Bold statement to throw your wedding shot list out the window, I know. Your wedding day should be captured through those moments filled with real emotions that can make you say- "Wow, that was truly unforgettable!”. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to forget the traditional shots you might come to expect in your final wedding album, the first kiss, the entrance to the reception, and family photos… but letting your wedding photographer have free reign to capture those moments in between (from the crazy joyful to welled up weepy) will have you straight on a path to nostalgia heaven. And that’s exactly what I strive for- my photography is not just about pretty pictures, it tells unique stories, every wedding day and every couple a unique tapestry of people, places, history and emotion.

A more spontaneous approach

The main reason for this storytelling approach is that it lets your wedding photographer capture those unexpected, meaningful moments that can't be planned. When you focus on candid and emotion-filled shots, you end up with a gallery that's totally unique to your day -not a carbon copy of someone else's.

Giving your photographer the freedom to move around like a ninja in the background means you'll get a true, accurate story that's all about you and your guests. It's those spontaneous hugs, surprising moments- be it the page boy stepping on the bride's dress or the best man's tearful toast, and all those big emotions that will bring back the best memories when you're flipping through your album years from now or sharing it with the next generation!

More time to enjoy the day

Planning a wedding takes months, maybe even years, and the big day flies by in a blur. The key? Letting yourself and your guests soak up every moment without feeling pressured to pose for endless pictures. The more you can be in the moment, the more memories you'll cherish from the day you've poured your heart and soul into.

You don’t have to skip out on portraits or those must-have shots. Just chat with your photographer about what’s most important to you, it doesn't have to be a checkbox list- just an honest conversation about what you would love to see in your final wedding album. That way, they can plan ahead and you can relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about checking off a list.

Speaking from years of experience shooting weddings, seasoned photographers can anticipate those expected shots. Trust them to capture those special moments and VIPs you’ve talked about. By letting go of the shot list stress, you’ll have more energy to focus on what truly matters -those first moments as newlyweds!

Let's not stress over wedding shot lists!

Wedding shot are not just stressful for the couple, but lists can really stress out us photographers and put a damper on our creativity. They can totally pull you out of the moment or even mess it up because you're too focused on ticking boxes instead of catching those spontaneous moments. Being a photographer is all about observing, be it a quite candid moment happening when no one else is watching, interesting light, or any opportunity to create some visual magic. Sticking too strictly to the list can mean missing out on those less obvious moments, that honestly you could ever anticipate- little own list. Think about which shots will bring you back to the day- I promise it won't be the imitation of the pinterest photo that took 10 minutes to compose…not every click needs to be curated- it's all about images that bring back all the feels of that special day.

Unrealistic expectations from inspiration!

So you are obsessed with an image you saw on socials, and it's pinned in the middle of your mood board. I guarantee your pictures won’t turn out exactly the way how you saw on that pinterest picture. I'm totally cool with using a few Pinterest pics for inspo- it's a great way to communicate visually with your photographer about the vibe and style you would like to see, but let's not go overboard, okay? Firstly, if you have hired a photographer- chances are you love their work, and expecting them to replicate another photographer's work is unrealistic. Even if you attempted to recreate-your photos won't be the same as the inspo, different people, lighting, location, you get the point. So, think of Pinterest as more of a vibe guide and a way to communicate ideas with your photographer, than a pose-for-pose manual. That way, you'll enjoy your shoot without expecting it to mimic those pics exactly, and your photos will capture your day, not someone else's.

Aim to capture moments, not create them!

I'm all about capturing real moments, not staging them. If you give me a list that says, “Bride kisses dad while walking down the aisle with her new hubby,” I can't promise we'll nail that exact moment, or recreate it later. My job is to capture your day as it unfolds naturally, telling your love story in a genuine way. In a lot of cases, I can instigate a scenario, however, I'm busy setting up moments that could've happened organically, then it's not really your story I'm telling—it's like you're acting out someone else's tale. (Hope that analogy hit the mark!)

Do prepare a family picture list

I don't usually bother with a shot list, but I do keep some notes and a list of family photos I need to take. I make sure I understand what the couple really wants, and if there's anything unusual or special they want, I jot it down so I don't forget.

The only time I really rely on a shot list is during family pictures. They're super important, but nobody wants to spend ages waiting around for them. So, having a list all ready to go makes things quicker and smoother.

I get the list sorted out with the couple beforehand and focus on getting those shots perfect. I usually do the group photos right after the ceremony at the ceremony site, when everyone's there and everything looks great.

To summarize… Shot lists (for the most part- they suck!) Communicate openly prior to the day about your priorities and VIPS. And rather than a shot list, focus on educating your photographer about your history as a couple and your general vibe, that way your photographer is looking out for moments and emotions that mean something, not just pretty pictures. Trust your photographer is anticipating the obvious stuff, and allow room for creative reign. That way the final collection of wedding photos is not just a flip book of randomly composed photos, but rather- an emotional time machine that takes you back to the moment you married your forever.