Why I DON'T Use a Wedding Day Photography Checklist With My Clients
MARCH 27, 2024
You might be thinking to yourself.. "I thought I was supposed to create a shot list for my photographer?" And I'm here to tell you that is a very common assumption, and at one point it was definitely something that was more common in the industry, but I don't believe that it adds value to you as a client or to your photographer and I want to share why.
I am a photographer and videographer who values authentic and candid moments, spontaneity, and capturing your truest selves on your wedding day. And walking into your big day with a "checklist" often takes away more from my work than it gives.
First, I think it's redundant. My primary job is to capture the essence of your wedding day. I am hard wired to observe, anticipate, and document all of the moments as they happen to tell a beautiful story for you. When you are getting into a dress with the help of a parent, putting on a snappy suit, walking down the aisle, or being introduced as newlyweds I am there to capture each and every moment. So it feels redundant to have a checklist telling me to capture what is already in front of me. And there are plenty of photos that are already on my list for you. Photos with all of your wedding party, photos with each member of your wedding party, photos with each parent, etc. So those photos are already part of my day and I know they are an important memory that is already being taken care of.
It's redundant
Second, it takes away from the authenticity of the day. I often mix a candid, fly on the wall approach with direction and help posing and prompting when needed. But not everything during your wedding day needs to be "staged," instead, just enjoying it. Using a checklist confines me into a pre-determined set of poses and shots that prevents me from capturing the day as it unfolds organically. So instead of capturing a beautiful and authentic moment you are spending getting ready with loved ones I am trying to force a specific pose just to check it off the list. In my experience real moments are always better than fake ones, and we don't need to spend the entire day forcing things. Photos and videos are meant to take you back to a memory. And I want that memory to be something real and something special for you, not the memory of us checking that shot off of a list.
It takes away from the authenticity of the day
Third, it puts a limit on creativity and being truly present in the moment. I spend a lot of my time learning and growing as an artist, practicing, trying new things, and connecting with my clients to create something really meaningful. So going back and forth between a checklist all day continuously takes me out of the moment. Not only does this disrupt the flow of the day but it doesn't allow me the freedom to capture your day to my fullest creative potential. I prefer to immerse myself in the energy of the day, allowing for genuine moments, connection, fun, and we can all truly enjoy the day together and create beautiful memories.
It puts a limit on creativity
Fourth, for a more personalized experience. Every couple is unique and your wedding day and wedding memories should reflect that individuality. Relying on external inspiration from a checklist, Pinterest, Instagram, etc often leads to cookie-cutter photos that lack personality or significance. I love leaning into your story, personalities and preferences and strive to capture images that are truly yours. That being said if there is a dream pose that you want to try and replicate there is always room to say, "hey, can we try this one pose." Because I do that too in my quest to continue trying new things. I also have a number of poses and prompts that I often bring into each wedding day to help us experiment and have fun together to find out what is most natural and true to you. But having a list of all of the poses pre-set and rigid often leads to a really stiff and unnatural set of photos. So let's play and enjoy an experience that is yours.
For a more personalized experience
Now here are the exceptions to the rule. Because there are a couple things that I do want to see from my clients for their photos.
The first thing I do want to see is anything that is very significant and special to you. For example, if you have a deceased family members photo in a locket that you are carrying around all day please let me know, I would love to capture that special detail. Or another example might be if your dog is walking down the aisle. And if you love your dog the way I love mine then that's a high priority item right there! So let me know if something like that is happening so I know to be ready for it.
In conclusion, I want you to spend your wedding day creating the best memories and not doing things just because you think you should. Trusting in me and allowing me to capture your authentic day and genuine moments will be more valuable than anything else. Your story is important and I want for us all to be present, flexible and attuned to the emotions of the day – qualities that can't be truly captured by following a checklist.
- Your friend,
Lindsay
I would love to chat with you and see if we’d vibe together and be a good fit. To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! In the meantime, you can keep up with me day-to-day over on my Instagram.
If you're planning a fabulous wedding day and still looking for photography, videography or both I'd love to chat!
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