As a wedding photographer, it is essential to capture family shots. Family photos are some of the most difficult to capture. You probably might have your parents and siblings scattered on the ground trying to entertain your guests and ensure everyone is comfortable.
Yet, you will have to find means to bring everyone together for the wedding family pictures. Having a family photo or shot list can help you, the photographer, bring everyone together and ensure you don’t miss out on any family members during the family photoshoot.
This guide will provide a comprehensive list of all the important family shots you should take during the wedding. With this guide, we have provided every detail you will need to ensure that the wedding family shot list is complete and beautiful! But before that, let us take a brief look at the meaning of a family shot list.
Meaning Of A Family Shot List
A family shot list is a list of all the family photos you must capture on your wedding day. The purpose of the list is to help the wedding photographer plan and prioritize the photography timeline and ensure that all the important family members and relations are captured in the photographs.
The family photo list commonly contains combinations of the bride and groom with their immediate families, extended families, and bridal party. It may also include individual shots of the bride and groom with their parents, grandparents, and siblings. Having a family shot list on a wedding day is important. It will help you, the wedding photographer, to manage your time and ensure every key family member is included in the family shots.
Wedding photography, a genre of photography that focuses on capturing the special moments, emotions, and details of people on their wedding days, is a competitive but lucrative niche. The niche requires a great deal of skill, creativity, determination, and attention to detail alongside professional gear to produce stunning images of couples. Our Master guide has some helpful information to help you start.
Click Below to Read a Comprehensive Guide to Start Wedding Photography.
Suggested Family Shot List For Wedding Photography
To help you achieve the best results, below is our suggested wedding photography family shot list:
Bride’s Side
- Bride and groom with the bride’s mum.
- Bride with mum
- Bride and groom with the bride’s dad
- Bride with dad
- Bride and groom with the bride’s both parents
- Bride with both parents
- Bride and groom with all of the bride’s immediate family relations
- Bride with grandparents
- Bride and groom with bride’s grandparents (maternal and paternal sides)
Groom’s Side
- Groom and bride with the groom’s dad
- Groom and bride with the groom’s mum
- Groom with dad
- Groom with mum
- Groom with both parents
- Groom with grandparents (maternal and paternal sides)
- Groom with all family relations
- Groom and bride with all the groom’s family relations
Generally
- Bride and groom with immediate families (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- Bride with her parents and siblings
- Groom with his parents and siblings
- Bride and groom with all grandparents
- Group shot of the entire bridal party
- Bride and groom with parents and grandparents
- Individual shots of each parent with the bride or groom
- Individual shots of the bride and groom with each sibling
- Extended family group shots (cousins, aunts, uncles)
- Group shot of all family members
Note: Ensure you discuss and confirm every item on the list with your clients (the couples) in advance to make sure they are satisfied.
Wedding Photography Must Have Shots List
Here’s a list of must-have shots for wedding photography:
- Getting ready shots
- First look photos
- Ceremony details: the wedding venue, decorations, guests arriving, and any meaningful elements of the ceremony.
- Processional pictures: capturing the bride and her father walking down the aisle, the groom and the wedding party entering.
- Ceremony highlights: exchanging vows, rings, the first kiss, and signing the marriage license photos.
- Formal portraits: bride and groom, bridal party, and family group shots.
- Reception details: the cake, centerpieces, place settings, and any special decorations.
- First dance shots
- Candid shots of the guests
- Candid shots of the couples of their parents
- Candid shots of the couples with all the groom’s men and bride’s maids
You can discuss with the couples to find out if they have anything else in mind!
Which Wedding Photos Are Most Important?
The most important photos are those that capture the memories, emotions, and moments that transpired on a wedding day. Different couples fancy different wedding shots. However, the common wedding shots among individuals include:
- Preparation shots (getting dressed, makeup session photos, etc.)
- Ceremony shots (walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, rings, first kiss, etc.)
- Formal portraits (bridal party, family groups, bride & groom portraits)
- Candid moments (guests enjoying the reception, dancing, etc.)
- Details (dress, rings, flowers, decor, etc.)
As a wedding photographer, ensure you discuss with the couples beforehand to understand their priorities and the kind of pictures they want.
In conclusion, a family shot or photo list is important when covering any wedding event. It will help you to organize the family photoshoot session professionally and ensure no member is omitted. Ensure you plan everything with the couples before the day.