Planning a shot list with your wedding photographers can help you feel more confident that you’ll get the right pictures on your special day. From the smallest details to the biggest moments, a shot list provides a list of photos for your photographers to focus on capturing. Here’s how you can work with wedding photographers to plan your dream shot list:
Table of Contents
Consider the Details
Detail shots encompass the little things that give your wedding character and represent your relationship. From the table decorations to the bridal suite, consider having your wedding photographers capture the following details:
- Wedding Program
- Bride’s Wedding Ring
- Groom’s Wedding Band
- Ring Box
- Wedding Invitation
- Bride’s Dress
- Bride’s Shoes
- Bridal Bouquet
- Groom’s Suit
- Groom’s Shoes
- Flower Girl Baskets
Choose the wedding details that mean the most to you and your partner. You can also ask your wedding photographers for additional detail ideas to add to your shot list.
List the Must-haves
As soon-to-be newlyweds, you can help your photographers understand you and your partner’s expectations by adding must-have moments and poses to the shot list. These photos can include:
- People Photos: This includes couple portraits, group pictures of key people, and moments with the family.
- Wedding Ceremony Photos: This includes the first kiss, the exchange of wedding vows, and walking down the aisle.
- Reception Photos: This includes giving speeches, dancing, and cutting the cake.
Consider different variations of each photo on your shot list. This could include pictures of the bride and groom with both sets of parents or individual photos of the bride with her mom and the groom with his dad. Adding specific shots to your list can help your photographers focus on the most meaningful memories and people on your wedding day.
Visit the Venue
Walking through the wedding location with your photographers offers a great visual idea of the kind of space they will have to work with. Look for potential photo backdrop areas suitable for intimate and group photos. This could include areas with greenery and flowers, garden arches, water fountains, brick walls, or rustic barns. If you have a large wedding party, make sure there’s a spot with adequate space for a large group photo. Share with your photographers any specific poses you want to capture in front of the different backdrops. This can help them plan how they will photograph your special day and fulfill your desired shot list.
Create Special Moments
Use your shot list as an opportunity to plan and create special moments for photos on your wedding day. This could include photos of an intimate first look, getting ready, or riding off into the sunset. Think about how each experience can be customized to fit your style. The bride could embrace her father-daughter bond with a first-look photo session with Dad or spend time getting ready and laughing while taking photos in the bridal suite with Mom. The groom could plan fun shots with his groomsmen, like a group high-five or tossing the groom in the air. Utilize your photographers’ experience and creativity to help create a shot list full of memorable moments.
Discuss the Photography Style
Choose wedding photographers that match your desired style to get photos you can cherish forever. Look for photographers with a form of editing that you like, with options ranging from light and airy to dark and moody. Discuss posing techniques. If you want candid photos of your wedding day, confirm that the photographers you choose are comfortable shooting unplanned moments. Use these aspects of photography to enhance your shot list.
Work With Experienced Wedding Photographers
When planning your dream shot list, consider the details you want to remember and your must-have poses. Use your shot list to capture the features of your wedding venue and create unique moments on your special day. Hire experienced professional wedding photographers that help you feel comfortable while capturing your wedding photos.
