A Wedding Photo Shot List can be a Good Idea: But Discuss this with your Photographer Instead

Hiring a wedding photographer can be very stressful. After all, wedding photos are meant to capture one of the most special days in your life, and you want to make sure you get the right shots. It is very common for brides to compile an extensive wedding shot list. While this is a good idea, it can be redundant because skilled wedding photographers already know what they need to capture in order to provide you with the perfect wedding gallery.

In this article as a bride, you will learn how to have this conversation with your photographer that focuses more on what “wedding shots” are important to you, and how an expert photographer may navigate understanding special circumstances or personal family dynamics! Secondly, for beginner photographers and more curious couples, we will share our expertise in compiling a basic shot list and share best practices every bride has come to expect.

What are the most important wedding photos?

There are just some photos in any wedding gallery that must be there. For photographers looking to get into the business or for couples that want to understand the foundation of a great wedding shot list. Here are things that quite simply should always be there:

– Prep shots – This includes the wedding dress, wedding rings, wedding bouquets and any other wedding details.

– Ceremony shots – this includes the wedding ceremony itself, key moments such as exchanging of wedding vows, wedding kiss, signing of marriage license etc.

– Family formals – capturing all family members together in wedding photos and wedding party photos.

– Reception highlights – wedding cake cutting, first dance, wedding speeches etc.

I think we can all agree here, that missing any of these foundational pieces is akin to a failed gallery and or incomplete one. Start with the above as a foundation of understanding that both parties understand, “this is what HAS to be there.”

Give THIS to Your Wedding Photographer Instead of a Shot List

Some of this will seem very obvious, but the point here is to provide mutual understanding. Your photographer doesn’t want to receive a 100-point wedding shot list that includes the above items. Believe us, this happens more often than you think. Your photographer knows you want your family photographed, your dress, and your first kiss… The list goes on.

Rather than writing a wedding shot list, we suggest you give your wedding photographer more context about the wedding instead. Start by sharing any family dynamics or special circumstances (such as if someone is ill, or if your Aunt Debbie is a “second mother” to you). This will help the photographer understand who to focus on so they can capture the right moments between people in photos. Think of the things that can’t be assumed.

The Ultimate Wedding Photo Shot List

We’ve provided wedding photography shot list ideas. Your wedding photographer can walk you through the wedding day timeline when it’s time to plan so that all important moments are captured!

– Bride and groom getting ready photos

– Bridal party photos (including separate shots of each)

– Ceremony details before the bridal party/ wedding couple entrance

– Bride and groom walking down the aisle

– Vows and wedding kiss

– Bride and groom portraits

– Wedding party formal photos

– Family formals (including separate shots of each)

– Reception details (cake cutting, first dance, speeches etc.)

Outside these generic shots it’s important to discuss specific images and shots out of the ordinary for your big day… before the big day!

Ask Yourself, Who Are the Important People at the Wedding?

If you want to capture more meaningful wedding photos, think about who the important people are in your wedding. This could include close family, friends and wedding party members. Additionally, prepare those loved ones for a formal photography section when doing family and bridal party photos.

When speaking to your wedding photographer about wedding photos, consider the shots that truly matter to you. What moments would you like to be documented? What special people do you want photographs of? Make sure to give your wedding photographer any names and faces so they can be prepared!

How to Create a Shot List for Your Wedding Photographer: The Do’s and Don’ts

When creating a wedding shot list for your wedding photographer, there are some do’s and don’ts that should be taken into consideration.

DO:

• Provide context about the wedding day, including family dynamics and any special circumstances, special religious ceremonies, and the day of the wedding timeline.
• Make sure to cover the key wedding photography must-haves such as getting ready photos, wedding party photos, family formals, ceremony details, and reception highlights.
• Make sure to provide any names and faces, so the wedding photographer can be prepared.

DON’T:

• Write a long wedding shot list with 100 points that include all the wedding photography must-haves. Your wedding photographer already knows these!
• Forget about the wedding photos of special people. Make sure to provide your wedding photographer with names and faces in advance.
• Forget about photos that would be great for a wedding album, social media post, announcements, and more!
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Avoid disappointment and get the wedding photos you want with Bushel + Peck

At Bushel + Peck, we match our experience in the industry with a wide-network of experienced and vetted photographers to ensure we accomplish a few things. First and foremost, more successful weddings and final products, a better process of matching through questionnaires and our matching process. All with the ability of shooting and editing in your particular style, all under one roof!