Vendor Guide

The Essential Wedding Photography Shot List

Your wedding day will fly by in a blur of emotion. Make sure you get the photos you actually want by handing your photographer this essential shot list.

A premium flatlay of vintage cameras, film rolls, and polaroids on a rustic wooden table

A great photographer thrives on candid moments, but a shot list ensures nobody is forgotten during the chaotic family portraits session.


Getting Ready & Details

  • The Flatlay: Invitation suite, rings, shoes, jewelry, and any heirloom items against an aesthetic background.
  • The Dress/Suit: Hanging in a window or against beautiful architecture before being put on.
  • Candid Moments: Toasting with bridesmaids/groomsmen, makeup application touches, reading a letter from your partner.
  • The First Look (Optional): A private, staged moment where you see each other before the ceremony.

The Ceremony

  • The Processional: Grandparents, parents, wedding party, and the grand entrance.
  • The Altar: Wide shots of the ceremony space and close-ups of your faces during vows.
  • The Kiss: The iconic moment. Make sure you hold it for at least 3 seconds!
  • The Recessional: Walking back up the aisle together, looking ecstatic.

Pro Tip: The Family Portrait List

This is the most stressful 30 minutes of the day. Do not leave your family groupings to chance. Write down exactly who needs to be in which photo (e.g., "Couple + Bride's Parents + Bride's Grandparents") and assign a loud, assertive member of the wedding party to wrangle them. Keep it under 15 combinations if possible.

The Reception

  • Room Reveal: The beautifully arranged tables and centerpieces before guests enter.
  • Grand Entrance: Your triumphant walking into the reception.
  • First Dance: Close-ups and wide shots capturing the lighting.
  • Speeches: Speakers' faces, but more importantly, your candid reactions to what they are saying.
  • Dance Floor Action: The wild, fun moments toward the end of the night.

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