Why Is A Formal Photo Shot List Important At Weddings

What Is A Formal Photo Shot List

Aside from being a must-have, a formal shot list is a complete list of requested photos for a wedding day. For the first 10 years I was photographing weddings, I did not ask for this list. I thought “I know what I am doing, and I don’t need a list.” Then, one day, I realized that a shot list would make my job so much easier. I could just call out names, photograph them, and move on to the next one. Now, I really push my wedding clients to provide this list prior to the wedding.

Why Having A Photo List Is Important

On a wedding day, time and organization are very important. You will want to maximize your time with all of your wedding vendors. For wedding photographers and videographers like me, this means having a precise list of photos you want captured during your family formals photo time. Believe me! It will save you a ton of time and headache.

At a recent wedding, the couple gave me a “complete” formal photo shot list. It contained only four entries. I prepared to photograph those four groups and then send the couple straight to their cocktail hour. However, we spent 30 minutes on formal photos instead. Each of the four listed groups represented a different side of the family, and each side had its own unwritten groupings. In total, I photographed about 20 groups—five times more than the couple told me to expect.

Now, understand that this does not annoy me—I’m used to it. What it does affect are the family members and friends who get pulled into photos unexpectedly. To make the best use of your wedding day and keep your guests happy, create a detailed, clear timeline. List every grouping by name—“Jo, Bob, Sam, Sally”—that you and your families want. The timeline falls apart when a parent suddenly adds, “Oh, and I want X, Y, and Z as well.”

Problems Occur When The Plan Is Not Complete

Failing to provide a complete list of photos to your wedding photographer will results in confusion, slower-than-expected photos, and possibly annoyed family. Having a full time line with and sharing it with photo subjects will help this problem. If someone runs off during formal photos, it is almost always an uncle. I don’t know why, but it is. At the specific wedding I mention above, it was in fact an uncle who was missing.

There have been so many weddings where family photos derailed the timeline. Even having the list in hand can’t stop people from leaving the wedding venue early or changing out formal attire. I have seen arguments and people unwilling to be in photos. Whatever it is, I am always prepared with the photo list.

For more helpful wedding tips, see my Every Wedding Tip Ever blog post. Click here to find out how to get a great shot of the wedding couple walking down the aisle. Check out how I photography and film a wedding at the same time.