SHOT LIST

i want all of us to be on

“Team Good Photos”

i would love for you to Select half a dozen photos that you Consider a must have and share them with me, this way we can make a Note of the ideas that are the most important to you, while still allowing us to be creative and capture the organic emotions and fun scenes as they develop throughout your day. a timeline is important to make sure your day runs smoothly, but we also want for you to enjoy those moments while they are happening.

Getting Ready

DETAILS

  • invitations with envelopes/special signs/detail shots

  • sentimental items

  • The wedding dress (displayed on a hanger, close-up of its details, etc.)

  • Bridal accessories (shoes, jewelry, veil, garter, etc.)

  • Bridesmaid dresses

  • Flowers (bouquets, corsages, etc.)

  • Something old

  • Something new

  • Something borrowed

  • Something blue

  • Groom’s suit

  • Groom’s and groomsmen accessories (ties, shoes, etc.)

  • Sentimental items (list details where it says “other” in the printable PDF version of this checklist)

  • Wedding rings

  • Wedding party gifts

People

  • Bridal party getting ready (hair, makeup, putting on jewelry, shoes, etc.)

  • Bride getting into her dress with help from the Maid of Honour or mother

  • Bride having her veil put on

  • Bride looking into the mirror

  • Candid photos of bridal party getting ready

  • Bride with bridal party

  • Bride with friends and family members

  • Bride pinning boutonniere on father

  • Groom and groomsmen getting ready

  • Groom and groomsmen leaving for ceremony

  • Candid photos of groom and groomsmen

  • Groom hugging father

  • Groom and Best Man straightening each others’ ties

Before the Ceremony

There are several photos that can be captured at the location of the ceremony, before the wedding party arrives. Once the ceremony begins, the focus will be on the bride and groom, so now’s a good time to photograph some of the details. 

  • Candid shots of people socializing

  • Children playing (or trying to patiently wait for the ceremony to begin)

  • Wedding invitations

  • Wedding programs

  • Wedding decorations

  • Alter

  • Scenery (if outdoors)

  • Guests arriving

  • Guests being seated

The Ceremony 

With so many special moments about to happen and endless photo opportunities, if there’s just one part of the wedding where you plan to use a shots checklist, this is it. 

  • Venue shots including ceremony site, flowers, interior, and exterior details

  • Guests

  • Groom and groomsmen waiting inside/Outside venue

  • bride arriving in vehicle

  • Bridal party entrance

  • Bride(s) walking down the aisle

  • Groom's reaction

  • Groom and groomsmen arriving

  • Groom greeting guests

  • Bridal party walking down the aisle

  • Flower girl and ring bearer

  • Bride and Father/parent just before walking down the aisle

  • Groom waiting for bride to enter

  • Bride entering

  • First look (groom’s reaction to seeing bride)

  • Bride and father walking down the aisle

  • Father giving away bride

  • Bride and groom with officiant

  • Exchange of vows

  • Exchange of rings

  • Close-up of bride and groom holding hands

  • The first kiss as married couple

  • The moment right after the first kiss

  • Reaction from guests

  • Bride and groom just after being announced husband and wife

  • Bride and groom signing the register

  • Bride and groom walking down aisle together

  • Wedding party recessional

  • Guests blowing bubbles, tossing confetti, birdseed, etc.

After the Ceremony

The time between the ceremony and the reception is typically when all the posed wedding portrait shots are captured.

  • Bride, alone, full-length shot facing photographer

  • Bride, alone, full-length shot facing away from photographer

  • Bride with mother

  • Bride with Maid of Honour

  • Bride with bridesmaids

  • Bride with father

  • Bride with groomsmen

  • Bride with ring bearer/flower girl

  • Bride and groom kissing

  • Bride and groom sharing a quiet moment together

  • Groom with Best Man

  • Groom with groomsmen

  • Groom with parents

  • Groom with bridesmaids

  • Groom with ring bearer and flower girl

  • Bride and groom with Best Man and Maid of Honour

  • Full wedding party

  • Bride and groom with parents

  • Bride and groom with family

  • Informal, candid photos

The Reception

There will be plenty of opportunities to capture fun, candid photos at the reception, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still plan ahead and have a checklist. Here are some shots you should definitely consider.

  • Details and room decor shots, including table settings, place cards, favors, centerpieces, Wedding cake detail shots, etc

  • Bride and groom arriving

  • Grand entrance

  • Head table with wedding party

  • Centrepieces

  • Photo of the food being served

  • Guest book

  • Gift table

  • Decorations

  • Party favours

  • Room before it fills with guests

  • Room full of guests

  • Toasts and speeches (use the “other” section in the printable PDF version of this wedding photography checklist to include specifics)

  • Bride and groom kissing

  • Cake cutting

  • Bride and groom eating the cake

  • First dance as married couple

  • Bride and groom dancing with parents

  • Guests dancing

  • Bouquet toss

  • Bouquet catch

  • Groom getting bride’s garter

  • Garter toss

  • Garter catch

  • DJ, musicians, singers, or other performers

  • Children having fun

  • The exit