Welcome back to my Philadelphia trip series! We’re officially on week two of this behind-the-scenes look into my creative process and preparations. If you missed week one, you can catch up here. This week, I’m opening up my suitcase, literally and figuratively, to share what’s inside my Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list as I prepare for next month’s East Coast trip.
There’s a rhythm to preparing for a photography trip, the kind of rhythm that only comes when your suitcase is half-packed, your to-do list is in elegant chaos, and your heart knows something meaningful is around the corner. As I get ready for my upcoming journey to the East Coast, I wanted to open my suitcase (figuratively and literally) and offer a glimpse into what goes into my Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list, from the essentials that keep me grounded to the tools that allow me to create with intention.
This trip is part scouting mission, part creative reset, and part beginning of a new chapter. I’m not just traveling to take pictures. I’m traveling to imagine what life, and legacy, will look like here. I’ll be photographing at the timeless Cairnwood Estate, spending time in the heart of Old City (think Elfreth’s Alley, the Merchant’s Exchange Building, and the 2nd Bank of the United States), stopping by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the first time, and weaving in moments of inspiration everywhere from The Franklin Fountain to Elixr Coffee.
The Foundation: Wedding Photography Gear That Travels Well
There are the obvious pieces: cameras, lenses, memory cards. But over time, I’ve refined my gear list into something minimal, elegant, and practical, just like the work I aim to create. And when it comes to building a thoughtful Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list, this gear is always the first to be packed.
- Dual camera bodies (always)
- Signature lenses (35mm, 50mm, and 85mm)
- Film camera + Portra 800 rolls (for those quiet, dreamy frames)
- Lightweight tripod for detail work
- Extra batteries, cards, chargers, painstakingly organized
- Flatlay styling kit for brand collaborations and detail shots
Each item is packed with care, often wrapped in linen or tucked between cotton pouches. Not just for safety, but because the ritual of packing matters to me. It signals intention.
Personal Items That Keep Me Grounded
Packing for a photography trip isn’t just about gear. It’s about the things that bring a sense of calm and presence. Here’s what comes with me every time to round out my Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list:
- Sundresses that travel well and layer easily
- A few favorite jeans and neutral tops for versatility
- My favorite wide-brim hat for sunny scout days
- Notebook + pen, for thoughts that only arrive mid-flight
- Film-safe pouch for airport security
- A silk eye mask and travel pillow
- Facial mist and hand cream (small luxuries go a long way)
My In-Flight Ritual: Philadelphia Bound
Flights have become sacred transitions in my process. I use the time to slow down, reflect, and set intention. The in-flight portion of my Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list always includes:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Shawl or oversized scarf
- Hydrating snacks: almonds, dried fruit, dark chocolate
- Audiobooks and podcasts loaded as well as a couple episodes of my favorite shows
- A printed itinerary + scouting notes
Why This List Matters
If you’re reading this as a fellow creative, you know how grounding a packing list can be. If you’re reading this as a future client, I want you to know: I prepare for your day with the same thoughtfulness I bring to each journey. This Philadelphia wedding photographer packing list isn’t just a checklist. It’s a quiet promise to show up ready, for you, for your story, and for every fleeting moment we’ll preserve together.
Stepping Into Something New
This trip to Philadelphia is more than a creative refresh, it’s a pivotal part of my transition to the East Coast wedding market. Every location I visit, every venue I walk through, every detail I scout, it’s all done with the future in mind. With your wedding in mind.
If you’re planning a celebration in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or anywhere along the East Coast and are looking for a photographer who sees beyond the surface, I’d love to connect.
Explore what working together might feel like or reach out here to begin the conversation.
