Junior Rasmussen
Wedding photography is an important aspect of any wedding day, as it allows couples to relive the memories of one of the most special and memorable days of their lives. Creating a wedding photography shot list is essential to ensure that no precious moments are missed. While most photographers have a standard wedding photo list, it is important to communicate your wish list of pictures to your photographer ahead of time. This list can include pictures with important people in your life, such as grandparents or godparents, as well as special details like a personalised wedding menu or a family heirloom. In addition to the traditional pre-wedding prep and post-wedding dancing shots, you may also want to consider creative ideas, such as close-ups of rings, shoes, and bouquets, to tell a story through your photos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-wedding prep | Wedding dress hanging on wardrobe/bedpost/chair, wedding party getting dressed, parent helping with veil/shoes/last details, full-length shot of outfit, detail shots of clothing/shoes/accessories, emotional shots with parents |
| Ceremony | Couple's first look, exchanging vows, rings resting on vow books, close-ups of shoes/bouquets, couple pronounced newlyweds |
| Post-ceremony | Family photos, wedding portraits, cocktail hour, reception, couple's first dance |
| Other | Special items/details (e.g. personalized menu, heirlooms), pictures with important people (e.g. grandparents, godparents), candid/natural shots, bridal portraits, centrepieces, dance floor, shots with all guests |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-wedding prep
Capturing the pre-wedding prep is a great way to begin your wedding album and tell the story of your big day. It's a chance to showcase the excitement and anticipation before the ceremony. Here are some ideas for your pre-wedding photography shot list:
Wedding outfits
Capture the wedding dress and suit hanging up in a getting-ready room or against a beautiful backdrop. This could be on a wardrobe, bedpost, or chair. Include close-up details of the outfits, such as the intricate lace of the dress, the veil, cufflinks, shoes, and any other special accessories.
Getting ready
Photograph the wedding party getting ready, with shots of the bridesmaids and groomsmen applying makeup, fixing their hair, or helping each other with last-minute details. Include shots of the couple with their parents or guardians as they get ready, such as a parent helping the bride with her veil or the groom buttoning his shirt.
Emotional moments
Capture the emotions of the day with shots of the couple separately or together, sharing a tender moment with their parents or stepparents. These can be intimate photos that showcase the love and support of family.
Final touches
Photograph the couple adding the finishing touches to their looks. For the bride, this could be putting on her earrings, a necklace, or a garter. For the groom, it might be fastening his cufflinks, tying his tie, or donning his jacket.
Arrival at the ceremony
Take photos of the couple as they make their way to the ceremony, whether it's in a limo, a cab, or walking down the street. These shots can capture the anticipation and excitement as they head towards the venue to exchange their vows.
Remember, this is just a starting point, and you can customize your shot list to include any unique details or moments you want to capture. Communicate your wishes to your photographer, and feel free to add or modify shots to make your wedding photography truly yours.
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Ceremony and reception
The ceremony and reception are the heart of the wedding, full of candid joy, heartfelt speeches, and special moments that deserve to be captured. Here are some ideas to include in your wedding photography shot list for these memorable parts of your special day:
Ceremony
The ceremony is where some of your most treasured memories and emotions will be shared. It is all about capturing emotions and meaningful moments. Here are some key moments to consider:
- Each partner making their way to the ceremony (in a limo, a cab, or walking down the street/hall/stairs)
- Emotional shots with parents, stepparents, or other important family members
- Exchanging vows and the first kiss
- Walking down the aisle and exiting as a married couple
- Any unique traditions or rituals you plan to incorporate
Reception
The reception is an incredibly overwhelming event to capture, but with a bit of preparation, you can ensure you don't miss any special moments. Here are some ideas:
- Reception details such as place cards, the guest book, centrepieces, decorations, table settings, and champagne glasses
- Candid shots of guests enjoying the reception, including any rituals, dances, or games
- Heartfelt speeches by family members or friends
- Details that are important to you, such as food, decor, or a dance party
- Any other unique traditions or rituals you plan to incorporate
General Tips
- Work with your photographer before the wedding to choose the shots you want to prioritize and any must-have details or unique traditions.
- Select a few must-have photos and share them with your photographer in advance.
- Break your shot list into smaller sections, such as portraits, group shots, and reception details, for faster reference on the day.
- Scout your photo locations in advance, especially if there is limited time between the ceremony and reception.
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Couple portraits
Capturing the love and joy between the newlyweds is an essential part of wedding photography. Here are some ideas for couple portraits to include on your wedding photography shot list:
The First Look
The first look is an optional but special moment where the couple sees each other fully dressed in their wedding attire for the first time. It's an opportunity to capture the emotional response and raw excitement of the soon-to-be-married couple. These photos focus on the couple's reactions to each other, capturing the intensity and magic of the moment.
Pre-Ceremony Portraits
Before the ceremony, take some portraits of the couple separately as they prepare for their special day. This could include getting ready shots, such as the bride and bridesmaids doing their hair and makeup, or the groom adding finishing touches like putting on his cufflinks. These photos capture the anticipation and excitement before the ceremony.
Post-Ceremony Portraits
After the ceremony, it's time for photos of the newlyweds together. Capture the couple's joy and celebration as they exit the ceremony venue, surrounded by their loved ones. Take portraits of the couple with their wedding party and family members, creating lasting memories of this significant moment.
Creative Portraits
In addition to traditional portraits, consider incorporating creative and unique shots that reflect the couple's personality and relationship. This could include using props, special backdrops, or natural settings to create memorable and fun couple portraits. Discuss ideas with your photographer and feel free to add any special requests to your shot list.
Candid Moments
While posed portraits are important, don't forget to capture candid moments throughout the day. These spontaneous photos can capture the couple's genuine emotions and interactions, creating lasting memories of their love and joy. Trust your photographer to capture these meaningful moments, even if they're not on the shot list.
Remember, this shot list is a general outline, and you can work with your photographer to prioritize the shots that are most important to you. Feel free to add or remove portraits to create a customized list that reflects your unique wedding experience.
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Family photos
First, it is important to communicate your must-have moments and people with your photographer before the day. Most photo pros have a standard wedding photo list, so if you are unsure, you can ask to see it beforehand or send your own checklist of must-have shots over to them. This will enable them to come prepared and ensure you get the specific pictures you want. It is recommended to keep family formal groupings to no more than 15, as this tends to work best and keeps the time needed for photos to a minimum.
On the day, it is a good idea to nominate a family member in the wedding party to help the photographer by gathering the right people for each shot. It is also helpful to use group names like 'Bride's Sister's Family' when organising your family photo groups. You can start with one group photo and then narrow it down using each person's side of the family. It is recommended to set aside 45 minutes to one hour for family photos, and each group will take approximately four minutes to shoot.
Finally, remember that the timeline and family photos are secondary to the wedding day joy. Live in the moment and enjoy your special day!
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Details and decor
Capturing the details and decor of your wedding is an important part of the day. These little details are what make your wedding unique and personal, so make sure you get them on camera. From your stationery suite to your wedding shoes, here is every detail to consider:
Before the Ceremony
Before any guests arrive or the wedding couple gets ready, it's important to capture the wedding details. Think of important details and items shot in a style similar to editorial photography. Wedding details can vary, but there are a few things to consider when creating this section of the wedding photo list. This includes the wedding dress hanging on a wardrobe, bedpost, or chair, and the wedding shoes.
During the Getting-Ready Process
Capture the pre-ceremony excitement and all of the important people who helped you prepare for the moment you say "I do". This includes the wedding party getting dressed and applying makeup, and parents helping the couple with their outfits, such as adding a veil or zipping up a dress. You can also include a full-length shot of the couple in their outfits looking in the mirror, and detail shots of clothing, shoes, accessories, and any other special items.
During the Ceremony and Reception
There are many "detail" style images to keep in mind during the ceremony and reception. Think close-ups of rings resting on vow books, shoes placed beneath hanging dresses, and bouquets on antique chairs. If you've poured your heart and soul into designing your wedding day, don't forget to ask your photographer to capture the details of the reception set-up before guests arrive. This includes a shot of the reception space fully decorated with candles lit.
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Frequently asked questions
Your wedding photography shot list should include all the special moments you want to remember, from pre-wedding prep to post-wedding celebrations. You can include specific details like your wedding dress, wedding menu, or a family heirloom. It's also a good idea to capture the pre-ceremony excitement and important people who helped you prepare for your big moment.
Creating a wedding photography shot list involves brainstorming all the must-have shots and special moments you want to capture. You can use software or a spreadsheet to organize your ideas and create a checklist. It's important to communicate your wish list to your photographer ahead of time so they can provide input and ensure nothing is missed on the day.
Common shots included in a wedding photography shot list vary depending on the couple's preferences and the unique aspects of their wedding. However, some standard shots include full-length photos of the couple in their wedding attire, detail shots of rings, shoes, and bouquets, getting-ready moments with the wedding party, family portraits, and photos of the reception space.
