Photography Shot List Essentials
Photography by Kristin La Voie Photography
For many couples, photography is one of the most important aspects of their big day. Couples want to be wrapped up in the joy of the wedding festivities, but it is in the photographer’s hands to capture those moments. From pre-wedding primping to dancing the night away at the reception, it is important for these moments to be photographed just as you’ve dreamed.
A good wedding photographer typically has their own shot list, addressing shots they know are winners. But here are some tips on how to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page.
- GO OVER SPECIAL DETAILS
Did you create a specialty menu you want to be captured on film? Does the bouquet have family heirlooms incorporated? Every wedding is full of these special details that turn the event into your very own special day. Be sure to let your photographer know which important details of your day you’d like captured, they won’t know unless you tell them!
- CURATE YOUR ‵‵ MUST-HAVES′′
If you have specific photos in mind that your heart is set on, be sure to let your photographer know. Compile a list of a few “must-have” shots so that the photographer knows how to prioritize their time. If having individual photos with each of your siblings or a dramatic sunset dip-and-kiss are on your shot list, make sure you communicate that.
- ENLIST HELP
Assign an attendant, family member or friend to be in charge of herding people for photos. This person can wrangle everyone needed for each group shot, saving time and ensuring no one is missing!
- TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Your photographer knows what they are doing! They know what lighting, backgrounds and arrangements of people look best on camera. Sometimes, they might even instruct you to do something that feels silly and unnatural, but trust them that it’ll look good. They want you to look good — it’s their job!
SAMPLE SHOT LIST
Getting Ready
- Wedding attire hanging in your getting ready venue (hanging on a wardrobe, draped over a settee, backlit in front of a window, etc.)
- Wedding attire details (showing texture, buttons, beading, brand label, etc.)
- Stationery flat lay
- Flat lay including accessories like jewelry, shoes, heirlooms, stationery suite, perfume/cologne, florals, etc.
- Bouquet and boutonniere shots
- Detail of wedding rings together
- Candids of hairstyling and makeup application
- Final hair and makeup
- Parent or wedding party member helping the to-be-wed into their attire (zipping up a dress, placing a veil, tying a bow tie, attaching cufflinks, etc.)
- Putting on shoes
- Reflection in a full-length mirror once fully dressed and accessorized
- Solo portrait
- First look reveal with the wedding party and/or parents and family
- Toasting with the wedding party
- Gift giving and opening with the wedding party and special helpers
First Look
- Solo focus on each partner as they anticipate seeing the other
- One partner approaches the other from behind, tapping on the shoulder
- Turning around to see each other for the first time
- Close up reaction shots of couple’s faces
- Embracing
- Reading their wedding letters to each other
- Holding hands
- Posed couple portraits
Couple Portraits
*These can be taken before the festivities or during cocktail hour. It’s up to you and how you want to use your time.
- Individual portraits
- Smiling, looking at the camera
- Smiling, looking at each other
- Lovingly looking into partner’s eyes
- Forehead to forehead
- Hugging or kissing
- Kissing on the cheek
- Kissing on the forehead
- Dancing together
- Walking towards the camera
- Walking away from the camera
- Partner twirls the other around
Ceremony
- Details of the empty ceremony site (reserved seating, altar decor, florals, candles, etc.)
- Guests arriving at their seats
- Ushers guiding guests to their seats
- Close-ups of each partner waiting for each other
- Immediate family members coming down the aisle
- Wedding attendants coming down the aisle
- Flower girl, ring bearer or honored pet coming down the aisle
- Wedding attendants lined up and waiting by the altar
- Partners individually coming down the aisle (with or without parents)
- Couple meeting face to face at the altar for the first time
- Officiant conducting the ceremony
- The audience from the couple’s vantage point (shot from behind the altar)
- Each partner’s face as they exchange vows
- Close up of rings being placed on each partner’s finger
- The first kiss
- Couple happily recessing back down the aisle as a married couple
- Couple exiting the ceremony venue
- Couple greeting and embracing guests outside the venue
- Signing the marriage certificate
Family & Wedding Party Photos
- The whole wedding party together
- The whole wedding party walking towards the camera, laughing
- Everyone joyously looking on as the couple kisses
- Just one partner and their attendants, then the other partner and their attendants
- Each partner with each individual member of their wedding party
- Each partner with their immediate family
- Each partner with their parents, then add in the other partner
- Each partner with their siblings, then add in the other partner
- Each partner with their grandparents, then add in the other partner
- Couple with both sets of parents
- Couple with ring bearer and/or flower girl
Reception
- Exterior of the reception site
- Empty, decorated reception site
- Table settings and floral arrangements
- Centerpieces
- Name cards, menu and signs
- Guest book and gift-receiving table
- Each appetizer
- Each course of the meal
- Custom drinks or bar menu
- Wedding party entering the reception with introduction
- The couple entering with fanfare
- The first dance as a married couple
- Dances with each partner’s respective parents
- Guests raising glasses for a cheers
- Guests conversing over dinner
- Couple at head table
- Parents’ table
- Each speechmaker
- Couple reacting to each speech
- Cake or dessert table
- Couple cutting the cake
- Feeding the cake to each other
- The band/DJ performing
- Guests partying on the dance floor
- Parents dancing together
- Grandparents dancing together
- Couple leaving the reception
- Couple getting into the getaway car and departing
Now that you’re clear on your shot list, let’s book you a photographer! We suggest checking out these Chicago area photographers.
