List of shots?

[bthompson]

You don't ever give a list to a client. Not unless you want them asking you later where those particular shots are. In my opinion, shot lists are fine for you to look at and get ideas, but I think in today's age, most photographers are going for a semi-photojournalistic (few are 100%) feel, which means capturing things as they happen. To me, the only important thing to have a list for is the formal list, and that is one you can ask for input on such as asking about step parents, what not. Personally I am making it a goal to limit formal shots as well, I don't have any interest in standing around shooting the cousins for three hours.. :) I want it to be more natural.

[brad]

They are shown/given the list with the absolute understanding that these are the goals, but there is no guarantee she will have any given shot. That statement is explicit in the contract as well.

[bthompson]

Brad, I don't understand why they are given the list? Can you explain your thoughts behind it? If it's not something used to set their expectations.. What would they use it for?

[brad]

It often prompts their memory so that they tell me about other shots they'd like me to try to get... before the wedding instead of 30 seconds before they happen at the wedding. I've had brides look at the list and say "Oh, yea.. we're going to do this special thing during the ceremony.. make sure you're ready." or "My grandmother who raised me from the age of 3 is going to be there, I want to make sure we include her in the formals, but we have to do her first so she can go sit down."

It allows us to plan a little better when that can happen... and we do use it also as a bit of a sales tool (they get a look at it, but not keep it before the contract) and to help them realize that we really have done this before after the contract is signed. (For the phone calls in the days before the wedding when they call and ask if we're going to shoot X .. we can tell them that its on the list, so we will try or we can add it to the list and try.)

So in a way, it is used to set expectations... but it also gives us a talking point where we can discuss how things unfold at a wedding and realize that no shot is guaranteed.

[bthompson]

I definitely agree about asking about any special people. But honestly, if they are doing something special .. aren't you there to document everything already? Like, if you see them doing something special, wouldn't you take pictures of it without her telling you to? :) I guess just personally, I would never give anything but a rough formal shot list, and ask about special people. I figure that I am there, and my eyes are pretty much always on the B&G and I will photograph everything they are doing. But it's like.. I don't want to be told "Make sure you get my Mother getting me into the dress" because that is a big "duh". You know?

[brad]

Yes, but if that special thing is they are going to suddenly move off the altar to go lay flowers at the statue of the Virgin in the middle of the ceremony, wouldn't you want advanced notice so you can move to get the good angle before they ever move?

(Yes, that was one of those occasions I was glad I gave them a shot list -- they didn't think to tell me until they'd read the list.)

I'm not saying its a bad thing to not show them a shot list... simply trying to say why I do it.

[bthompson]

Okay I see more what you're saying. Thanks for sharing your POV.. I was just genuinely curious :)

[jerrybsmith]

I apprach it two ways. If you are shooting and handing over the negatives, then a list of shots makes sense. If the client has purchased a high end album, then shooting to create a series of effective "spreads" that tell the story takes priority. I find it depends on the cients expectation of you.

[Hanky]

Originally Posted by brad

Back home now.. here is my shot list.

If anyone would like a copy of this in Word format so they can modify it for their own uses, just email me at brad@momentsofyou.com

Ok if I print this? I'm going to attempt shooting my own wedding Wednesday and this would be very helpful.

[brad]

Oh, feel free.. mine was adapted from someone else's list.

[Hanky]

Thank you Sir! I should explain we were going to use the Justice of the Peace however now it will be small church affair with 2 -3 guest. Sorta in deep dookie with finances so I'm thinking setting up a few poses with the timer and others my Sis can pull the trigger after setup. Certainly did not wish to insult anyone with pathetic lowball pricing request.

[lyncca]

I don't use a list either. I'm there to document everything I can. I tell the bride if there is something in particular they want me to pay special attention to, then to let me know. For instance, at one wedding, the iron candelabra on the mantel was handmade by the groom. So, I made sure I took more pictures of it than I normally would of as just a normal venue detail.

Backups are essential. For example, last night, I was shooting a reception and my flash overheated. No biggie, popped it off and popped on another out of my shootsac that was already on me. :)