Help with list for photographer

If its important to you then list it whether its a formal pose or not IMO. If you don't list it and he doesn't take the picture then you're not in a position to complain. Do you really want to risk him having to remember that whole list by memory?

My tog said it would be helpful to have names of people who are part of the group too for rounding people up on the day.

I'm actually more than happy to do the list, I'm odd and enjoy things like this, the preparations and things, was just a little worried they may look at the list and cry, but I think your both right. It does need to be given, even if most of it they don't need to look at, at least I'll have done my best to make sure we have a complete record of our day.

If you have lovely bridesmaids or ushers, you could always task them with taking control of rounding up the groups for photo's you want - as the tog wont always know who is who and it would make it all run a LOT faster.

My hubby to be sometimes does a round robin of tables - grabs the bride and goes round each one in the evening to take a photo, obviously it's not a staged picture but it means no one is missed out and its great for the 'party' shots

That's a good idea. But our TOG is only staying till first dance, but perhaps we could do something like this during the actual reception, as I'm likely to be up and chatting to people between courses, never been one for sitting still for long

Have a discussion with your photographer to get an idea of what they suggest. Don't be afraid to ask their view on group shots, etc. I can only speak for myself, but the shots that aren't obvious are what I request my brides and grooms to list. I am always going to do the obvious shots, such as bride with mother, etc. I try to capture interation shots with key players, but still feel it's important to do a few set up shots with those important to you, (CBM, flowergirl, favorite auntie, etc). If you do want a special shot with someone who may not be an obvious key player, be sure to mention it on the list, (example, godmother, special cousin, etc),

It's become standard practice to photograph details, but it is worth putting on the list any special details, grandmother's brooch on bouquet, hand crafted details on tables, etc. We send out a worksheet about a month before the wedding, to help our couples with their list,, your photographer may do something similar,, so checking with them is best.

To be honest, any expirenced photographer will know what is important to capture, Good luck!

What Teri says, basically

I always send a list over to which couples add or take away from to suit.

Usually we never have more than 10 sets of groups.

This isn't counting the bride with each bridesmaid etc but with formals I've found that nobody really misses them outside of the 'core' group.

Have a VIP list, i.e. nan and grandad with you, nan and grandad together. This sort of image is probably more important than the group shot will ever be and it allows the tog to focus on them.

A decent tog though will fill in the gaps, phone and ask them to clarify. You're paying them

That precisely sums it up what I ask.

Peter

Hi babe, when I did weddings I asked for a list of formal group shots, that way I knew what groups were most important for the couple. I took it as read that I would catch all the informal moments such as walking up the aisle etc and all the other formal moments such as reg signing, cake cutting etc. Just be aware that a huge list of group photos takes AGES and is not fun for anyone involved!! Also it really eats up into your day - time is precious!