Shot list for the photographer?

Mostly a shot list is a list of people you want to be photographed with like family and close friends. These sorts of photos are typically done after the first look or after the ceremony during cocktail hour and would be hard to take “in the moment” during your wedding or reception. I would ask how he handles that type of photo because that doesn’t sound typical of a wedding photographer. If you have people you want to make sure you get a photo with, you need a shot list.

I agree with Liz. I think if there are specific shots you want that he might not otherwise, definitely ask for those, but otherwise, just a list of the family shots you'd like.

For eg, our shotlist for our photographer is...

a shot of my 'something borrowed, something blue' items since they are sentimental and sweet - like an Irish coin from the year my parents were married for my shoe (my grandparents were part Irish, some Irish coins have hares on, and rabbits are my favourite animal).

I also have a specific plan for my dress. I want my mum to help get me into my (admittedly giant) dress privately, just me, her and the photographer, which will also mean some nice shots of the two of us together with a purpose. Then, I want him to capture the reaction of my bridesmaids, friends and my dad when I do the full reveal.

Other than that there is a very boring list of our family photos -

• Bride/Groom and Bride parents

• Bride/Groom and Bride family & partners

• Bride/Groom and bridal party

• Bride/Groom and bridal party plus partners

• Bride/Groom and Groom family & partners

• Bride/Groom and Groom parents

• Bride/Groom and Nana

Beyond this, we're letting him do whatever he wants!

I honestly don't get the obsession with shot lists/why brides want to dictate photos to their photographer. You hired a professional for a reason - let them do their job.

The only valid reasons for a "shot list" are if there is an unusual family situation (such as if you were raised by an unconventional family member like an aunt who you would like a solo portrait with) or a very special item that doesn't necessarily fit the mold of typical accessories (like a music box you were gifted by grandma that you are keeping in your bridal suite for good luck).

Every photographer knows to take formal portraits of you with your parents, bridal party, etc. Every photographer knows to get pictures of your accessories. Every photographer knows, if you're planning a "reveal" of yourself to your dad/mom/bridesmaids/etc. that they need to get photos of it. You don't need to tell them what photos to get.

If there are one or two things you feel particularly strongly about, then by all means tell him "these people/things are very important so please make sure you get a picture of them," but otherwise, let him do what he does best.

Our photographer told us this too. As a result, I have NO pictures of me and mom on my wedding day, no pictures with individual bridal party members, and almost no shots of the choir at our ceremony that was something I was SO excited about. Make a list!!!! He can use his style while making sure he captures the things you definitely want.

I agree with what everyone else is saying - a shot list is usually used as a list of the pictures you want regarding family photos - you with x, y, and z. The list may also include photos you also want that are not portrait; bride and groom shoes, close up of rings. stationary, dessert table, etc.

Ultimately, you can give your photographer any shot list you want, even if he says he "typically" doesn't use one. You're paying him. Whatever pictures you want, he should be taking (within reason).