Shot Lists: Necessary?
Let’s Talk Shot Lists (and Why You Don’t Need a 300-Item One)
aka: Trust Your Photographer, We’ve Got You
Every so often, I get an email with a very detailed wedding photography shot list. I’m talking “groom tying his left shoe” detailed. And while I love a couple who cares about the details—I also want to lovingly shout from the rooftops: you don’t need to micromanage your photographer. Really.
So let’s break down what a shot list is, what it’s actually helpful for, and when it starts to get in the way of capturing the real magic of your day.
First: What’s a Shot List?
A shot list is a short list of must-have photos—usually things like:
A special heirloom or detail that’s meaningful
A family member or friend you must have a photo with
A cultural or religious tradition that’s important to document
Surprise moments (like a first dance flash mob or that speech from Aunt Linda)
These are super helpful for me to know in advance. I’ll always ask if there’s anything that’s especially meaningful or personal to you two, so I can plan to capture it.
What a Shot List Isn’t
It’s not a long list of every single photo you’ve ever seen on Pinterest. Why?
Because good photographers aren’t walking around with a clipboard, checking off “bride looks over shoulder” or “groom stares thoughtfully into distance.” We’re reading the room. Watching how you interact. Chasing the in-between, unrepeatable stuff.
When you give your photographer a super specific shot list, here’s what can happen:
We’re focused on recreating someone else’s moments instead of capturing yours
We spend more time checking boxes than watching real emotion unfold
We might miss what’s actually happening because we’re looking for something that isn’t
Trust Is the Real Secret Sauce
You hired your photographer for a reason—probably because you liked their vibe, their work, their energy (and maybe their love of snacks). Let them do their thing. We know how to gently wrangle families, where to stand for good light, how to keep portraits fun instead of stiff, and when to quietly step back and let a moment breathe.
Your wedding photos should look like your wedding—not a collection of someone else’s curated internet favourites.
But Wait—I Still Want Some Structure!
Totally fair. Here’s what is helpful:
A short list of must-have people for portraits (think: grandma who’s 94 and only staying for cocktail hour)
Names of VIPs I might not recognize but should be aware of (like chosen family, honorary aunties, etc.)
Any specific sentimental items (like a locket sewn into your dress or your dog’s collar on your bouquet)
A heads-up about surprises (like a choreographed dance or confetti exit)
Give me the why behind a few things you deeply care about—and I’ll make it my mission to honour them.
TL;DR
📸 Shot lists: helpful when short and meaningful.
🚫 Micromanaging: leads to missed moments and stress for everyone.
💛 Trusting your photographer: gives you authentic, emotional, timeless photos.
At the end of the day, my job is to tell the story of your wedding as it actually felt—not as a perfectly posed Pinterest board. So breathe easy. I've got you covered—and I promise not to forget the shoe-tying photo (unless you’re barefoot, which... vibes).