I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

DOCUMENTING LOVE'S UNSCRIPTED CHAPTERS FROM COUPLES & FAMILIES IN COLORADO + VIRGINIA

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June 10, 2015

Telephoto Lens | 70-200mm

What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding Photographer

It has been a while since I last did a “what’s in a bag“. I still have so much to go over so of course I didn’t forget. 😉 We learned all about the use of a Macro Lens last post and this time I’m going to go over the huge mack daddy lens, 70-200mm! I picked up this lens super early in my career when I first got into weddings and I’m glad I did! I use this lens every wedding. Personally, I only use this lens once during the entire wedding day which most photographers wonder if it is even worth the investment. YES! The idea of walking up and down an aisle cringes me. The last thing I want to do is be a distraction during a ceremony. This lens allows me to hang out on the sidelines and get close enough to make it feel like I was right there in the middle of the action. I do know some photographers who will use this lens for portraits but it is just not my particular style. If you are a photographer, play around with it and see what lens is considered a MUST. For my personal taste, this one isn’t a must during a portrait session but definitely helpful during the ceremony! I have heard the Nikkor 200mm f/2 is amazing! I haven’t tried this one out because I have been super happy with the variety and the crispness of this lens when I need it during ceremonies. 🙂

The thing is that couples want photos your guests cannot take. Using a telephoto lens will make your photos stand out from the rest. Ceremonies can last anywhere from 5 minutes (yes, I have documented a 5 minute ceremony before!) to an hour. Typically, it’s about 20-30 minutes which gives you the time to be a little bit creative and pay attention to your surroundings.

Introducing the 70-200mm f/2.8!

What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerI’m standing at the back row of chairs for this shot.
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerWhat's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerHaving the 70-200mm gives me the flexibility of switching zooms REALLY fast when I want to deliver a variety of images to my couple.
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerAnd one close up if they hold that kiss!
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerI love documenting the tears …
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerAs well as the celebration after being pronounced husband and wife!
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerIt’s important to not forget about the crowd, especially the parents of the b&g. I try to pay attention to their emotions throughout the ceremony to capture these sweet little moments.
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding PhotographerOr the funny little moments hidden in the crowd like this little kid sleeping … or a sweet gesture like the groom’s parents holding hands remembering their special day together. 🙂
What's in My Bag | Telephoto Lens 70-200mm | Warrenton, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Overall, I would say this lens is DEFINITELY worth the investment! It keeps the photographer in the action without being a huge distraction <= SO key! If you have any questions regarding this lens, feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading! xoxo!

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