How to Prepare a Wedding Shot List & Communicate with Your Photographer
Planning your wedding photos isn’t just about picking a photographer and hoping they capture everything perfectly—communication is key! Having a game plan ensures that your photographer knows exactly what matters most to you. One of the best ways to do this? Creating a wedding shot list and chatting through your wedding timeline with your photographer in advance.
Why a Shot List is Important
While your photographer will naturally capture all the big moments—your first kiss, walking down the aisle, getting ready with your bridal party—what really makes a wedding gallery feel personal are the smaller, meaningful details. Do you want a special photo with your childhood best friend? A shot of your grandma’s reaction when she sees you in your dress? These are the things that might not be obvious to your photographer unless you tell them.
A shot list helps ensure that nothing important gets overlooked, especially when things get hectic (looking at you, family portraits!). Weddings move fast, and having a clear plan means we can be in the right place at the right time.
What to Include in Your Shot List
Your shot list should focus on unique, personal details—not a rundown of every moment of the day. Here are some things to consider adding:
Special family members or friends – If there’s someone you absolutely want a photo with, list them out. This is especially important for family portraits so we can move quickly and efficiently.
Personal details – Did you spend months DIY-ing your seating chart or picking out your custom wedding favors? Let’s make sure we document that hard work!
Cultural or religious traditions – If your wedding includes special rituals or moments that might not be part of a typical wedding day, we need to know in advance.
Guest entertainment – Having a live performer, champagne tower, or late-night food truck? Make sure it’s on the list so we capture the experience!
Any surprise elements – If you have a choreographed first dance or a surprise outfit change, we definitely want to be in the loop.
Communicating with Your Photographer
Once you’ve put together your shot list, the next step is going over it with your photographer. This isn’t just a quick email—we’ll go through the timing, logistics, and any recommendations to make sure we can realistically capture everything.
If you have a planner, they can also help ensure the wedding timeline allows enough time for all the portraits and special shots. The last thing you want is to feel rushed or to run out of time for those key moments!
Gaby Marie | Trinidad + Tobago Wedding and Couples Photographer
At the end of the day, your wedding photos should reflect what’s most important to you. As your photographer, I want to make sure we’re on the same page so you can relax and enjoy your day while I handle the rest. If you're ready to book or want to chat more about your wedding photography, reach out—I’d love to hear all about your plans!
