Sebastien Bicard

Wedding | Last Updated: March 30, 2023

Hi guys, I’m Seb, a Frenchman living in California and covering weddings since 2006.

Like many of you, I sort of accidentally fell into this awesome profession. My previous professional background (in finance) is far from having any direct artistic links, but I grew to love the insane creative energy that I pour into my images, and the people and photographers I work with. YAY for the chance to work with kickass couples in unbelievable places documenting a piece of their lives – a moment, a day, or even more…

It’s really hard to describe myself so I will use the feedback from my couples to define my style: genuine, storytelling, landscape-focused, moody and romantic. I think that’s pretty accurate!

I have learned everything I know since I picked up my first Canon 5D back in the day. I always loved the creamy, yet sharp texture of the images it rendered, and I’m now shooting with two Canon 5D Mark IV. Since I veer on the dramatic side, it’s pretty awesome to use the dramatic range available compared to the Canon 5D Mark III. I don’t hesitate to underexpose my files by 2 stops and correct or adjust in post-prod. And dang, it feels soooo good!

I shoot 90% of the time with Canon 35mm f/1.4L and Canon 50mm f/1.2L on my bodies. I will occasionally switch to the Canon 45mm f/2.8 TS-E, 85mm f/1.2L or the Canon 135mm f/2L for ceremonies. I almost always shoot the dance floor with my Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L in order to get that “intimate” feeling when I’m close to people as if I was part of the party!

I also have a few spare lenses for special shots: Canon 50mm f/1.8, Canon 45mm f/2.8, Canon 24mm f/1.4 L.

During the reception, I use one Canon 600EX II-RT and two Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II flashes. I play a bit with OCF, so I use two Cheetah Stand C8.

Let’s talk bags. I’m a freak for camera bags and can’t really commit to my ultimate gear/camera/stuff bag yet (but I keep trying!). The bag I use the most often, or if I need to hike or walk around a lot, is the Peak Design Everyday 30L Backpack. I have never come across such a clever bag for all my gear…but it’s too big for weddings.

For the Big Day, I use a combo of bags: Think Tank Airport Navigator for all my lighting equipment + my backup lenses, and then Peak Design Everyday Sling for all the necessary items (meaning batteries, cards, wallets, prism, gum, energy bar, lens, notebook, pen, keys, painkillers…I could go on!). This little bag is a gem.

My last thought is with what has been a game changer: the MoneyMaker from Holdfast. With this dual camera harness, I’m perfectly balanced and look great for a wedding. I can’t imagine not working with this awesome tool ever again!

www.sebastienbicard.com