Kill the Shot List! Creativity before Checklists!

This is generally a non-issue for brides who hire me but for those of you brides-to-be and wedding coordinators out there–let’s all agree to kill the photography shot list once and for all!! Who’s with me?

There are photographers and brides out there whose weddings a shot list might be appropriate for. For instance–possibly a traditional film photographer who will only be shooting a certain number of photos on the wedding day. Or a bride who prefers traditional staged photography. But if you want to hire a photographer who is going to tell the story of your day in an artistic manner–capturing the emotions and moments as they happen–it is of utmost importance that he or she be free to shoot whatever it is their eye and heart is drawn to. As an artist I would hate to come to a wedding and constantly need to be referring to a list throughout the wedding day. It would kill my creative juices entirely.

Now, I do make an exception for formal portraits which I do at every wedding. There is a very short list of standard portrait groupings that I make sure to cover at each wedding, and I am happy to customize this list as each family is different. Also, if there is something unique about your wedding that you want to make sure I know about in advance such as a special relationship with your father or a sentimental story behind the favors or something of that nature, I would love to hear it! The more I know about you ahead of time, the better your photos will turn out. But let’s all agree to kill the detailed shot lists that many of the online planning sites and planning binders give you these days. It’s really in everyone’s best interest if you want quality, artistic photos that capture the emotion and the personality of your wedding day.

Remember–when you hire a photographer–you are hiring an artist. When looking at different photographers make sure you hire one whose photos cause you to FEEL something. You are hiring an artist with a specific eye and heart. You want to resonate with how they see and capture the world around them–specifically relationships. If this is accomplished, you can then feel free to trust that they will capture the important shots of your wedding day. Trust is of utmost important in your relationship with your photographer. And if we have your trust, we do not take it lightly. I work extremely hard, shooting an unlimited number of photos throughout the day to make sure that every detail and moment is captured in order to preserve your memories of your most important day ever. - Melissa Jill.