As a Bristol wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings at some truly stunning venues—from the elegant, wide-open grounds of Leigh Court to the intimate, atmospheric setting of Clifton Observatory. Each space presents its own unique challenges and creative opportunities, and over the years, I’ve refined a lens setup that helps me work confidently and artistically in any situation.
While many photographers lean towards zooms for their flexibility, I’ve found that prime lenses give me the edge when it comes to image quality, low-light performance, and storytelling. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the lenses I use at every wedding, why I prefer primes, and how they suit the variety of wedding venues Bristol has to offer.
---
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art – For Emotional Moments and Stunning Portraits
If I had to choose one lens that defines my portrait style, it would be the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art. At venues like Leigh Court, where there's plenty of space to step back and frame your subject beautifully, the compression and bokeh this lens delivers are second to none.
It’s perfect for:
Emotional moments during the ceremony
Speeches, where I can capture reactions from across the room without being intrusive
Golden-hour portraits in large, open grounds
This lens is sharp wide open at f/1.8 and isolates the subject effortlessly. I use it when I want to tell a story from a distance while still keeping the emotion front and centre.
---
Sony 85mm f/1.8 – A Lightweight Portrait Workhorse
The Sony 85mm f/1.8 is my go-to for couple portraits and mid-range moments. It gives a natural, flattering perspective—ideal for smaller spaces like Clifton Observatory or during prep when room is limited.
It’s incredibly light, fast to focus, and delivers beautiful results even in low light. I find it’s especially useful when shooting in tight but character-rich venues around Bristol where space is a premium but style is essential.
---
Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM – Perfect for Storytelling and Scene Setting
When I want to show the full context of a moment—be it the architecture of a grand venue or the energy of a packed dance floor—I turn to the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM. It’s ideal for:
Morning prep in cosy Bristol townhouses
Venue shots that showcase the couple’s styling and details
Dancing and candid moments where I want to be close and dynamic
The fast f/1.4 aperture is a lifesaver in dimly lit venues and gives me creative flexibility throughout the day.
---
Why I Choose Prime Lenses Over Zooms
As someone who photographs weddings across a variety of Bristol venues, I’ve found that prime lenses keep me creative and intentional. While zoom lenses like the popular 24–70mm or 70–200mm f/2.8 offer convenience, they can sometimes lead to a more reactive style of shooting.
Primes push me to:
Move with purpose
Think more carefully about composition
Shoot wide open for stunning depth and beautiful natural light
They’re also lighter, faster, and often sharper than their zoom counterparts—ideal when I’m on my feet all day capturing everything from the quiet moments to the chaos of the party.
---
Other Focal Lengths to Consider
If you're building your own wedding photography kit, here are a few more options worth considering:
35mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 – Great for documentary-style moments, morning prep, and receptions
50mm f/1.4 – A versatile middle ground between wide and telephoto
70–200mm f/2.8 – A strong option for ceremonies if you prefer staying further back
---
Final Thoughts from a Bristol Wedding Photographer
Whether I’m photographing a grand celebration at Leigh Court or an intimate elopement in the heart of Bristol, my prime lenses—Sigma 135mm f/1.8, Sony 85mm f/1.8, and Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM—never let me down. They help me capture weddings in a way that’s true to my style: authentic, emotive, and full of life.
If you're a couple planning a Bristol wedding and want timeless photography with a creative edge—or you're a photographer looking to upgrade your gear—these lenses are a brilliant place to start.