My Kit

Unconventional wedding photographer Katch Silva on her must-have equipment

I think it’s super important to continue evolving by experimenting with expanding your tool kit

Minimalism, you could say, is my life motto. My home is smaller than most bathrooms and everything I own fits into less than 100 square feet. I live in a Sprinter van, with my man, and travel the States shooting weddings and couples. But when it comes to my gear, simplicity goes out the window. Being prepared, and having all the right tools to get creative with, is always my priority, and my kit reflects that. I own two camera bodies, five prime lenses, two flashes, two straps, five film cameras (some instant), a whole lotta film, a tripod, and a few other accessories. It might not seem like a giant kit, but it takes up a lot of space in our tiny home. It’s so worth it.

I’ve thought about downsizing my kit, maybe down to three lenses, or one flash, but I actually use every lens at every wedding (with the exception of the 135mm, which I don’t use at very small intimate gatherings). I always make sure to have backups of everything, which is why having only one flash or one body isn’t an option. Instead, I’ve learned to be intentional about the choices I make.

But I think it’s important to continue evolving by experimenting with your tool kit. Remember, our tools aren’t just our professional gear. They can be things like glass pieces, prisms, or a new way of shooting. So whether that means trying out a new film camera, using objects in front of your lens, or trying out new shooting techniques, we need to keep pushing expanding our comfort zone.