Second Shooter // 16 // Annapolis Maritime Museum

There is a choice that must be made when you become a professional wedding photographer. And that choice is…

One camera, or two?

When I started, I swore I would only ever be a one-camera photographer. Minimalism, and all that. Two seemed like too much trouble.

And then I became a second photographer for a team that thought you needed two cameras (preferably two of the same camera, for ease of switching) – one for a long lens and one for a wide lens. So that you can be prepared in every situation.

I never really loved having two cameras, or wide angle lenses for that matter. But they do have their uses, and there are times it is absolutely necessary. Cameras are heavy and it can be difficult to maneuver with so much extra weight hanging off my body. But it was nice to be able to really quickly pick up the camera with the wide angle when I needed it in a pinch.

So when it came time to think about what I wanted to shoot with, regardless of what any other photographer says is the right thing to do, I decided to shoot primarily with my Nikon D700, but add a small Fuji X-Pro1 with a wide-angle prime lens.

And this photo, taken at a recent wedding at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, makes me so glad I made that decision. Having the Fuji by my side with a wide-angle lens allowed me to capture the full magnificence of this beautiful setting.

People ask about the Fuji at every wedding, because it looks like an old rangefinder camera. Most people think that it’s actually holding film. It’s smaller than a DSLR because it doesn’t have a mirror (and so much lighter! and quieter!). But these days, the sensor inside the camera is probably the most important thing to consider in buying a new one, and I adore the photos my little Fuji produces as much as I love it’s simplicity.

And as always, Dani is awesome and I couldn’t be more grateful to photograph weddings with her!

Settings: Fuji X-Pro1, 18mm, f/2, 1/4000, ISO 250