Do photographers like to have a photo list from the couple?

Question Asked: 23/05/2018

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

John Mitchell Photography

(10) · Daylesford, Macedon Ranges & Alpine Region

Posted: 24/05/2018

As a ‘Documentary style’ ( A.K.A photojournalistic Wedding Photography)

Wedding Photographer I photograph weddings in a candid

photojournalistic approach, which results in surprisingly unexpected images

for my couples.

The exception is that I will need to orchestrate the family photos

which will need to be organised.

I do not take shot lists and instead leave the natural progression of your

wedding day happen in real time and photograph unobtrusively to capture

the true events as it happens without creating ‘shot lists’ for ‘set up shots’.

This style suits couples who wish to be surprised by receiving photos that

are truly candid and unexpected.

Answered by: 19 Experts

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White Cat Media

(13) · NSW

Posted: 15/03/2025

In general, no, most photographers don't like this! But, if it's on your mind, then give them the list anyway! 

Definitely you should talk through the day with your photographer, so they know what to expect. It gives them an idea of where they should be standing when, what sort of lens they should have on their camera, what sort of lighting, and whether there are any potential problems. Personally, I try to attend the ceremony rehearsal whenever I can for this sort of reason.

In terms of a shot list, it depends what level of detail. Any photographer who's been doing this for a while knows the main shots he/she has to get. They've done dozens or hundreds of weddings. They know how to avoid any possible customer dissatisfaction. So, if anything, they will overshoot rather than undershoot. 

But some shots will be unobvious. And since you, the client, won't necessarily know what's obvious or unobvious to the photographer, you might as well tell them all the shots you want anyway! "I'm going to have a picture of my deceased grandfather attached to my bouquet." Okay, that's good for me to know. Not all brides have that.

But if you go into high level of detail, "Get a pose like this", "Take a shot of the kiss that looks like this". Well, in small quantities it's okay; and our mission is to make the client happy, so of course we'd comply. But, in larger quantities, detailed lists can be too much for us to remember -- we have a lot on our minds on a wedding day -- and can also interfere with our creativity. You hired us because you like the photos we take and the way we look at the world. We don't want to have to keep referring to a list and copying other photographers. Doing that might mean we don't shoot in our natural way, or that we miss fresh moments, interesting new photos. It might also not be practical to copy. I mean, your wedding day is probably different outfits, location, lighting, etc from the photo you'd like us to copy; our ability to imitate that photo might be limited.

Reel Imagination Photo

(35) · All Sydney, Hunter Valley, North/South Coast, Southern Highlands

Posted: 26/07/2023

Good question - the photographer will have their own style and choosing poses and setups they are strong with, however I always ask the couple what images do they like, do they have any pinterest boards they want to share that we can copy the style on the day. Also I always request a must-have photo list, which could be portraits or family and friends, for example a photograph with an elderly relative or really special friends.

Jodie Reardon Photography

(31) · Hunter Valley / Central Coast / Gosford / Port Stephens

Posted: 26/10/2021

I'm happy for couples to give me a list for family photo time (generally after the ceremony). Another tip I give couples is to nominate a family member to help round up the family. The photographer doesn't know who everyone is so when there is a family member who know's who is who, they are a wonderful help in making this part run quickly and not eat into the bridal portrait time. Remember you can ask your photographer for more family photos during the reception. On my questionaire I ask if there is anything the couple would like me to know, any special photos they would like, however I don't do a 'shot' list. With over ten years of shooting weddings I aim for those quintessential shots as well as capturing the moments that are happening right in front of me. If I was to pull out a list all day - I'd be missing the moment. Ask your potential photographers to look at whole galleries of weddings - look at what they are photographing and if this is the style you like. 

Grant Hoskinson Photography

(7) · Sydney / Australia / Worldwide

Posted: 6/09/2019

Family photo lists, yes. But I'm not a fan of clients showing me shots they want that are nothing like the style I shoot that they've seen on my website. Especially if time is limited.

James Harvie Photography

(29) · Victoria

Posted: 10/10/2018

Yes a photo list is helpful but I would give it to an MC or friend who knows the guests and can help co ordinate them guests. The photographer needs to concentrate on getting the image right, and they will not be familar with your guests.

Melisa Savickas Photographer

(11) · Melbourne & Surroundings, Victoria Wide

Posted: 28/09/2018

I find it helpful to have an idea of who must be included in special family portraits, and who is coming from interstate or overseas, so a brief list is useful. I also suggest the couple assign someone in their bridal party/family to organise family groups on the day, so that they know who must be located and make sure nobody is missing in the group photos.

If the couple have specific photos in mind like photos of their rings up close in their boxes, or close ups of their bridesmaids complex hairdos, or the groomsmen's theme socks (I had a Batman themed sock group recently) covered well, it's best to plan for this and tell your photographer and check it off your list of essentials. Whatever your style, it's always best to communicate with your photographer as must as possible about your expectations, to avoid disappointment. 

That Lady Photographer

(28) · Gold Coast, Tweed Heads

Posted: 28/07/2018

Definately! this way no one is missed in a grouping photos which I take straight after the ceremony. Those that don't will always forget someone.

JvB Photography

(5) · Brisbane & Surroundings

Posted: 9/07/2018

I always work off a "must-have" list.  This way, I know that I meet the couples expectations and then after that I make sure that I get those candid, funny, emotional, joyfull  and artistic photos that tell the story of the whole day.

The Light Industry

(29) · Victoria Statewide

Posted: 27/06/2018

Yes - some couples do benefit from filling out a list/table that describes arrangements of key family/formal photographs. This is particularly useful when there are large families with a lot of formal photographs to get through, or when there might be strained/complex family relationships - and the wedding couple want the photographer to inconspicuously direct people to specific areas of the photograph. Sometimes this list helps the couple to refine how many different formal photos they actually want too.

A list of photos can also help the couple to communicate more clearly what style of photography they prefer. Even if their preferred genre is 'candid/journalistic', a photo list informs the photographer what type of lenses, lighting, other photographic elements and options for future editing are preferred by the couple.

Focus Imagery - Wedding Film & Photography

(26) · Cairns, Palm Cove & Port Douglas

Posted: 6/06/2018

No, you should choose a photographer because you like their style and allow them to do what they do. ofcouse discuss with them any special shots that you may have in mind. Relax and enjoy it. 

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