Wedding Photography: Must-Take Shot List Before The Wedding Ceremony

A “shot list” is a collection of the most important parts of the wedding affair captured on cam or video. This aims to document the whole occasion – from the small elements to the significant points in the best and unforgettable, yet artistic way possible. Here is a guide for new and professional photographers of the must-take moments before the wedding ceremony.

Preparation Time. Officially, the entire event begins with the very first glimpse of the bride where the wedding will take place, the entourage trailing ahead of her on the way to the altar, and then, her making that historic walk down the aisle while the man of the hour is waiting at the end of the line. However, it has been customary to take shots of the preparation time as well to build the suspense and thrill of this special day.

·        The bridal gown. Shoot it while in a hanger or draped across the bed. Have her look at the attire and catch that admiring stare.

·        The shoes and the bouquet.

·        Her in curlers and makeup being applied.

·        Her mom helping her dress up and working on the zip of her back. Her maid of honor adding veil.

·        The bride in her moment alone. Her gazing at the mirror, or facing out the window.

·        Her hugging her mom.

·        Her fully dressed up and ready to go. Her walking down the stairs or standing by the door.

·        The wedding rings. Be creative in making this photo memorable. Put it in unexpected places – on top of strawberries, with flowers or on the bride’s shoes.

·        The groom fixing his hair.

·        Him putting on a tie.

·        His moment alone. Him in prayer or checking the time.

·        His father or best man attaching boutonnière to his lapel.

·        Him hugging his dad. Them talking to each other as if the wiser is giving advice.

·        In groups. Take a group picture of the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen. Be creative – make it wacky, make it serious, do it dramatic or sentimental.

·        The couple getting into their car on the way to the nuptials. Be sure to do this separately and distinctly.

Before the Ceremony. As soon as you arrive at the location, observe everything and everybody so you won’t miss a thing.

·         The venue. If it’s being held in a baroque church such as Our Lady of Remedies or Santuario de San Antonio, choose spots and angles that would aptly narrate its magnificent history. If it’s in a garden, select areas that would make any viewer appreciate the richness of nature and “scent of roses”. If it’s on a beach, remember to get that unique paradise ambience. Take photos from afar and up close. Note the details: the guest book, the pew or the guest chairs and all the decors on it.

·         The people. Take random shots of the people around. The more candid they are the better. Go for raw emotions.

·         The limo and its arrival.