Gear Update: My Current Setup for Stunning Photography (2025 Edition)
Hey friends!
It’s been a whole year since my last gear update, and oh wow—so much has changed! As many of you know, I’ve recently leaned more heavily into photographing weddings, which has been such a beautiful and exciting chapter in my journey. With that shift, my gear needed an upgrade to keep up with the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of wedding days. So let’s dive into my current setup and why I made the switch!
Canon R6 Mark II: My New Ride-or-Die Camera First things first: I made the leap from the Canon R8 to the Canon R6 Mark II, and I haven’t looked back. The main reason for this upgrade? Dual card slots. When shooting weddings, I need the peace of mind knowing I have backups of every moment. This camera delivers that and so much more.
The R6 Mark II offers phenomenal autofocus, performs beautifully in low-light (a must for those romantic receptions), and feels incredibly solid in hand. It's built for the demands of a wedding day but still nimble enough for adventure sessions and everything in between.
Canon R8: My Trusty Backup Even though I upgraded, I didn’t say goodbye to my Canon R8! It now serves as my reliable backup camera, just in case anything happens to my main setup. It still delivers beautiful images and is super lightweight, making it a great secondary option to have on hand during weddings and travel sessions.
Lenses: 24-70mm, 85mm, and 50mm – Still Going Strong Even with a new camera body, my lens trio remains the same, and for good reason!
24-70mm: My everyday workhorse. It’s versatile, reliable, and perfect for everything from getting ready photos to sweeping ceremony shots. The zoom range gives me the flexibility I need, especially in fast-moving situations.
85mm: My portrait queen. This lens is still my go-to for dreamy, cinematic portraits. It’s flattering, creamy, and never fails to deliver those wow-worthy shots.
50mm: The little powerhouse. I love having this lightweight gem in my bag for low-light situations or when I want to keep things simple and intimate. It’s also a great lens for candids and storytelling moments.
Editing Setup: Apple Laptop & Wacom Tablet My editing station continues to be a calm, creative haven. I’m still using my Apple laptop, which handles Lightroom and Photoshop with ease. The performance is consistent, which is everything when I’m deep in editing a wedding gallery.
I also still swear by my Wacom tablet for retouching. The control it gives me is unbeatable—especially when I’m perfecting skin tones or making tiny adjustments. It’s the closest I’ve felt to painting digitally.
Flash: Because You Never Know While I still adore natural light, my flash remains a must-have in my bag. Weddings can throw unexpected lighting situations your way, and having a flash means I’m always ready to adapt. Whether it’s a candlelit dance floor or a moody first look, the flash helps me capture those moments cleanly and beautifully.
That wraps up my current photography gear lineup for 2025! This setup has helped me step confidently into the world of weddings, while still giving me the flexibility I need for lifestyle, couples, and adventure sessions.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your gear or have questions about what I use, drop a comment or message me! I’m always happy to chat about camera nerd stuff.
Until next time, keep chasing the light.
xo,
Bethany Hicks
