Franklin Dean
Wedding photography is an essential part of any wedding day, capturing memories to be relived for a lifetime. Creating a wedding photography checklist is a great way to ensure that you and your photographer are on the same page and that all the important moments are captured. From bridal portraits to family photos, there are several must-have shots that couples may want to consider including on their wedding photo list.
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![The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner [Revised Edition]: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Timelines, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lx2xHeJdL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Bridal portraits and centrepieces
Bridal portraits are a key part of wedding photography. These photos are usually taken a month or two before the wedding day, with the bride posing in her complete wedding outfit, including her hair and makeup. This gives the bride a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and ensures that, on the day, the focus can be on capturing the candid moments.
Bridal portraits can be taken in a variety of locations, from photo studios to outdoor settings, such as gardens or parks, or even at the wedding venue. One of the most popular poses is on a staircase, with the train of the dress spread out on the stairs. Other ideas include the bride standing by a window, holding her bouquet, or sitting on a symbolic piece of furniture, such as her mother's sofa.
On the day, it's important to let the photographer work their magic and capture the natural moments. However, it's a good idea to have a shot list to ensure you get the photos you want. For example, you might want to capture the bridal party getting ready, with close-ups of the dress details, shoes, and accessories. During the ceremony, you'll want photos of the first kiss, and the reception provides an opportunity for creative shots of the centrepieces and decorations.
Centrepieces are an important part of the wedding decor and can be used to add a unique, personal touch to the day. They can range from simple floral arrangements to more elaborate designs incorporating candles, fairy lights, or other decorative items. When it comes to photographing centrepieces, it's important to capture the details, such as the colours, textures, and any personal touches added. Flat lay photos are a great way to showcase the centrepieces, as well as other wedding details like the invitations, rings, and shoes.
To ensure you get the shots you want, it's essential to communicate your must-have moments to your photographer beforehand. This will allow them to plan their shots and ensure they capture the unique details of your special day.
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Family photos
It is important to give your wedding photographer a list of family photo groupings to ensure that no one gets missed and that you have photos with some of the most important people in your life. Your photographer likely doesn't know your family or fully understand your family dynamics, so it is helpful to provide them with a list of names and groupings. This will also ensure that the photoshoot stays efficient and timely.
When creating your family photo shot list, consider which groupings are truly important to you, not just what is expected by others. Will you be disappointed if a group isn't included? How much time are you willing to set aside for family photos? It is recommended to limit your shot list to your immediate family and grandparents, which should take approximately one hour to shoot. You can then enjoy your reception and take more casual photos with extended family members.
- Bride's immediate family (parents, siblings, siblings' spouses and children)
- Bride's maternal grandparents
- Bride's paternal grandparents
- Groom's immediate family (parents, siblings, siblings' spouses and children)
- Groom's maternal grandparents
- Groom's paternal grandparents
Of course, you can always add or remove groupings to suit your family dynamics and preferences. For example, you may want a photo with just your siblings or a three-generation photo with your mother and grandmother. If your family includes step-parents or step-family, you can include them in the immediate family groupings.
In addition to the traditional family groupings, don't forget to capture the smaller details and candid moments. These could include getting-ready shots with your mother, maid of honour, or another family member assisting you. You may also want to capture details such as a family heirloom or a personalised wedding menu. Communicate these must-have moments to your photographer in advance so they can prepare and ensure nothing is missed.
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Reception photos
Your wedding reception is the perfect opportunity to capture some memorable photos. While you'll want to ensure you've got the classic shots, it's also a chance to get creative and have some fun.
The Space
The reception venue will likely be decorated and styled to your taste, so be sure to capture the details of the room, both before and after guests enter. Ask your photographer to take scene-setting snapshots of the entire space, including any unique bars, escort card installations, or reception backdrops.
The Details
From place cards to centrepieces, decorations to table settings, there are plenty of details to photograph at a wedding reception. You might also want to capture the food, the cake, and the champagne glasses. If there are any personal touches, such as a grandparent's heirloom or a personalised menu, be sure to add these to your shot list.
The Guests
While you'll likely have some group photos with family and friends, it's also a good idea to capture candid shots of your guests enjoying the reception. Whether it's a photo of your parents laughing together, your bridesmaids chatting, or your friends dancing, these natural moments will help you remember the atmosphere of the day.
The Couple
Don't forget to capture some photos of the happy couple at the reception. Whether it's a romantic shot of the newlyweds' first dance, a fun photo of the couple with their bridal party, or a sweet snapshot of the couple stealing a kiss, these are the photos you'll treasure forever.
Remember, it's important to communicate your must-have photos to your photographer in advance, but also trust them to capture the magic of your special day.
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Candid photos
Capturing candid photos at a wedding is all about documenting the day and the moments as they unfold. It's about telling a story and capturing the interactions between the newlyweds, their friends, and family. A candid photo is one where the subjects are not posed or staged but are captured as they naturally are.
To get the best candid photos, it is recommended to hire a second photographer. This gives more opportunities to capture special moments and small interactions that may otherwise be missed. For example, while one photographer is capturing the exchange of rings, the second photographer can capture the parents' reactions. Having two photographers means more chances to capture all the moments, big and small.
It is also important to hire a photographer whose shooting style aligns with your vision. Look for a photographer who specialises in documentary-style photography and prefers capturing candid, natural moments over posed shots. An engagement session before the wedding can help the couple feel more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, allowing for more natural candid photos on the big day.
To create a comfortable atmosphere, the photographer should aim to blend in like a guest with a camera. By interacting with the guests and enjoying the day, the photographer can capture moments without people feeling self-conscious. It is also beneficial to have a flexible timeline on the wedding day. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for more opportunities for candid moments to occur naturally.
Some examples of candid wedding photos include capturing the bride and groom sharing a heartfelt smile, laugh, or kiss; a grandmother tearing up as the bride walks down the aisle; the newlyweds sneaking away from the reception for a quiet moment; or the bride and groom's reactions during the cake-cutting tradition. These candid photos preserve real interactions and emotions, making them some of the most beloved and memorable images from the wedding day.
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Sentimental items
Capturing sentimental items in your wedding photography is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day. Here are some ideas for sentimental items to include in your wedding photo list:
Heirloom Items
If you're wearing or carrying something that has been passed down through the generations, make sure to add it to your photo list. Whether it's a piece of jewellery, a veil, or even a grandparent's heirloom, these items hold a lot of sentimental value and deserve to be captured. Communicate the significance of these items to your photographer so they can be included in detail shots or portrait photos.
Wedding Accessories
Your wedding accessories, such as your shoes, bouquet, and any other special items, are great additions to your photo list. These accessories are often chosen with care and thought, so it's important to capture them. For example, if you're wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, get creative and capture all these elements together in one shot.
Wedding Décor and Details
The wedding décor and details can also hold sentimental value. Consider including photos of the tables, flowers, and overall wedding décor before your guests arrive. If you're including sentimental touches, like a charm on your bouquet to remember a loved one, let your photographer know so they can capture these intimate details.
Getting Ready Moments
The moments leading up to the ceremony are full of sentiment and excitement. Capture the bride and groom getting ready separately, surrounded by their wedding party and loved ones. Include shots of the wedding outfit hanging up, the bride or groom getting into their outfit, and emotional moments with parents or stepparents. These photos will capture the anticipation and joy of the day.
Sentimental Messages
If you've included a sentimental message stitched inside your wedding dress or suit, be sure to communicate this to your photographer. They can capture discreet photos of these intimate details, preserving the emotions and thoughts you want to convey.
Remember to communicate your wishes and the significance of these sentimental items to your photographer in advance. This will ensure that they can capture the moments and details that matter the most to you, creating a wedding album that truly reflects your unique celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several must-have photos that you should consider for your wedding album, including:
- Photos of the bridal party getting ready.
- Close-up photos of sentimental items.
- Photos of the couple's best friends and family.
- Photos of the couple exchanging vows and rings.
- Photos of the reception space and details.
- Photos of the wedding cake and cake-cutting.
Immediately after the ceremony is an ideal time to capture family photos and wedding portraits. It is also a good idea to communicate with your photographer to ensure that they are available during this time.
Here are some creative ideas for must-have wedding photos:
- A photo of the bride with her parents before the ceremony.
- A photo of the groom seeing the bride for the first time.
- Fun shots of the bridal party, such as the bridesmaids helping the bride with her dress and the groomsmen fixing their ties.
- Photos of the couple's attire, shoes, and bouquet.
To ensure that you don't miss any must-have shots, it is important to create a wedding photography checklist and communicate your must-have moments to your photographer before the wedding day. You can also ask your photographer for their input and suggestions based on their experience.
