How To Make Your Wedding Shot List
Today we’re answering a few questions that as wedding photographers, we hear all the time:
- What is a wedding shot list?
- Do I need one?
- And if so, how do I make one?!
If you’re on the fence or are just learning about shot lists now, we hope this will clear some things up for you! Let’s jump in.
What Is a Wedding Shot List?
Essentially, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a big list of all the photograph combinations that you want with your closest family and friends during your wedding. You’ll give your list to your photographer, who will make sure he or she gets all the images you request.
Do I Really Need a One?
The first thing you need to decide is, do you need a shot list at all? And the answer is: it depends on your style.
Most people do like to create at least a basic shot list, which would include all the different portrait combinations that you want. (For example, bride’s mom and dad with the bride and groom; groom’s mom and dad with the bride and groom, bride alone with mom and dad, groom alone with mom and dad, and, well, I think you get it!).
Basically, a shot list is never a bad idea. But, if the thought of writing another list makes your skin crawl, there are some situations where a couple can get away without one.
You’ll Definitely Want A Shot List If You…
- Are a list-maker by nature
- Are detail-oriented
- Have a big family
- Have a large wedding party
You Don’t Need A Shot List If You…
- Really hate this kind of thing AND
- Have a wedding photographer with a lot of wedding experience
If you’re working with a very experienced photographer, you may be okay without a shot list. In that case, take the time to specifically tell your photographer; “make sure you get all the photos I’m going to want to have to remember my wedding day.” (Otherwise you may end up with no pictures with your little sister at all, or some other disappointing omission!)
And, if you’re still unsure, here’s our best advice:
It’s never a bad idea to write down even just the select few photo combinations that matter most to you as a couple!
How To Make Your Wedding Shot List
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List all of your family members
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Write out every photo combination you want with your family
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List all of your wedding party members
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Write out every group photo you want to take with them
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Add in any and all specific, special, or unusual photos you want
Once you’ve decided that you do in fact want a shot list, you’ll want to start by listing the names of all the members of your immediate families: your parents, siblings, siblings’ spouses and/or children, and grandparents.
Note: There usually isn’t enough time during the portrait session for us to take pictures of your extended families. Don’t worry, those pictures usually happen during the reception.
Now, list all the group portraits that you want with those people.
Next, list the names of all members of your wedding party: bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl and ringbearer. Again, list all the portrait combinations you want with those people.
Finally, list any specific shots that might be special or unusual, which you want to make sure the photographer captures.
For instance, Cara and Drew told Kyo to make sure he photographed the koala bear table cards at their wedding. It turns out that “koala bear” is Drew’s nickname for Cara, so it was something really meaningful to them! We never would have known the meaning if he hadn’t taken the time to include it on the shot list! Kyo got plenty of pictures of the name cards, and later in the evening, he even captured a guest wearing the koala bears on his lapel.
Shot List or No Shot List: What Do You Think?
Did you make a shot list for your wedding? If you’re getting married soon, do you still need to create yours?
Let us know in the comments or get in touch.
Kyo Morishima Photography