Your Ultimate Wedding Photography Shot List (Printable PDF available)
It’s an understatement to say that weddings are overwhelming but we believe it doesn’t have to be. Through thorough planning, we can ensure that all necessary details are deliberately attended to. By doing so, we only leave little, if not entirely zero, room for uncertainty on a couple’s big day.
One of the often missed out aspects of a wedding is photo coverage. This is because most couples put their trust in their hired wedding photographers, letting them take charge of something they know best. Sadly, this often brings a bit more disappointment if the couple misses out on a very important shot as we can no longer go back in time. To prevent such, it’s important to run through this photography shot list with your photographer to ensure that they got it all covered. We prepared this checklist below to help guide you on your wedding day:
Wedding Day Photography Checklist (Shot List PDF available)
Getting Ready
Under the getting ready category, we listed down the shots necessary to be taken pre-wedding. This includes the couple as they get ready before they actually march down the aisle and tie the knot. During this time, the wedding photography checklist also include shots of the important items relevant to the big day such as the bride’s gown, wedding bands, bouquet, etc.
- Bride getting ready – having her hair styled and getting make up done
- Still life shot of the bride’s gown, shoes and jewellery
- Still life shot of the something old, new, blue, and borrowed
- Detailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Candid shot of the bridesmaids getting dressed
- Mother buttoning up or zipping the bride’s gown and helping the bride with finishing details such as veil
- Full-length shot of the bride in her gown and bride looking at herself in the mirror
- Bridemaids reacting to the bride in her gown
- Father seeing the bride in her gown
- Bride with her parents and siblings and with her bridesmaids
- Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen
- Groom with his parents and siblings
- Groom with best man and with his groomsmen
- Groomsmen putting on boutonniere or ties
- Close-up shot of the wedding bands
The Ceremony
This is the highlight of the wedding. As a photographer, it is very important to ensure that all necessary shots and more are taken. During this time, the couple exchanges their vows and starts a new chapter of their lives. With this in mind, these photos are the ones the couple will look forward to the most.
- Exterior and interior shots of the venue before the guests settle in
- Groom walking in the aisle with his mother
- Close-up expression of the groom while waiting for the bride
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle
- Close-up of the bride before she makes an entrance
- Groom reacting to the bride as she walks down the aisle
- Bride’s escort giving her away to the groom
- Bride and groom at the altar
- Candid shot of the parents watching the ceremony
- Wide shot of the ceremony from the couple’s point of view, and the altar from the guest’s point of view
- Special moments such as candle lighting and readings
- Close-up shot of the bride and groom as they recite vows and while exchanging rings
- Very important: THE KISS!
- Close-up shot of the couple after the ceremony
- Candid shot of bride and groom with their family and bridal party
The Reception
In between the wedding ceremony and reception, the couple may take photos with each of the wedding party and their families. In this part of the wedding photography checklist, we cover the reception where the most fun is. Be sure to capture the spirit of this celebration.
- Exterior and interior shots of the venue before the guests settle in
- Still life shots of place cards, table setting, centrepieces, decorations, and favours
- Very important: THE CAKE
- Hors d’oeuvres and drinks
- Guests showing up and signing the guest book
- Bride and groom arriving at the reception
- Candid shots of guests during the toast
- Bride and groom sipping champagnes and speaking with guests
- Bride and groom’s first dance
- Bride dancing with her father and groom dancing with his mother
- Parents and wedding party dancing
- Musicians, DJs, or entertainers performing
- Guests dancing
- Bride and groom cutting the cake
- Bouquet toss
- Newlywed’s vehicle and while couple leaves the event
Though this wedding photography checklist touches on the important highlights of a wedding, it’s still important to take as many great photos as possible in-betweens. There are so many beautiful moments to capture at a wedding and it’s ideal to have a quick-feet for your wedding photographer to make this once in a lifetime event last forever.
Another piece of advice we can give you is to choose a great wedding photographer such as Emblaze Photography who will best understand you both, as a couple and as individuals. This will help them to figure out what you both desire to have and the feel you want to capture.
References:
- https://posterjack.ca/blogs/inspiration/the-ultimate-wedding-photography-checklist
- https://www.canvasprintscalgary.com/blog/blog/emotional-wedding-photo-composition-ideas/
- https://blog.wedsites.com/wedding-photography-checklist-printable/
- https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-photography-checklist
