Photography List for Wedding

Step 1

1. Convey the vision

Every great shot list for photography list for wedding begins with inspiration. With StudioBinder's Mood Board Creator, you can make a wedding moodboard with visual references that set the tone, style, and framing for your wedding photos. The added benefit is that these images that will inform your shot list of wedding photos to take. 

After you create a project in StudioBinder, navigate to the Mood Boards page, click Add Images and upload the reference images as an inspiration point for your wedding shot list template.

After uploading the images, you can even organize them further by segmenting them into custom Groups. Just click + New Mood Board and click New Group.

As you send this moodboard to your team, it can be helpful to add some text-based information to reinforce the vision. Just click + and click Text Box. You can even change the styling options so it matches your moodboard visually.

After you click Save within the Text Box Editor, the text box should look like this on your mood board page:

Step 2

2. Create shot lists for key phases

Instead of cramming everything into one wedding photography shot list, you can split up your photography list for wedding into key categories.

Generate shot lists for key events such as Getting Ready, First Looks, Venue Guest Arrival, Processional, Wedding Portraits, Family Portraits, Golden Hour Portraits, Reception Events, etc.

You'll notice that each section becomes its own family shot list for wedding photography or portrait checklist, helping you prioritize on the big day.

To do this, click + New Shot List to create new shot lists like the screenshot below:

You'll add your individual shots later, but right now it's important to create shot lists around the key moments and locations of the wedding day. This will inform what your wedding shot list template should actually have.

Step 3

3. Organize your shot lists into Groups

After forming your various shot lists, it's helpful to organize them into Groups. For example, Pre-Ceremony, Ceremony, Portraits, Reception, Traditions & Send-Off. This makes it easier to navigate your photography list for wedding day while delegating tasks to second shooters and assistants.

For example, while you are photographing the bride and groom portraits, your other shooter can focus on the list of wedding picture to take during the reception.

StudioBinder makes the process of grouping very easy. After creating a few shot lists, you can generate Groups, and drag shot lists inside them.

Be sure to view our sample wedding photography shot list template which is organized into common locations or phases of a wedding.

Wedding Shot List Template Ideas

Since you'll be getting plenty of shots of the bride and groom on the wedding day, it's critical to prioritize the shots to ensure your crew gets essential coverage during the wedding. Use our wedding shot list template example below as a starting point!

Pre-Ceremony 

• Details & Getting Ready
  1. Invitations, rings, bouquet
  2. Wedding dress (hanging, close-ups, bride holding)
  3. Shoes & accessories
  4. Groom’s details (tie, cufflinks)
  5. Bride getting ready candids
  6. Groom getting ready candids
• First Looks
  1. Bride with parents
  2. Groom with parents
  3. First look with bridesmaids
  4. Ring bearers and flower girls preparing
  5. Bride/groom portraits (full length shot)

Ceremony Coverage 

• Venue & Processional
  1. Venue wide shot
  2. Guests seated
  3. Processional (wedding party)
  4. Bride walking aisle
• Core Ceremony
  1. Exchange of vows
  2. Exchange of rings
  3. The kiss
• Recessional
  1. Couple walking back aisle
  2. Wide shot of entire space

Portraits & Formals 

• Family Formals
  1. Couple with parents
  2. Couple with siblings
  3. Full family group shot
• Wedding Party
  1. Couple with entire party
  2. Bride with bridesmaids
  3. Bridal party group shots
  4. Groom with groomsmen
  5. Fun candid group poses
• Couple Portraits
  1. Classic portraits
  2. Romantic candids
  3. Golden hour shots
  4. Silhouettes/backlit

Reception Coverage 

• Details & Setup
  1. Venue wide shot
  2. Table settings & decor
  3. Cake & desserts
• Reception Events
  1. Couple’s entrance
  2. First dance
  3. Parent dances
  4. Toasts & speeches
  5. Cake cutting
  6. Bouquet & garter toss
  7. Dance floor candids
• Traditions & Send-Off
  1. Unity candle or rituals
  2. Sparkler exit
  3. Confetti or bubbles
  4. Couple’s getaway car

Step 4

4. Add shots with reference images

Inside StudioBinder's photography list for wedding, just click Upload Shots to begin creating your photo shots. You can add multiple blank rows, or batch upload multiple reference photos to automatically generate shots for each.

In our case, since we've already uploaded photos on the Mood Board page, these are all saved in the Media Library so we can simply re-select the images that were previously uploaded and dropped in your wedding photography list for photographers instantly.

After inserting reference photos, StudioBinder generates blank rows for every shot. Next, you can start adding shot details inside the wedding shot list template.

Step 5

5. Add shot details

The best photography list for weddings will include more than just a description. A strong shot list includes important details that will communicate to your crew exactly what gear is needed, description of what will be covered, gear requirements, shot sizes (close-up, wide shot, full length shot, establishing, etc.), required lenses, etc.

This wedding photo shot list template goes beyond just a simple wedding shot checklist. It becomes a professional production document to keep your shoot running smoothly.

In StudioBinder, just click on the placeholders and you'll see more options like below:

After you've populated your entire photo shot list for the wedding photoshoot, it should look very similar to the example shot list below (view sample):

Step 6

6. Get crew feedback

Collaboration is essential for any type of photoshoot and your crew may be able to bring up shots that were missed. You can easily invite your other photographers, videographers, producers, assistants directly to your wedding shot list.

After you've completed the list, you can share your wedding photography list for photographers with your entire photo crew (2nd shooters, photo assistants, drone operators, etc.).

The comments and feedback will make sure every photographer’s wedding picture list is carefully considered.

Step 7

7. Print and share wedding shot list

Before the big day, export your photography list for wedding as a PDF. The best part is that you can actually select which shot lists you need to print or export which provides more flexibility.

On the shot list page, click Generate PDF, select the shot lists and/or groups.

In the PDF creator, you can fully customize what will be displayed on the PDF shot list. You can make your shot list as simple or as in-depth as you'd like.

After you're finished customizing it, simply click Download PDF.

If you generate a share link, you can easily copy-paste links to shots like (like this one), so you, or anyone on your crew, can easily pull up every shot list on their phone and check off shots as you progress through the day.

A good shot list is essentially a checklist for the shoot day, but it also sets the plan for the shooting day for your entire photo crew.

Wrapping Up

You're finished!

A polished photography list for wedding means peace of mind. From mood boards to the final photo checklist, everything is organized with StudioBinder's software.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or creating your first wedding photography shot list, StudioBinder's template builder ensures you capture every smile, every tear, and every unforgettable moment.