Let’s talk about wedding day shot lists! How important, or even better said, how realistic are they?
We’ve all seen the “must-have wedding photos” checklists on Pinterest. As a bride, it’s definitely important to know what images mean the most to you. Is it an heirloom piece of jewelry that has been in your family for generations? Or a grandparent that won’t be able to stay for the whole reception?! You’ll want to communicate with your photographer about anything that is unique or has sentimental value to you. Other than that, don’t worry about a thing!
I don’t personally ask for a detailed wedding day shot list or a Pinterest board from my brides for a few reasons. Other than a list of names of all the family members that will be in your family formals, a shot list is not necessary. Here’s why!
Firstly, every photographer has a running list of things in their head that they need to photograph. We’re already going to capture most of the things you read about online. The wedding dress, the bride with each individual bridesmaid, the groom’s reaction as you’re walking down the aisle? Check, check, and check. You don’t need to worry that we’re going to miss any of the important things. We’ve shot enough weddings to know what the elements of a wedding day are. You’re in good hands, we promise!
Secondly, wedding days are extremely fast-paced. Believe me when I tell you that 90% of the time, everything runs behind schedule. (That’s totally okay, we’ll try to keep you on schedule as much as we can!) However, there’s physically no time on a wedding day to walk around trying to check the “bride’s gown hanging on a padded hanger, spread on the bed, or draped over a chair” shot off the list. I totally took that from a “must-have” checklist I found online! I can’t make this stuff up. Haha!
Thirdly, each wedding is unique in its own way. While there are definitely things that are similar, no two weddings are the same. If we spend all of our time and effort trying to copy and recreate someone else’s mile-long shot list, we might miss the important stuff… like a tearful moment between the groom and his mom, or a sweet hug between the bride and her dad. And if we’re being honest, these are the moments that truly matter, don’t you think?
I believe wholeheartedly that your photographer needs to be present in the moment in order to be able to capture your wedding day in its entirety. Yes, you’re going to have beautiful detail shots to fill up your wedding album. But on top of everything, you’re going to walk away with genuine images that your photographers were able to capture because they were present in the moment. These are not just photos, these are YOUR very own memories that you cannot find on any wedding day shot list!
