first aid and drinks. Some in my pocket like the pens and Leatherman. As working artists we carry enough gear as it is, I get it. Though, these items can turn a day around if they are needed. Hopefully, you never NEED any of it. In the case where you do, I hope you’ve thought ahead and taken that extra step to make what can be a stressful day, a little easier for those you’re working with. They will thank you and you’ll have more time to take photos of happy clients.
I really hope this gave you some ideas of what to add to your wedding day kit. If you have anything I don’t have listed on here, I’d love to hear about it. I’m sure they are still other great, day saving ideas still out there!