There are many photographs which don't need a reminder... like the bride and groom kissing at the alter or coming down the aisle after the ceremony, or cutting the cake. However, it is nice to have a list of pictures which could get overlooked in the excitement. Most photographers do not have an assistant. It is a must to have someone you know checking off the shots and helping remind the photographer what is needed.
Keep in mind, the more "posed" shots you have listed, the longer it takes. Figure on about a minute and a half per posed shot. 45 posed shots will mean 45 minutes to an hour (or more) for shooting pictures. Most weddings we do see this time period run about 30 minutes.
It is important to note the sequence of the shots. It avoids randomly selecting people or groups to have their picture made. If someone starts offering suggestions for additional photos, it will take even longer than if the shots had been on the list. It hinders the process to have family or friends suggesting photos or trying to get one group of individuals taken care of before another.
Something to think about: Many brides feel that arriving early and shooting the groom with the guys and then the bride with the girls save a lot of time. It does not. This ends up being two photographs which can be shot in a matter of minutes. If anyone is late, the whole plan is blown. If you want to make reception quickly, plan on shooting the family shots before the wedding. THAT is the real time saver. You can also get the broom and his guys, and the bride and the girls. Also plan on coordinating the disappearance of the groom so the bride can have her photos taken with the groomsmen, and then the bridesmaids. THEN the groom needs to come back for shots with the ladies! And of course, we will need solo shots of the bride and of the groom.
In Front of a Studio Background or Nice Outdoor Scenery. This can be before or after the wedding. (These are great for framing later.) Remember, this takes at least 1:30 for each pose.
o Individual shots of Bride (Full face, 2/3, profile and full length, 3/4, and close-ups)
o Bride with Mother
o Bride with Father
o Bride in front of Parents
o Bride’s Parents without bride
o Bride's grandparents (it looks nice to have a shot of the the grandparents without the bride)
o Individual shots of Groom (Full face, 2/3, profile)
o Groom in front of Parents
o Groom with Mother
o Groom with Father
o Groom’s Parents without groom
o Groom's grandparents (it looks nice to have a shot of the grandparents without the groom)
After Wedding
o Bride and Groom with the pastor
o Bride and Groom together
o Groom kissing bride
o Groom placing ring on Bride
o Bride placing ring on Groom
o Bride’s bouquet
Full Length Series (before or after depending on whether or not bride and groom will see each other)
o Bride
o Groom
o Bride and Groom
o Bride, Groom, Clergy
o Bride & Groom together with her parents, brothers and sisters
(then add grandparents)
o Bride & Groom together with his parents, brothers and sisters
(then add grandparents)
o Bride with Bridesmaids (a time saver is to do the whole wedding party or just do the bride and the bridesmaids and then the groom and his guys)
o Groom with Bridesmaids
o Bride with Groomsmen
o Groom with Groomsmen
o Bride and Groom with entire wedding party (is doubtful you will need additional shots of bride and groom both with the groomsmen and then the bridesmaids since there are already various shots of the same people)
o Groom with Best Man
o Bride with Maid of Honor
At/After The Reception
o Bride throwing the bouquet
o Girls catching the bouquet
o Groom removing garter
o Groom aiming the garter
o Guys catching the garter
o Bride and Groom with the two who caught bouquet and garter
Outside
o People decorating the car
o Bride and Groom entering the car (walk don't run!)
o Bride and Groom through car window or door
o Guests waving bye
o Bride and Groom waving bye
All photographs Copyright © Gene Taylor. All rights reserved worldwide.