Deborah Chan
Wedding photography is an important aspect of any wedding, as it captures the moments that will become memories once the big day is over. While photographers are experts at knowing how to keep an eye out for meaningful moments, it's always a good idea to discuss your must-have photo moments with them ahead of time. Creating a shot list ensures that you get the specific pictures you've imagined and makes your photographer's job easier. This list can include pictures with grandparents, godparents, or other important people in your life, as well as special details like your wedding menu or a family heirloom. You can also add must-have details that reflect your unique celebration, such as your wedding shoes, accessories, or a sentimental message stitched inside your wedding dress. These pictures will help you relive your special day for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Photo style | Dark and moody, bright fine art, editorial, photojournalistic, documentary, film, vintage, etc. |
| Photo content | Couple, family, friends, wedding party, couple with family, couple with friends, couple with wedding party, couple's first look, couple's first dance, couple's post-wedding dance, couple's shoes and accessories, couple's parents and grandparents, couple's godparents, couple's wedding menu, couple's wedding stationery, couple's wedding decor, etc. |
| Photo planning | Create a shot list, share it with the photographer, ask for their input, and finalize the wedding photography shot list. |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-wedding prep and post-wedding partying
Capturing the moments before and after the wedding ceremony is just as important as the ceremony itself. From the pre-wedding prep to the post-wedding partying, here are some ideas for your wedding photography shot list:
Pre-Wedding Prep
The pre-wedding preparation is a great opportunity to capture the excitement and anticipation of the big day. Here are some ideas for photos during this time:
- Getting-ready shots of the bride and bridesmaids in their matching attire, whether they are drinking champagne or just enjoying each other's company.
- A photo of the bride getting dressed with the mother of the bride, maid of honour, or another special person by her side.
- Full-length shots of the bride in her wedding dress, as well as close-ups of her accessories, shoes, and any sentimental details, such as a family heirloom bracelet or a message stitched inside the dress.
- The groom adding the finishing touches to his outfit, such as putting on his cufflinks or buttoning his shirt.
- Photos of the wedding stationery, invitation suite, and any other unique details or decorations that reflect the couple's style.
Post-Wedding Partying
The post-wedding celebration is all about letting loose and enjoying the moment with your loved ones. Here are some ideas for capturing the fun and festivities:
- Photos of the newlyweds and their guests on the dance floor, whether it's during the first dance or a spontaneous moment.
- Blurry, motion shots of the wedding party, capturing the energy and excitement of the celebration.
- Pictures of the reception details, such as place cards, centrepieces, decorations, and table settings.
- Capturing the food, decor, and any other special touches that make your wedding unique, such as a photo of the bride holding a relative's wedding photo.
- If you plan to have a choreographed first dance or any other special surprises, let your photographer know so they can be prepared to capture the moment.
Remember to communicate your wishes and must-have shots to your photographer ahead of time, so they can ensure they capture the moments that are most important to you.
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Friends, family, and other important people
Your wedding day is a celebration with your closest friends and family, so it's only natural that you'll want to capture some special moments with them. While you might want to be in most of the photos, it's a good idea to ask your photographer to take some shots of your parents, grandparents, or other family members looking their best.
Before the ceremony, you could have some photos taken with your parents, either individually or both sets together, and even include your siblings or cousins if you're close. If you have divorced parents, it's a good idea to discuss photo options with them beforehand, so everyone is comfortable and knows what to expect. You could also have some fun, candid photos taken with your family, perhaps with props like sparklers or sunglasses.
During the ceremony, ask your photographer to capture the reactions of your loved ones during speeches or toasts, and the wishes of "good luck" from your family before you walk down the aisle. If there are children in the bridal party, make sure to get some adorable shots of them, too.
After the ceremony, you can get some more relaxed photos with your friends and family during cocktail hour, and don't forget to include your pets if they're important to you! You could also ask your photographer to capture some details that are meaningful to you, such as a personalised wedding menu or a family heirloom.
Finally, don't forget to include your friends in photos with your bridal party, especially if your bridesmaids are your best friends. These photos can be taken before or after the ceremony, and you can even get creative and use a photo booth or Polaroid camera to capture fun moments with your guests.
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Heirlooms, accessories, and other details
It is a good idea to create a shot list of must-have photos and share it with your photographer in advance. This ensures that they are aware of any special items or people that are important to you and that you want to be included in your photos. For example, if you are wearing a family heirloom, like a bracelet, or if a grandparent's heirloom will be featured, you may want to ensure your photographer knows to capture it.
You could also include any unique accessories in your shot list. This could be your wedding shoes, jewellery, or any other special items. If you are wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, you might want a photo of all these items together. It is also a nice idea to capture the getting-ready process, including hair and makeup, and the moment you put on your wedding dress, with the help of your mother or maid of honour.
Other details you may want to include in your shot list are the decorations, table settings, place cards, guest book, centrepieces, and favours. If you have any unique touches, like colourful confetti or matching jackets, be sure to let your photographer know. You may also want to consider the style of photography you prefer, such as fine art, editorial, or photojournalistic, and discuss this with your photographer.
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The venue, decor, and table settings
Wedding table settings and decor are an essential part of your wedding reception. They showcase your style and personality as a couple and make your guests feel welcome. From the colour and fabric of the linens to the shape and material of the plates, flatware, and glasses, there are endless ways to personalise your wedding table settings.
If you're going for a rustic look, start with a wooden table and chairs. Use burlap or linen table runners, basket-woven vases, and dinnerware in natural tones with imperfect textures. Finish the table with mason jar glasses or copper mugs, bamboo cutlery, and personalised wooden name cards. You can also use wooden crates instead of vases for your flowers to enhance the rustic feel.
For a romantic vibe, opt for soft pastel colours, delicate florals, and fine details. Begin with a base of crisp white linens, lace, or softly draped fabric. Choose delicate plates made with fluted glass or intricate patterns, and complement them with gold or silver flatware. Add tapered candles in vintage candle holders and finish with personalised name cards or floral-patterned menus.
If you want to display photos as part of your table settings and decor, there are many creative ways to do so. You can add a photo print as an element of your centrepiece, or place photos of your guests at their place settings. For a unique seating chart, replace standard table numbers with childhood photos of yourself and your partner at the associated age. You can also display photos on a simple photo wall or pin them to a tree. If you want to showcase family photos, consider framing multiple generations of black-and-white wedding pictures or displaying them on a vintage item like a piano.
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Candid moments and spontaneous pictures
Capturing candid moments and spontaneous pictures is a great way to document the wedding authentically and truthfully. These photos are all about the special, in-between instances that often go unnoticed. They are a beautiful way to immortalise the joy, love, and emotions of the day.
To achieve this, it is important to discuss your vision and must-have moments with your photographer beforehand. While a professional will likely know the key wedding photo moments, they may not be aware of specific details, such as a family heirloom or a special guest. Communicating these details will enable the photographer to be prepared to capture the emotions and moments that emanate from what is most special to you.
Additionally, creating a shot list can be beneficial. While the photographer will capture the moments as they unfold, a shot list ensures you get the specific pictures you've imagined. It can include a mix of must-have shots and fun, organic scenes. For example, you may want a picture with a grandparent or godparent, or you may want to capture the pre-ceremony excitement and preparations with your wedding party.
It is also worth noting that the little details often represent your relationship and give your wedding character, so make sure to get them on camera. This could include your wedding shoes, accessories, stationery suite, or even the food and decorations at the reception. These details can add a unique and personal touch to your wedding album.
Overall, by communicating your wishes and working collaboratively with your photographer, you can ensure that your wedding album is filled with a beautiful mix of candid moments and spontaneous pictures that truly capture the essence of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take pictures with your wedding parties and loved ones before the ceremony. You can also capture the preparations and getting-ready process, including hair and makeup.
You'll want to capture the couple exchanging vows and the little details that represent your relationship, such as your wedding shoes, accessories, and decor. If you're wearing something old, new, borrowed, or blue, get a shot of everything together!
Use colourful or monochromatic confetti for a stand-out photo. Incorporate special details or unique touches, such as holding a relative's wedding photo. If you're having a vintage wedding, match your photo style to your attire and decor.
Discuss your must-have photo moments with your photographer in advance. Review their shot list and share your own checklist of desired photos. Consider the photography style you prefer, such as fine art, editorial, or photojournalistic, and choose a photographer who specialises in that aesthetic.
