Does creating a wedding shot list for your photographer have you completely stressed out? You aren’t sure what is “normal” or you just simply don’t know where to start. No fear! *Most* photographers will plan a pre-wedding meeting with you to help you build this shot list, but if you want to be extra prepared, here’s my go to advice for building your wedding shot list:
The basics of a good shot list
All of my couples receive a wedding questionnaire the month before their wedding including questions about all of their immediate family members and wedding party members. This helps me put together a timeline and shot list unique to each of my couples. However, if you’re creating your own list, here are a couple of pointers for you:
- A shot list does NOT include pose ideas. Most photographers will have plenty of pose ideas for you, however if their are any very specific poses you have in mind, don’t be afraid to mention those to your photographer.
- It DOES include first names of everyone in your family. It is a lot easier for a photographer to yell for “Jerry” to get in the photo than run around asking for the groom’s dad! Remember, we don’t know these people like you do (hehe).
- It DOES limit the number of photos. You will be sick of pictures on your wedding day. Nobody wants to smile for 2+ hours straight. Limit your shots to the ones you deem most necessary.
- It is NOT influenced by your family or friends (this day is about you two and the photos you want – no one else!) I always recommend sharing the shot list with your parents, because sometimes they have good insight that you didn’t even think of. However, you and your fiance have the final say as to what lands on the list.
Wedding shot list ideas
This is my go-to list for any couple looking to build their wedding day shot list. Obviously, the list will change with varying family members and party members, but it gives us a good place to start:
Bride & Groom Photos:
- Bride & Groom
- Bride Only
- Groom Only
Wedding Party Photos:
- Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers, Personal Attendants, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer
- Bride & Groom, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer
- Bride, Flower Girl
- Groom, Ring Bearer
- Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen
- Bride, Bridesmaids
- Bride, Personal Attendants
- Groom, Groomsmen
- Groom, Ushers
- Bride & Groom, Individual photo with each party member
Bride’s Family Photos: (include first names instead of relation as shown below)
- Bride & Groom, Parents, Siblings + their spouses and kids, Grandparents
- Bride & Groom, Parents, Siblings + their spouses and kids
- Bride & Groom, Grandparents
- Bride, Grandparents
- Bride, Parents, Siblings
- Bride, Siblings
- Bride & Groom, Parents
- Bride, Parents
- Bride, Mom
- Bride, Dad
Groom’s Family Photos: (include first names instead of relation as shown below)
- Bride & Groom, Parents, Siblings + their spouses and kids, Grandparents
- Bride & Groom, Parents, Siblings + their spouses and kids
- Bride & Groom, Grandparents
- Groom, Grandparents
- Groom, Parents, Siblings
- Groom, Siblings
- Bride & Groom, Parents
- Groom, Parents
- Groom, Mom
- Groom, Dad
Confirming the list
Things change throughout your wedding day. Someone might get sick or someone unexpected shows up. The shot list is always flexible. However, getting it as perfect as possible avoids running late throughout your wedding day. My suggestion is to confirm your list with your family, wedding party, and photographer the week of your wedding so everyone knows when and where to be ready for formal portraits on the day of your wedding.
Need help with your timeline? Check out this blog post. And be sure to follow Anna on Instagram to keep up with the latest insider wedding knowledge!