Inside My Camera Bag | VLA Photography

Hello, we are Jon and Laura, husband and wife. We live in Ascot, UK, and are wedding photographers.

Wedding photography is definitely something we committed to. We knew early on it couldn’t be one of many parts to our business. We needed to solely focus on becoming wedding photographers and developing a style that pushed and excited us.

VLA started in 2010 and over the years we have delved deep into the wedding day, breaking it down into parts and understanding all the key moments throughout and how to best document them.

We are definitely attracted to capturing the humour, emotion and vibrancy in a shot, whilst being influenced heavily by leading lines, depth, symmetry and angles (see guide to balance in photography here).

Variety always plays a huge role in how we tell the story of a wedding day and we always combine our current influences with trusted photographic principles when we shoot.

The relationship between us and the couple is imperative and creating a friendship from the outset is so important. We definitely aim to blend in on the day and be as approachable as possible with everyone. We’ve learnt that this is how you get the best from people.

We use Canon 5D Mk III and Mk IV cameras (no battery grip) and use a selection of their L Series lenses. Our go-to lenses are the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 and Canon 24-105mm f/4.

We just love the flexibility of these zooms and moments like the ceremony and speeches are captured perfectly with them.

For couple shots, the Canon 85mm f/1.4 and the Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 are the main lenses we’re currently using. They’re fast, sharp and create beautiful portraits. We keep the kit simple, light and hassle-free.

For fill in flash we use the 580EXII and the 430EXII mounted on the camera’s hotshoe. We rarely use it to it’s full capability with the most frequent range from -1 to +1. It’s always bounced.

Here’s the kit we use:

Canon 5D MK III (x3)

Canon 5D MK IV

Canon L Series 24-70mm f/2.8

Canon L Series 24-105mm f/4

Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4

Canon 85mm f/1.4

Canon 70-200mm f/4

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8

Canon 580EXII (x2)

Canon 430EXII (x2)

Sandisk 32GB CF/SD