Every wedding photographer at some point or another struggles with ensuring they have accomplished everything they can within the wedding day shoot. Whether it is a shot list, their arsenal of gear, or a simple change of clothes, there is a chance you’re going to feel as though you are missing something. With this feeling, this can lead to some anxiety. To avoid that feeling, developing a comprehensive checklist may be the best way to go about planning. Let’s explore what that checklist may include!
Shot List
It goes without saying that the shot list is the core of this checklist. You would be amazed to discover how many times I searched this topic and only found shot lists as the option. Instead of going through each individual shot, I will cover the general topics and do my best to include a definitive list below. Generally speaking, the shot list is divided into five sections: getting ready, the bridal party, family portraits, the ceremony, and the reception. Now, each section has between 21-29 different shots per section, featuring very prominent events that occur throughout the day (Team Wedding, 2024). Additionally, capturing images of crucial objects are also great to further the album, such as the rings, dresses, bouquets, suits, and gifts (Posterjack, 2024). Needless to say, while it is important to capture the entirety of the day, the most important part is the ceremony itself. Capturing the exchanging of vows, the exchange of rings, and ultimately, the kiss, are all vital items to include on the checklist. Other items throughout the day may include the preparation of the bride, the bouquet toss, and cutting the cake (Team Wedding, 2024). Check the works below for the list of shots under Team Wedding’s or the Knot’s listings (Sims, 2024).
Gear Repertoire
The tools of the trade are important things to remember when it comes to the Ultimate Checklist. It should go without saying that there are plenty of items that are paramount to the photographer’s task at a wedding and that forgetting them could be catastrophic for all parties. Now, there are certain items that are more obvious, such as the camera itself, lenses, and whatever is in your camera bag. However, you may consider bringing spare batteries, SD cards, lenses, and even lighting equipment so as to cover all your bases (Roach, 2019). What’s the boy scout motto? Be prepared. Which also leads to the considerations for the weather. If the forecast is bright and sunny, then good for you! You should be alright, using natural lighting and going about your business. However, if it’s gray and overcast, then you may need to plan accordingly. Dan Bracaglia of PopPhoto (2022) made a point to highlight the need for a raincoat and umbrella, as well as a camera cover. The importance of bringing a camera cover cannot be understated if you are dealing with less-than-ideal weather, that cover may very well save the day.
Miscellaneous Arsenal
Here is the most bizarre component of this checklist. There are far too many items to subcategorize other than a miscellaneous arsenal. Each list has its own entry, so I will do my best to encompass each one to the most relevant items. Bracaglia (2022) had an odd list, including items such as a pocket knife, band-aids, and Tide-to-Go wipes. However, he had a few excellent entries, including a portable phone charger, a step-stool for higher perspective shots, and gaffer’s tape (Bracaglia, 2022). Meanwhile, Roach (2019) highlighted tools for the camera including a blower and cleaning cloth, zip-ties, plastic bags, and even plastic clamps. Now, most of those are in relation to covering the camera in poor weather conditions, which, in the absence of an actual cover, is an excellent idea. An extra set of clothes wouldn’t hurt either (Southern Love, 2019). However, the one item that each list I discovered included: snacks and water (Bracaglia, 2022) (Roach, 2019) (Southern Love, 2019). It sounds unnecessary, especially with the reception and dinner and whatnot. However, when you are there from the beginning of the day till the end of the day, it makes perfect sense. Deodorant will also be of use, considering that information (Roach, 2019). Finally, the perfect way to cap this list off, is the use of business cards (Southern Love, 2019) (Roach, 2019). You never know who might need your services next, so making sure you have a supply of business cards in your back pocket will absolutely be to your benefit.
At the end of it all, I believe I did my best to cover the comprehensive and ultimate list that I could with the information I acquired, both obvious and not. There is no doubt that I probably missed something in this list, however, if that is the case, feel free to let me know! I will happily update this list as regularly as I need to! I hope that you have learned something today and that you have a great day.
Works Cited
Bracaglia, Dan. “10 things every wedding photographer should bring.” PopPhoto, 28 May 2022, https://www.popphoto.com/how-to/wedding-photographer-camera-bag-essentials/. Accessed 20 August 2024.
“Photography Checklist.” Team Wedding, https://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Team-Wedding-Photography-Checklist.pdf. Accessed 20 August 2024.
Roach, Jacob. “15 Surprising Essentials for Every Wedding Photographer's Gear Checklist.” Business Insider, 4 February 2019, https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/unexpected-wedding-photography-gear. Accessed 20 August 2024.
Sims, Maddy. “Your Must-Have Wedding Shot List & Wedding Photography Checklist.” The Knot, https://www.theknot.com/content/great-wedding-photo-suggestions. Accessed 20 August 2024.
“10 Not-so-Obvious Things Photographers Should Bring to a Wedding.” Southern Love Creative, 27 March 2019, https://www.southernlovecreative.com/10-things-photographers-should-bring-to-a-wedding/. Accessed 20 August 2024.
“The Ultimate Wedding Photography Checklist [Free Printable PDF] – Posterjack.” Posterjack, 29 July 2024, https://posterjack.ca/blogs/inspiration/the-ultimate-wedding-photography-checklist. Accessed 20 August 2024.