Shot List


I have a shot list that I work from, and adjust to what we have planned for coverage. These are all standard shots I make an effort to capture and would not be anything I would need on an extended shot list from you.

If you think of something BEYOND what is listed here, please message me with these specifics. I included a message form below. Things like 'All the Aunts', 'The Jones Family', 'Nephew and Nieces', 'Grandma Betty', 'Sorority Sisters', 'Bride's cousins.'

These are shots that would be helpful to have listed so we aren't trying to freestyle and remember what you want in the moment.


DETAILS

  • Invitation, program, special signs, & gifts
  • Wedding rings
  • Wedding dresses/suits
  • Outfit accessories like shoes, cuff links, or jewelry
  • Bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres 


GETTING READY

  • Bride(s) and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
  • Wedding party having fun
  • Family shots
  • Groom(s) and groomsmen hanging out
  • Groom(s) putting on jacket and tie


PRE-CEREMONY 

  • Couple alone for your first look
  • Bride(s) and bridesmaids/flower girls
  • Groom(s) and groomsmen/ring bearer


CEREMONY

  • Venue shots including ceremony site, flowers, interior, and exterior details
  • Groom and groomsmen waiting inside the venue
  • Guests
  • Bridal party entrance
  • Bride(s) walking down the aisle
  • Groom's reaction
  • Father/mother giving the bride away
  • Exchanging of vows
  • Exchanging the rings
  • The first kiss as a married couple and the moment after
  • The recessional (couple walking back up the aisle)


GROUP PORTRAITS 

  • Both sides of the family and Couple
  • Couple with each side of their family
  • Couple with each set of parents, together and individually
  • Couple with each set of siblings
  • Couple with Grandparents
  • Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen
  • Couple with the entire wedding party
  • Bride(s) with bridesmaids/maid of honor
  • Groom(s) and groomsmen/best man
  • Couple with their children


COUPLE

  • Variety of different shots of the couple
  • Individual shots


RECEPTION 

  • Details and room décor shots, including table settings, place cards, favors, centerpieces, etc.
  • Wedding cake detail shots
  • Grand entrance
  • Toasts and speeches
  • Cake cutting 
  • The first dance
  • Bride(s) dancing with father/groom(s) dancing with mother
  • Couple mingling with guests
  • Candids of Couple and guests
  • Guests dancing
  • Musicians, singers, DJ
  • Grand exit


Ways you can help photography run smoothly


  • The #1 thing you can do to help photography run smoothly is to not allow your guests to interrupt or interfere with the Photographer working. The most difficult part of shooting a wedding is often dealing with guest disruptions. This is as simple as allowing guests to have their phones out and taking photos during the ceremony, which can ruin ceremony photos. But far too often, a well-meaning guest will ruin the one-chance shot by stepping into frame or having their phone out. Guests will often try to shoot over my shoulder or right next to me while I am shooting the group shots. This is a distraction to both you and me, as well as inconsiderate of the effort and knowledge I bring with posing and location selection. While it is in our contract that no other photographers may be present, please consider extending this thought process to guests that want to also take photographs.


  • Have a Details Box ready to give me as soon as I arrive at the bridal suite.

Include in it items like:

  • a clean fresh copy of the invitation, envelopes and Save the Date
  • Jewelry
  • Perfume
  • Wedding bands and engagement ring
  • Small mementos
  • Vow Books


  • Have a nice hanger for your dress/suit coat. Even a simple wooden hanger, if you do not have a special hanger.


  • I strongly suggest having vows books (example here) or your vows written or printed out. Do not read your vows off of your phone.


  • Ensure ALL Apple watches/fitness trackers from the Bridal Party, parents and groom are not being worn.


  • Ensure Groom(s) and Groomsmen have empty pants pockets. If they must carry their phone, please do so in the suit coat breast pocket.


  • While walking down the aisle, it is not necessary to make eye contact with the photographer or pause.


  • Your Maid of Honor is responsible for fluffing and adjusting your dress at the alter, taking your bouquet, and then handing it back to you after the First Kiss.


  • Couple should stand close enough to each other to hold hands, and face each other.


  • Be sure your officiant knows to step completely out of the way, further than they may think, so they are not in the shot of your First Kiss.


  • Be sure family and guests that you would like formal photographs with, following the ceremony, are aware of this and know where to go directly following the ceremony, so we are not spending time tracking people down. Consider sharing a copy of the extended shot list with your wedding coordinator, or a designated person that can ensure these guests are at the group photo location.

You can use the form below to send me a quick message with any thoughts

or shots you would like to add to the standard shot list.