My 5 Tips for Ditching the Shot List & Embracing the Candids

13 Feb

This may sound strange coming from a photographer,

but I believe having too much emphasis on the photos by having extensive shot lists is NOT a good idea. To be honest, it can make the day feel stressful as you will struggle to fit everything into your schedule. Your wedding day is about the two of you, celebrating with the people you love. And should not revolve around forced scenarios and inauthentic moments. My role as your photographer is to notice what's going on around me, to capture the genuine moments, not curate them.

Here are my 5 tips to help you give yourself the best opportunity to get the greatest wedding photos you dreamed of without the day becoming a lengthy photoshoot.

Make a pact to hold hands and stay by each other's sides as much as possible. This gives me and your videographer plenty of opportunities to capture some beautiful candid moments of you together. Plus, it gives you both plenty of shared memories of the day.
Be present! Your wedding day will go by in a blur unless you make a conscious effort to really soak it all in. Forget the camera, direct your attention on your partner and all your guests celebrating with you both!
Choose a photographer you trust, I love to get to know my couples and the best way I do that is by arranging video calls, (if we cannot meet in person) and my main packages include a pre-wedding meet up and shoot. Plus throughout I am always on hand for advice and chats.
Be open, if you are planning any special surprises or gifts for your partner or wedding party, make sure your photographer knows about them in advance so they can be in the right place at the right time to capture the moments.
Finally, streamline your photo time. Ok so I say ditch the shot list; I do believe that you should have some formal group photos and suggest you keep these to a minimum. It’s not my style to spend ages going through a tick list of groups and let’s face it you should be having fun and celebrating with your guests. So, by working with your photographer in advance to create a realistic timeline for a few group shots, your photographer can advise the best time to do them to ensure they don't take over your entire day. Good communication with those involved and a well organised timeline for these shots, means they will get done promptly to ensure you are freed up to relax and celebrate with your guests. A great idea is big group photo. It takes minutes to organise and includes all of your guests, a perfect solution if time is a minimum!

Your wedding, your way!

T x