Do I Need a Wedding Photographer Shot List?
Bride and groom enjoying some hammock-time on their wedding night. © Dan Wagner 2023
Brides and grooms often ask me, “Do I need a wedding photographer shot list?” It’s a great question. As a Long Island wedding photographer, I love this question because it shows that the couple want to help me help them. A wedding photography shot list lets me know which photos are important to them, and why. Knowing the why helps me see the couple as they see themselves. This knowledge provides creative inspiration throughout their wedding day.
Not every wedding photography shot list should be set in stone. During your wedding day, you should feel free to share photo ideas with your photographer. Good wedding shot lists are constantly evolving. I believe that the best wedding photographers enjoy asking the bride, groom, bridal party, and family members if there are any shots they’d like to take. As I drive home after photographing a wedding, it’s nice to know that I gave it my all.
The photo at the top of this blog article is of a Hamptons, Long Island couple after their wedding reception. Before leaving for the night they asked me to take this photo. I wish I could say it was my idea. Had this shot unfolded organically, I would naturally have shot it. What’s important, is that the couple and the photographer are partners in the creative process.
Long Island bride and groom taking a golf cart for a joy ride. © Dan Wagner 2023
Do I Need A Wedding Photographer Shot List?
Sorry for the long prelude to your question. Not to delay, but the answer is, yes and no. Having spent years behind the camera, I don’t need a wedding photographer shot list. The reason for this is that I have an extensive shot list in my head. This list is a compilation of all the shots wedding couples have asked for, have come to expect, and deserve. From getting ready (if we’re shooting those), to before, during, and after your ceremony, to candid and formal shots, detail shots, cocktail hour, reception, b-roll shots for albums, to venue shots, to courtesy shots for your wedding vendors, and more—”I’m on it!”
So, when it comes to wanting a wedding photography shot list—what I really want is a list of special shots. Examples of requested shots include photos of a couple driving a golf cart, the groom carrying his bride over the threshold after the wedding (this was a Water’s Edge wedding in Centerport—the couple lived nearby), and photos of a wedding party standing in the flatbed of a pickup truck.
Long Island groom carrying his bride over the threshold. © Dan Wagner 2023
Do Need a Wedding Photographer Shot List for Family Photos?
Yes! I’m so glad you asked. However this list is not for the photographer. Instead, give a shot list for the bride’s side to a few family members whose job will be gathering people for each shot, and checking the shot off the list. Create a similar list for the groom’s side. The benefit of this approach is that family members know who to get, and are able to get their cooperation quickly. All this means the bride and groom won’t have to yell for people to come. You may ask, “shouldn’t I give this list to the photographer?” No, because he or she need to concentrate on taking beautiful photos. My blog article about taking photos before or after your wedding ceremony has more information on this topic.
Should I Add Table Photos to My Wedding Photography Shot List?
Standard practice dictates that the bride and groom’s table, and the two parent tables should always be photographed. Shooting table photos depend on a variety of factors. Many couples don’t want them, and most photographers don’t want to shoot them. Couples don’t want to inconvenience their guests, and photographers find it frustrating to make sure that all the guests who should be at each table are present. Plus, wedding ballrooms with tables placed too close together make it hard for photographers to find good shooting spots. Remember, wedding guests can always shoot their own table shots with a cellphone.
Another obstacle for shooting table shots are those huge wedding table centerpieces—especially heavy glass centerpieces filled with water, flowers, and lit candles. These massive centerpieces are too dangerous to move, and make it impossible to photograph everyone at the table, unless the photographer stands on a chair and shoots down. By the way, most wedding couples choose not to include wedding table shots in their albums. One reason for this is that some guests might feel left out if their table shot isn’t in the album.
Group photo of bridal party standing on the bed of a pickup truck. ©Dan Wagner 2023
What Should I Say if I Really Want Wedding Table Shots?
If wedding table shots, or any other shots are must-haves for your wedding, then I recommend discussing it with your photographer. As I always say, “where there’s a wedding there’s a way!” Photographers should be like US Army Marines, and learn to improvise, adapt, and overcome! Booyah! Not having served I probably shouldn’t say, boohyah. Nonetheless, it’s how I feel. If wedding table shots are important to you, then they’re important to me. Here are a few tips for how to turn lemons into lemonade. By far, the best tip is for the bride and groom to be in each table shot. As stars of the wedding, everyone wants to be photographed with the bride.
Tips for Shooting Wedding Table Shots
For maximum cooperation, include the bride and groom in each table shot
Avoid huge table centerpieces
Make sure tables aren’t placed too close together
Spread the word that table shots will be done before the first course—or another suitable time
Have the DJ ask everyone to be at their table for table shots
Consider moving the table number before shooting
Ask one half of the table to stand behind the other half
Show preference to people who have difficulty moving
Shoot five or more shots to make sure everyone is smiling and have their eyes open
Professional wedding photographers who maintain a positive and fun attitude will always get the best from the people they photograph. It’s good practice for photographers to never single anyone out for not smiling, or not behaving in a specific way. There could be physical, mental, drinking, or cultural reasons explaining their behavior. Of course it’s only natural for people to get caught up in the moment. That’s why diplomatic skills go hand in hand with photographic skills. My motto is, “always strive to be the favorite vendor.”
Wedding table setting photographed while the ballroom is empty. © Dan Wagner 2023
Avoid Long Wedding Photographer Shot Lists!
One reason to avoid giving your wedding photographer a long shot list, is that it can be a distraction. Those spontaneous shots we all know and love may suffer because your photographer is busy working on a long shot list. As a compromise or work around for longer shots lists, I often ask an assistant (if I have one), or a willing bridesmaid or groomsman to assist with this task.
Another thing I like to do during the wedding reception, is walk around the venue while making a list of five or more nice spots for couples shots. These shots are numbered in the order I intend to take them. Then when there’s time between courses, I ask the couple to join me in taking these shots. We usually bring a bridal attendant to help with arranging the wedding gown and holding he bouquet. And along the way, I encourage the couple to let me know if they want any additional shots.
Envisioning your wedding day, and seeing it like a movie in my head has always helped me think of all the photos I’d love to shoot. I recommend trying it. This approach may help you compile your own special shot list. Because every photographer and couple have their own point of view, it’s a good idea to review the wedding shot list together.
“After seeing Dan's work for a friend’s engagement pictures, we decided that we had to have him. He is extremely professional and talented. We have gotten continuous compliments on our own engagement and wedding photographs. Dan is very detail oriented and is dedicated to producing memorable photos. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
—Jill and John
Every Bride and Groom Deserve Beautiful Wedding Photos!
I hope this article has helped answer your questions. Please feel free to share your thoughts and concerns in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading my Long Island wedding photographer blog!