Photography
Our photographer asked for a "must-have shot list" and I'm not sure if she wants every uncle named or just the broad strokes. Don't want to over-direct her but also don't want to forget my grandmother.
There are two different lists and they get conflated.
Family formals list (specific, every group named): YES, do this in detail. "Bride + Mom," "Bride + Mom + Dad," "Couple + bride's grandmother (Mary)," "Couple + groom's grandparents (Bob & Ann)." Without names, the photographer can't cue them and the bride/groom are stuck calling family while supposedly in their own portrait. 12-20 groupings is normal.
Creative shot list (curated style references): NO, don't hand a photographer 40 Pinterest screenshots and ask her to recreate them. That's a sign you booked the wrong photographer or you don't trust her style. 3-5 reference images for "the vibe we want" is the right amount.
Must-haves on the day list: the small handful of moments specific to YOUR wedding that a generic photographer wouldn't know — your dad walking you down the aisle (he's sober two years and this is huge), the surprise dance with your grandfather, the dress your great-aunt made by hand sitting on the chair. Five or six bullets max.
The move: ask if she has a default family-formals template you can customize, and trust her on the rest.
Want to answer? Sign in and reply.