If you’re a bride searching Pinterest before your wedding day, chances are you’re going to find a lot of posts like “20 photos you want to get on your wedding day” or “The 300 MUST-HAVE shots to tell your photographer to get” … I’ve seen them and I just roll my eyes at them. As a bride, it’s definitely a good idea to know what images mean the most to you and communicate that importance to your wedding photographer. But this crazy list of “bride with new sister-in-law”; “bride with bridesmaids walking and laughing”; “Bridal party toasting with champagne” is 100% unnecessary.

If photos of your grandma and grandpa’s reaction to seeing you in your gown for the first time is something you want then, by all means, let me know that ’cause that’s not super standard. We absolutely want to know that! Other than a short list of super-important images (and I’m talking like 3-5 max), I don’t ask brides for a shot list on their wedding day. I feel really strongly that as a bride, you should be working with a wedding photographer who you TRUST to get all the important photos and a shot list shouldn’t be required. Here’s why:

On any given wedding day, I have a running list in my head of every image that I want to get. This is everything from the lists you can find on the web (“groom putting on tie” check! “bride with each individual bridesmaid”…got it!), to things that are specific to the couple, like a hanky that the bride will be carrying that her mother and grandmother both carried down the aisle.

This list is typically compiled a couple of different ways. First: I’ve been educated by a nationally recognized wedding photographer (who charges $10k for weddings so she’s obviously doing something right) to know what the important shots are and what couples love to see. You don’t need to worry about me getting the bride and her dad coming down the aisle or a sweet shot with the groom and his mama….trust me, girl, I’ve got that covered! While each wedding and couple is unique, there are enough similar elements that I’m a pro at knowing what I need to capture to have truly done my job well.

Secondly, I’m in touch with the couple leading up to the wedding to make sure there are no surprises. For example, if the bride is surprising the groom with a boudoir photo book, LET ME KNOW ’cause, girl, you’re going to I want photos of his face seeing it! Or if the father-daughter dance is going to turn into a flash mob, you better believe I’ll have my lights all set up to capture every second of it. By doing this, you can relax and truly enjoy this day because you know it can unfold exactly how you planned and TRUST that I won’t miss a beat!

But by far, the most important reason I’m so passionate about saying no to a shot list is that even though every wedding has similar elements, each day is also completely unique because of the PEOPLE who are part of it. If I’m so focused on a piece of paper with a thousand to-do’s, I could miss a tearful hug between a groom and his mama, or a group prayer with a bride and her maids or grandpa cutting a rug to Twist & Shout on the dance floor! And if we’re being honest – those are the moments that really matter!

It is my passion and PURPOSE in this industry to SERVE my couples. And for me to serve them properly, I need to be fully present from start to finish to really capture this day in its entirety. From the moment I get arrive, I get in the mind right and I’m always on the lookout. My camera is never far and I’m always ready to capture that candid moment.

As your wedding photographer, I vow to do my very best to capture all the typical shots that make up a wedding day and look great in an album. And I also vow to be completely in the moment so you have more than just photos of people and things. I vow to deliver photos of moments and memories. And I may even surprise you with a photo of you sneaking that quick kiss with your new hubby!

KEEP READING

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All the Glorious Benefits of a Sharing A First Look

Five Things to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged

Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline

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I’d love to chat about your wedding day dreams!

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Courtney is a Wedding Photographer in Indiana. Her specialty is joyful, timeless and playfully romantic wedding photography for classic and timeless couples and educating photographers on how to build a business that delivers an unforgettable client experience. Within Indiana, she serves Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Lafayette, Bloomington and South Bend. Areas in surrounding states that she serves: Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is available for destination weddings. Contact her for investment details and reserve your date.