How to plan a wedding photo shoot list with your photographer.
How to Plan a Wedding Photo Shot List With Your Photographer
Planning a wedding photo shot list is one of the most important steps in preparing for your big day. Your wedding photos preserve your memories long after the celebration ends, and working closely with your wedding photographer ensures no meaningful moment is missed.
A well-thought-out wedding photography shot list helps your photographer understand your priorities while keeping the day relaxed, organized, and stress-free. Here’s how to plan the perfect shot list with your photographer.
1. Start With Your Wedding Photography Priorities
Before creating your wedding photo checklist, think about what matters most to you as a couple.
Ask yourselves:
Do we prefer candid wedding photos or posed portraits?
Are family wedding photos a top priority?
Are there cultural or religious traditions to document?
Are there special wedding details we want photographed?
Write down your top must-have wedding photos. This gives your photographer a clear understanding of your vision.
2. Review Your Photographer’s Wedding Photography Style
Every professional wedding photographer has a unique style. Some focus on documentary-style storytelling, while others lean toward classic, posed wedding portraits.
Before finalizing your shot list:
Review full wedding galleries
Notice what moments your photographer captures naturally
Ask what shots are already included in their standard coverage
This helps you avoid an overly long or unrealistic wedding photography checklist.
3. Organize Your Wedding Photo Shot List by Category
Breaking your list into sections keeps your wedding day photography timeline running smoothly.
Getting Ready Wedding Photos
Wedding dress, shoes, rings, and invitations
Hair and makeup moments
Final dress reveal
Letters or gifts exchanged
Wedding Ceremony Photos
Ceremony venue wide shots
Processional
Exchange of vows and rings
First kiss
Recessional
Family Wedding Photos
Couple with immediate family
Couple with extended family
Wedding party group shots
Special groupings (grandparents, siblings, chosen family)
Couple Wedding Portraits
Romantic posed wedding portraits
Natural, candid moments
Any specific poses or inspiration you love
Wedding Reception Photos
Reception décor and details
Grand entrance
First dance
Wedding speeches and toasts
Cake cutting
Dancing and guest candids
4. Be Specific—But Trust Your Wedding Photographer
It’s important to communicate your must-have shots, but avoid micromanaging every moment.
Instead of over-directing poses, focus on outcomes like:
Emotional moments
Natural interactions
Genuine reactions
Experienced wedding photographers know how to capture authentic moments that can’t be staged.
5. Assign a Family Photo Helper
Family wedding photos often take the longest. Choose someone who:
Knows family members by name
Can gather people quickly
Helps keep wedding portraits on schedule
This simple step saves time and reduces stress on your wedding day.
6. Share Your Wedding Photo Shot List Early
Send your wedding photography shot list to your photographer 2–4 weeks before the wedding. This allows them to:
Offer suggestions
Build a realistic wedding photography timeline
Identify any shots that may need extra time or coordination
Collaboration leads to better wedding photos.
7. Relax and Enjoy Your Wedding Day
Once the day arrives, trust your photographer and enjoy every moment. Some of the most beautiful wedding photos happen spontaneously—quiet tears, shared laughter, and unscripted joy.
When your photographer understands your priorities, they can capture both the planned moments and the unexpected magic.
Creating a wedding photo shot list isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about communication, preparation, and trust. When you plan your wedding photography thoughtfully and work closely with your photographer, you’ll receive a gallery that truly reflects your love story.
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
The Hidden Gem of Gruene: www.hiddengemofgruene.com
Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast: www.mistletoebough.com
SC Southern Charm Events: www.SCSoutherncharmevents.com
Somos Family Weddings & Events: www.somosfamilynyc.com
Amelia Grove: https://ameliagrove.com