The title of this post is a little deceving, because I truly believe if you hired a photographer you love and trust, you don’t need to give a shot list. Well, not a “every-single-photo-I-want-you-to-take” list. You should make sure you give them a list of things like “picture with my grandparents” or one I made sure I put on a list was a photo of me with each bridesmaid individually. You should give your photographer a list like that because not only do they appreciate knowing the less obvious shots you want, but you won’t remember them on your wedding day. So make a list, but only put the really important shots on it.
With that being said, here are five wedding photos you should put on your shot list:
I might get crap for this, but I don’t understand why some wedding photographers only stay for 6 hours of your wedding day. I realize they are working a long and hard day (which, by the way is why you should ALWAYS make sure they get a vendor meal and a great tip) but they obviously aren’t working another wedding the same night as yours, so why but a time limit on it? One of my favorite moments of our wedding day is in this photo. The last song had just ended, our guests were circled around us, and they were cheering for us. We just felt so much love and it was so wonderful. I can feel it everytime I see this photo. And our wedding ended at 11:00 pm, so I’m not saying they should stay till 2 am. But a last-shot-of-the-night photo is one to put on your list and ask about.
And if you feel that you need a crazy long list, or at least want to see one for reference, here is one to check out. But please, don’t give this to your photographer.
Do you have any unexpected or uncommon shots or ideas you think are MUST haves? Share them in the comments.
{photo credits} bride & father via style me pretty / first kiss by Daniele Dan Castilo / dress shot on left by jose villa & dress shot on right by one & only paris / group shot by Eric Kotara / bride, groom, and last shot of the night all by Jennifer Roper from my wedding
Great post – I totally agree with you about always making a list of family formals and any out of the ordinary must-haves. I think it’s good to specify any details the bride worked really hard on, as well. Most photographers know to get detail shots, but sometimes something slips through the cracks, better to specify its importance at the beginning.
Just a side note too – I completely agree with you on all-day coverage, it’s my favorite! But the reason we have to charge more for it has a lot more to do with the work after the wedding than before. If a short wedding day is 6 hours, an average is 8, and “all day” tends to be ~12, you’re doubling the number of photos to edit and cull, which doubles the amount of post processing time. That’s more of the reason I price it higher, at least. It’s funny because I would seriously prefer to shoot at least 10 hours, but I think a lot of couples just look at the bottom line price and what they can afford.
Anni, thanks for adding why extra time is often charged. That makes sense – although factoring that in to your initial price might make couples feel less like they are paying “extra” and have to choose whether or not to get that full day of coverage. Many don’t know the reason why, and dismiss those who charge extra from their search regardless of price. Just a thought 🙂
Excellent tips and post. As Chandra’s photographer I second everything she is mentioning especially a short list. It is encouraged (I always ask for one) But when someone comes back with things like “saying vows” I cringe, we got that, dont worry. I couldnt agree more about the last shot. I always stay to the end because of this, more often than not a great moment happens during the last song. It is one of those times I can capture the true candid moments. People are relaxed, emotional and expressive, the best time to shoot. I like to know anything that might not be obvious and any special requests, make sure you keep it in reality. A 300 guest wedding at a banquet hall probably wont give you the big group shot. Hire people you trust and trust their input.
Jennifer Roper Photography
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Thank you for the inspiration !
Contratulations
Carlos
https://www.maestroceremonias.blogspot.com