Wedding Photos
Jan 18, 2010

5 Shots Your Wedding Photographer Absolutely Must Get

By posted January 18, 2010, 8:30 am | Comments: 5

Bad wedding photographers make me cringe. And, well, even the best may miss that shot you wanted so badly. To make sure they get the shot, put together a short shot list to share with your photographer before the big day. You could even ask a member of the wedding party to keep the list on the day of, to be sure nothing was missed.


Be sure your photographer gets the following shots:


1. The Dress (and Shoes!) — Your dress will be in many shots, heck, you’ll be wearing it, but ask your photographer to get a detail shot of the dress before it’s on you. Hung in a window, the sun will light up your beautiful gown. Likewise, be sure you get a shot of those great shoes.


photo on left via Photography By Rene, photo on right via Jessica Claire


2. The First Look — Whether it’s as you walk down the aisle or during a pre-wedding reveal, you’ve got to have a picture of his face. The look of pure giddiness of the groom’s face is exactly what I’m talking about. Ask your photographer to stand in a spot that allows for shots of your reaction as well. Just like this photo of a bride’s excitement, which was captured perfectly.


3. With the Parents — Don’t miss a photograph with your parents. Though the wedding is all about you and your future husband, it is also about family. Get a more formal shot or a shot during the ceremony.


4. The First Kiss — Can you believe some photographers mess this up? Make sure yours doesn’t. First kiss photos are even great with a reflective floor. Love it.


photo on left via John Mueller, photo on right via Mark Klotz


5. The Rings — Photographers love to get creative with a photo of your wedding rings. Encourage the photographer to do something more traditional or more, crazy, depending what you’re into. As far as crazy goes, this photo probably the most non-traditional I’ve seen. After all, your gold rings deserve to shine.



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  • http://theunbride.com The Unbride

    Although these are all things that any great wedding photographer is going to try their best to capture for you, I have to disagree that giving a “must take” list to your photographer is the best idea I’ve ever heard. If your photographer is busy checking things off a list, they might miss more important things that are going on at the same time.

    There’s no way you can “make sure” your photographer doesn’t miss the first kiss. You can certainly ask for it and make sure they understand that it’s important to you but wedding photography is not a perfect science. Things happen…heads pop in front of you, cameras malfunction, perfect angles can dissolve in an instant.

    My advice is to hire someone you trust, tell them what’s most important to you and then let them do their thing.

    • Joanna

      Great point, but i think that kind of goes without saying. I kind of thought the post was more to get people thinking about what shots they want, like you mentioned telling the photographer what is important to you. I don’t think any bride can expect any photographer to get any and every picture exactly how they want it. In fact, i think most brides nowadays want creative photographers that can put their own spin on it

      • http://bridepop.com Natalie Askren

        Right on, Joanna!

        The key is to pick a photographer whose work is in line with what you like in wedding photography. Then, if this person is a good photographer, they should be able to handle a couple simple requests for important shots. Not necessarily a list of 30+ shots.

        Maybe the photographer doesn’t realize the important role your parents played in your relationship, or he/she doesn’t know the sentimental value of your rings. Details like that should be pointed out!

    • Michelle

      First, let me say to Justine (The Unbride) that i looooove your work. Secondly, I think that you bring up a really good point. Unfortunately, good photographers aren’t always financially accessible by brides, and for some of the so-so photographers, it is definitely important to discuss the shots that are really important. Let me just say though, that for someone like you, Justine, i would let you just have at it because the stuff I’ve seen of yours really blows my mind.

  • http://www.favorchic.com Annette

    Great posts and amazing pictures!

    May I use this on the Favor Chic blog? I am looking to add more ideas and less product promotion only. Of course I will be giving credit to Bride Pop and links.

    ~Annette

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