Essential Guide to Your Wedding Photography Shot List and Poses
When it comes to your wedding day you’re going to want to hire a wedding photographer. Most photo wedding pros have a standard wedding photo list that covers all the basic pictures you'll want captured. As an experienced wedding photographer with over 300 weddings, I’ve put a short list of some must-have wedding photo ideas for you. Of course, the style and number of these images will all depend on the photographer you've chosen, but a wedding shot list of photos you'd love to have is a great way to cover your bases.
25 Wedding Photo Ideas and Key Details
There are several specific elements of the day you will want to capture to remember everything about the celebration.
- Your Wedding Stationary: You could send all of the stationary to your wedding photographer in advance of your wedding, or have your photographer shoot it in the morning.
- The Rings: Although I’ll also photograph the ring exchange as it happens during the wedding ceremony, I’ll also find ways to capture the rings in other settings.
- Make Up Moment: I love to document as much of the getting ready process as possible, including the make-up touch-ups.
- The Wedding Shoes: I’m sure you’ll have taken considerable thought into what shoes you’ll be wearing. I love the natural moment of the shoes being put on.
- A Bridal Portrait: Once your hair and make-up are complete and you’re in your wedding dress, I love to make beautiful portraits in a non-fussy way.
- The Veil: There are so many ways to take photos of a veil. I’ll shoot it close and I’ll shoot it far to capture movement and context.
- The Bridal Bouquet: A bridal Bouquet is likely the most important accessory for a bride to have. It’s something that will be with you for most of the day.
Wedding Photography Checklist
To help you out, we've populated a wedding photography checklist with the photo ideas listed below. Work with your photographer to narrow down the wedding photos you definitely want.
| Category | Recommended Shots |
|---|---|
| To-Be-Wed #1 | Wedding dress hanging, applying makeup, full-length shot in mirror, detail shot of accessories (something borrowed, something blue). |
| To-Be-Wed #2 | Getting ready with parent and pals, tying the tie, wedding party putting final touches on outfit (boutonnieres or bowties). |
| Family Moments | Emotional shots of each to-be-wed talking to/hugging parents and siblings before the ceremony. |
Pre-Ceremony Preparation
- Parent or other guardian helping to-be-wed with one last detail, such as veil, shoes or zipping up outfit.
- To-be-wed hugging honor attendant or close friend.
- To-be-wed with wedding party.
Pro Tips and Wedding Photo Poses
It’s my job to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and guide your movement so that you look great in every shot. Here are my pro tips for getting the best wedding day photography:
- Rule #1: lean into the camera, not away from it. Leaning into the camera is what creates those money shots!
- Relax into every pose. You don’t want a death grip on each other. My rule of thumb is “if it bends, bend it,” meaning, loosening up your elbows and fingers.
- Keep moving. Movements can be super small like swaying, running your fingers down your partner’s arm, or caressing their hair.
- Follow the prompts. If I tell you to “walk together towards me” or “snuggle up” then just keep going until your photographer says you can stop.
Timing and Lighting Strategies
When capturing photography wedding poses, everything depends upon the weather and the lighting. Sunset photos are my favorite – everything looks the most epic, dynamic and romantic with that golden light! Always plan your timeline around the best lighting, keeping in mind the times of the year when the sun sets earlier.
Also, have a rain plan option: clear umbrellas look good on camera or we can use an alternate indoor or tented spot if your venue offers it. Giving your photographer time lets them have the space to create those magical moments.
Family and Group Photo Coordination
Doing wedding photos with family and larger groups can take much longer than you might expect. Getting a group to migrate and gather then directing them in wedding photo poses requires strategy:
- Communication: Be very clear about where they need to be at what time.
- Flexibility: Leave flexibility in the wedding timeline just in case anything runs more slowly than expected.
- Segments: Divide family photos up into smaller segments, such as immediate family before the ceremony and extended groups afterwards.
Ceremony and Reception Do's and Don'ts
To ensure the best shots during the event, keep these tips in mind. Tell the officiant to step aside for the kiss so they are not in the process of moving during that big moment. Have the groom dip the bride sideways! When walking back, stop halfway down the aisle for a kiss. Remember, no matter what happens on your wedding day you have to live in the moment and enjoy the wedding for what it is.