Photographer - what photos do i need?

There was a standard list posted on here a while ago, I don't necessarily agree with it, but might help you.

B+G with brides parents

B+G with brides imidiate family

B+G with brides whole family

B+G with both sets of parents

B+G with gooms parents

B+G with grooms imidiate family

B+G with grooms whole family

That way the whole family has been taken in 7 easy groups

Then some extra family shots (just with grandparents maybe) and friends shots from there

ALL friends or have brides work collegues, Football team, ... group, uni friends

Personally i've googled images and made a slideshow/moodboard of pics we like for inspiration so that our TOG can also get an idea of the kind of pics we love.

Might be worth you looking through a few wedding photography sites and showing him some pictures of what you would like.

my fiancee is a wedding photographer and planning our photographer has been a nightmare as he will be soooo critical but I have looked through other photgraphers sites and picked out certain poses and group shots I like and emailed my photographer to get him to look at what I like pose wise so he knows what kind of thing we are looking for.

your soooo lucky not having to pay for your photographer, and im sure the pictures will be wonderful!

I guess something like this depending on how much time you have?

Everyone at wedding

Bride and Groom with Bride's family

Bride and Groom with Groom's family

Bride and Groom with parents/grandparents

Whole bridal party

Bride with bridesmaids

Bridesmaids alone ? if time

Portrait of the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl ? if applicable

Groom with groomsmen

Groomsmen alone ? if time

Bride and Groom together time

Bride alone

Groom alone

What ever you do dont give him a massive list, they are virtually imposible to get though

Think "how will he do this"

i.e. here is 1 scenario (there are many other approaches)

If you start with "All the women" and peel people off, you end up with "all the important women"
If you then do "All the men" and peel people off, you end up with "all the important men"
If you then do "Everyone" and peel groups off, you end up with "all the important people"

If you do this, generally, all the women wil be "right up for it", and they for sure will organise "all the men" for you. Also the guests that loose interest fastest, are shot (excuse the pun) at the begining

I too would not hand over a complete list, It destroyes creative freedom and common sense as they would just be looking at the next shot on the list and not organising people very well.

I would generally give a list of groups you want in advance and maybe gather pictures together of the styles of shots you like then leave it up to them to get the shots imbetween and organise people. give basic hints as well, i.e shots by bridge, and dont say you want this by bridge and that by bridge.

also a few key shots for the start of the day.

This way your photographer will then have more creative control and work to the style which best suits him and the pictures will more than likely appear relaxed.

Pro or not always give your tog a 'must have' list.

Other than that give them free reign.