Why you don’t need a wedding shot list
I know, it seems counterintuitive. You want your photographer to be prepared and to not miss a single wedding shot. There’s plenty of advice online advocating for shot lists and we feel that this is a somewhat antiquated way of approaching wedding photography. The intentions behind these posts are always good, and chances are you have probably come across more than a few of these lists in your searches.
We want to calm your nerves and let you know right off the bat: you do not need a wedding shot list.The only shot list or guide you should provide your photographer is a family list. Outside of that you don’t need one and we are happy to explain why below.
What’s a shot list?
Traditionally, couples would give their photographer a list of must have photos that included images they’d like to try from pinterest etc. There’s thousands of templates online that offer suggestions to give your photographer that you “must have” for each part of your wedding day that truly aren’t necessary.
Why you don’t need a shot list
- When you hire an experienced, trusted professional, chances are they will already capture most of what’s on your list.
- Your photographer would miss critical candid moments while they have their face continually buried in lists.
- Lists can be akin to putting an artist inside of a box.
- It signals to your photographer that you don’t trust them to capture your day authentically.
- Your wedding is unique to you. You can try to recreate shots from pinterest but they will never look exactly alike.
- The most treasured moments are not planned.
- Presenting your photographer with a shot list might make them feel like you don’t trust their professional expertise.
- An experienced photographer will already know the photos you’ll want to keep forever.
- The best moments on your wedding day cannot be planned.
- Wedding photography checklists prevent your photographer from being able to be creative.
- Receiving your photo gallery should bring you joy—not be a chore to make sure all of your “must-have” photos are there.
It’s all about the Photographer and Client Relationship
You spend the entire day with some of your vendors, including your photographer. Choosing a photographer that you can form a friendship with (even if virtual!) is key to having the best photographs imaginable.
A shot list (although the intention isn’t hurtful) signals to your photographer that you don’t trust that they’ll be able to do their job.
Photographers are artists and when you choose us to capture your day you are saying “I love your style and I trust that you will capture who we are in that style authentically, to the best of your ability”.
Chat with your photographer before your wedding so that by the time your day arrives you feel like you are spending it with a friend!
How to find the perfect photographer
Finding a photographer that understands your personality and style is paramount. Second to that is what kind of experience are they going to offer you? If you want your personality and relationship to shine through authentically, you wouldn’t necessarily want a photographer who works in a very posed, editorial or technical way as you might feel uncomfortable. If candid photos are important to you, look for a photographer that offers a balance of candid / documentary style and fine art (re: us…wink wink!)
Some photographers like to shoot in a highly posed, produced way, others prefer editorial, and some prefer detail photography. Ensure you choose someone who resonates with your style.
Candid Photography is Popular
Weddings are inherently emotional events, and it makes sense that you want those emotions captured! Everything from first looks, to tears and quirky moments are what it’s really about. Couples now more than ever are wanting to see the real moments from their day. They are busy visiting and may not see every single moment that you might be able to capture. A shot list would hamper a photographers ability to be quick and nimble which would result in missed shots.
Real weddings aren’t perfect like pinterest editorials. In 30 years, you’ll feel more emotion looking a photos of you crying happy tears, the cute dance your niece did or your hug with Grandma rather than the pictures of the fancy gift bags.
Let your images tell the story of your uniqueness!
Sticking to a shot list stresses couples out – and doesn’t allow you to be who you are in the moment. A wedding day goes by in a flash and you don’t want to miss a moment of it. Besides, you don’t want your photos to be someone else’s from pinterest. You want them to be yours!
Trust your photographer to create beautiful images that are uniquely you. Your personality, silliness and true love. Real authentic moments can’t be faked.
The only shot list you need: Family Photos
There’s one exception to the shot list and that’s family photos. Photographers are meeting your family members for the first time on your wedding day. In order to be personable and efficient, having a family shot list will help expedite your family process in a smooth and easy way. This shot list is also a great place to make notes of any important family dynamics like blended families, or sensitivities (separations, passings etc.).
If there are parents who don’t get along for example, having this shot list with notes attached ensures a smooth, easy process with a quick transition. The list aides your photographer in getting through the family photos quickly while also ensuring no one has been forgotten.
Long after your wedding day all that you will have left are the photographs and videos of your memories. These photos will become heirlooms passed down for generations to come and will bring back all the emotion of the day from seeing each other for the first time to saying your vows. Allow yourself to be present and mindful rather than worrying about “the perfect shot”. Trust your vendors to capture your day professionally and authentically – you are in good hands!
While you are here check out our latest post on how to curate your wedding style!
If you’re in the thick of wedding planning, check out this post on why you don’t need a second shooter for your wedding.
