Should you give your wedding photographer a shot list?

The short answer

Yes, we would love one. A shot list is a short note of the people, moments and details that matter most to you, and the more you tell us before the day, the better the result. We would much rather hear what you care about than guess.

Keep it short and personal. A list of the people and moments you would hate to miss works far better than a long list of poses, and it leaves us free to capture the rest of the day as it really happens.

What a shot list is, and what it is not

A shot list is a guide, not a script. It tells us who matters, what matters and when it happens, so nothing important slips past in a busy day. It does not replace the unscripted, documentary way we work, where most of your photographs and film come from real moments between you and the people you love.

It helps the film too. When you book the photo and video team, one list covers both, and anything you tell us about a reading, a surprise or a moment you cannot wait to see helps us plan the day around it. Our guide to wedding photography styles and what documentary means explains how that looks in practice.

What is worth putting on it

Start with people. List the family groups you would like, typically around 15, because more than that can tire guests and the two of you, who will want to get back to the party. Around 15 groups typically take about 20 minutes, depending on how responsive guests are. Our guide to how long wedding group photographs take explains how to keep them quick.

Add the people who deserve extra attention. Close family, a grandparent, a friend who has travelled a long way, or someone who is unwell or whom you do not see often are exactly the people a note helps us look out for, so we can capture them in candid moments through the day and not only in a group.

Then add moments and details. Say if there is a reading, a surprise, a first look, a family tradition or a gift you are exchanging. Mention anything small but personal, such as a family heirloom, a handwritten letter or a relative’s veil. We cannot know these matter unless you tell us.

What to leave off

Leave off long lists of poses. A board of pinned images can be a lovely way to show us your taste, but a list of forty set-ups takes time away from a day you are there to enjoy. If an idea matters, add it, and let the rest happen naturally.

Skip groups you would not miss. Every extra group is more time standing still, so keep to the combinations you would really want on your wall. If you are unsure who to include, ask us on the call, or read our guide to handling divorced parents and tricky families before you decide.

Do not worry about making it perfect. A few lines of names and notes is plenty, and we can talk through it together.

How and when to share it

Share it before the day, and the sooner the better. We hold a planning call about a month before the wedding, or whenever you have had your final venue meeting. We talk through your venue layout and any officiant rules, how to cover the morning, where family photographs will happen and anything special such as a first look, a reading or a surprise, and your list fits straight into that conversation.

Make it easy to follow. Write group names clearly, with first names and how each person is related to you. A groomsman or bridesmaid who knows the wedding party and the familiar faces is a helpful person to round everyone up when it is time for the group photographs. Our planning checklist lists the other details to have ready.

Why we welcome your direction

We love any direction you can give us before the day, because we want to achieve the best possible result for you. You know your families, your traditions and the moments that would mean the most, and a few lines from you let us put our attention where it counts.

Not every photographer works this way. Some dismiss the idea of a list because they want to deliver their own exact vision to you. That is one way to work, but it is not ours. We see your wedding as your story, so we would always rather hear what you want and fit our eye around it.

A list never limits what we capture beyond it. We still look for the unplanned moments, such as the laugh in the corner or the quiet word between two people, and your notes simply make sure the important ones are not left to chance.

If you are still deciding

If you are unsure what to write, begin with three short lists on the back of an envelope: the groups you want, the people to look out for and the moments you cannot wait to see. Ten minutes is enough, and we can add to it together on the call.

When you are ready, send an enquiry with your date and venue and we will reply within a few hours. An enquiry does not reserve your date; the £120 deposit does, once you are happy to go ahead. Our guide to questions to ask a wedding photographer can help you compare, and our guide to what to do if you hate having your photo taken helps if a list makes you think more about the camera.

Questions couples ask