Wedding Photography Shot List: Don’t Miss these Key Moments

30-Second Summary

• Planning the perfect Bali wedding involves many details, but one thing you absolutely don’t want to miss is capturing those special moments through photography.
• Having a wedding photography shot list ensures that all the key moments of your big day are captured beautifully, from the intimate moments of getting ready to the joy of your first kiss as a married couple.
• Review your wedding shot list with your future spouse and the photographer to create an album that truly reflects your love story.

Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and all of us want every moment of our weddings captured, from exchanging vows to hitting the dance floor with our friends and family. Wedding photography is an essential part of every wedding, and most wedding photographers have a wedding photography shot list that covers all the basic events and details you would want captured. But if you are still unsure of what they will cover, you can always ask to have a look at their wedding photo list. This list isn’t just for the photographer; it is for the couple as well, so you can make sure that every moment you care about is immortalized.

We have put together a list of wedding photography shots every couple should have in their album. Although getting all of these shots might not be an option, you can always work with your photographer to see what shots you can recreate, or you can even add on other shots you would want to be taken.

Remember, a wedding photography shot list is a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on those key moments, especially if you are planning or having a destination wedding; a photography shot list can save a lot of time.

Making a list of must-have photos on your big day ensures that your photographer is going to capture all the memories you’d want to remember.

Photography Shot List For Your Bali Wedding

When it comes to capturing moments on your big day, a photography wedding shot list comes in handy. Destination weddings, like in Bali, give you a chance to capture your photos in unique surroundings, making it even more necessary to have a shot list prepared.

We have created a list of photography shots that every couple must have in their album. Review this list with your going-to-be spouse and discuss your ideas with your photographer. By doing so, you’ll end up with an album of wedding photos you absolutely love.

Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

Capture the pre-wedding excitement. Before your big day unfolds, your photographer will capture tiny details that will set the tone for your wedding. Turn your wedding photography shot list into a reality. Your Bali Wedding offers packages that cover everything you need for a picture-perfect day.

The following details might seem small, but these are the ones that make your wedding truly and uniquely yours.

• Wedding dress or outfit, either hanging in the wardrobe, on the bed, or on a chair.
• Capture shots of the wedding party and guests getting ready
• Capture pictures of parents or friends helping the bride and groom with last-minute details, such as the veil or the tie
• Detail shots of your shoes and the jewelry
• Shots of the rings
• Capture shots of the decoration and the venue. If you are planning a destination wedding in Bali, consider capturing shots of traditional Balinese floral decorations and offerings.
• Invitations, save-the-date cards, and other paper details
• Emotional and touching shots of the going-to-be bride and groom with parents and siblings
• You can even capture shots of each to-be-wed going to the ceremony, either in a limo, a cab, or walking down the street.
• Grooms vow book
• Bride’s vow book
• Bride’s bouquet
• Cologne or perfume
• Bridal party gifts
• The groom’s boutonnières
• A letter written to the groom by the bride
• A letter written to the bride by the groom

You can even consider having some shots captured in the beautiful yet breathtaking surroundings of Bali or in the villa you are staying in.

Getting Ready: Capturing the Anticipation

The moments that lead up to the ceremony are exciting for both the couple, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen. Whether it is the bride surrounded by the bridesmaids or the groom sharing a laugh with the groomsmen, these candid moments are full of emotion and must be captured.

For the bride, you’ll want to capture moments such as:

• Slipping into the dress, with help from bridesmaids or family.
• The “big reveal” to bridesmaids or the mother of the bride.
• Capture the hair and makeup of the bride being done.
• Capture the bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done.
• Capture a shot of the brides and the bridesmaid in getting-ready attire, whether drinking champagne or having fun.
• A full-length shot of the bride in the wedding attire.
• Individual shots of the bride before the first look
• Shots of Champagne pop

For the groom, the list is shorter but no less important:

• The groom adjusting his tie or cufflinks.
• Laughter and candids with groomsmen.
• The grooming process
• The groom adds cufflinks, a tie, or other finishing touches to his dress.
• A full-length shot of the groom in the wedding attire.
• Individual shots of the groom before the first look
• Shots of Champagne pop

These moments of getting ready bring the personal side of your wedding to life and are a must for any wedding day photography shot list.

First Look Photos

Some couples decide to have a first look to calm their nerves and steal a quiet moment together, while others choose to wait until they see each other at the altar. No matter when you choose to have the first look, it is one of the most emotional moments, one that must be captured through the lens.

Here are a few shots you should consider capturing:

• The groom waiting for the bride
• The bride walking towards the groom
• The groom’s reaction as he turns around.
• The couple’s emotional embrace.
• The couple holding hands
• A series of candid moments as they share this intimate time together.

Adding these to the photo list for your wedding will give you a set of images that you will cherish forever.

Must-Have Shots at The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the highlight of every wedding, and clicking the right shots here is really important. Your wedding shot list should include both wide-angle shots that capture the venue as well as close-up shots that capture the emotions. Here are a few moments worth capturing during your wedding ceremony:

• The couple exchanging vows
• A close-up of your wedding bands
• Capture all the smaller details of the ceremony, such as the guests arriving
• Close-up of the groom waiting for his bride
• Capture the wedding party coming down the aisle
• Capture a shot of the flower girls and the ring bearer coming down the aisle
• Capture the wedding party waiting at the aisle
• Capture the groom walking down the aisle
• The bride walking down the aisle with her father
• A close of the bride and the groom before they make an entrance
• A shot of the couple at the altar, including the officiant
• A shot of the couple under a floral arch adorned with tropical Balinese flowers.
• A wide-angle shot from the back covering everything: the arch, the altar, and the canopy
• A wide-angle shot of the guests from the couple’s point of view.
• If you are planning a destination wedding in Bali, consider capturing a wide-angle shot of the breathtaking view, i.e., the Balinese coast, lush forests, or traditional architecture.
• A close of the couple’s faces as they exchange vows
• A close-up of the couple’s hands as they exchange the rings
• The first kiss of the married couple
• Walking back down the aisle as newlyweds
• The couple outside the venue
• Candid congratulation shots of the couple hugging, laughing, or crying with their family or friends.
• The couple leaving the ceremony site
• The couple in the back of a limo
•  Capture the couple’s intimate embrace near a traditional Balinese temple or rice terrace.

Every aspect of the wedding ceremony deserves attention; your photographer should capture the joy of the couple as well as the reaction of the guests when clicking wedding shots.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Bali, having a wedding photography shot list is a must. Contact the expert planners at Your Bali Wedding to make sure every moment of your special day is beautifully captured.

Group Shots with Family and Friends

Now that you are married, it is time for you to celebrate with your friends and family. No wedding photography photo list is complete without the group photos with your family and friends, as these are the pictures that will be framed and remembered for years to come. To avoid any kind of chaos, you should have a clear wedding photo list of family members and friends who you want to be photographed.

• A together portrait of the couple
• A shot of the couple looking at each other
• You can even capture the couple hugging or kissing each other
• The groom with his parents and siblings
• The bride with her parents and siblings
• The couple with both parents
• The couple with immediate family members from both sides
• Couple with the bride’s wedding party
• Couple with the groom’s wedding party
• Couple with the entire wedding party

You can even click group shots with the tropical Balinese scenery or a sunset beach as the backdrop. Or consider capturing family photos at a Balinese villa or iconic location like rice terraces or waterfalls.

Coordinate with your photographer beforehand to make sure that the family photo session is well-organized and runs smoothly. Keep this section of your wedding photography must-have shots list managed in order to save time without missing anyone important.

Couple Photos

After the ceremony, it’s time to focus on capturing intimate photos of just the two of you. These are the photos that will be cherished in your home for years to come, so it’s important to spend some time getting each of these photos just right.

• Natural, candid moments of laughter and love.
• Dramatic, posed shots against a beautiful backdrop.
• Silhouettes at sunset or golden hour for a romantic feel.

Work closely with your photographer to make sure that these photos are a highlight of your list of wedding photography shots.

Photo List for wedding Reception

After the ceremony, it is time for the reception, which is one of the most memorable parts of your wedding. Our wedding photography must-have shot list is going to make sure that your photographer captures all the moments that you care for. Here is a list of photos to be taken at the reception:

• An outside shot of the reception venue
• Capture pictures of the reception details, such as the place cards, guests’ books, centerpieces, decorations, table setting, etc.
• If your reception has a tropical theme, consider capturing the tropical-themed reception details like bamboo centerpieces, coconut drinks, and lanterns.
• Capture a shot of the couple arriving at the reception.
• Capture shots of tables, including the parent’s table and the guest’s tables.
• Be sure to click a picture of the couple at the head table
• Close-up shots of the friends and family making a toast
• Take a shot of the couple sipping the champagne
• Capture shots of the couple’s parents talking to each other during the reception.
• Shot of the couple talking to the guests
• Capture detailed shots of the food
• The couple’s first dance
• Parents dancing
• The wedding party dancing
• The cake cutting
• The couple feeding each other the cake
• Couple leaving the reception
• Couple in the vehicle waving
• Rear of the vehicle

Planning the perfect destination wedding starts with a little help. The wedding planners from Your Bali Wedding will make sure that every detail is picture-perfect and just the way you’ve imagined.

After Party Photos

If you are hosting an after-party, remember to capture the excitement and the energy of this late-night event. Here are a few shots you should consider getting at your after-party:

• Change of outfit of the couple
• Capture the late-night snacks
• If there is any new decoration, remember to capture it as well.
• A shoot of the couple dancing and enjoying
• Some of the guests dancing and enjoying
• The DJ
• The Bar
• If you have planned any unique games and activities, capture them as well.
• Finally, capture candid moments of the guests as well as the couples.

Some Special Extras

Every wedding has its special touches that make it unique. Don’t forget to include these unique moments in your wedding photography shot list.

• The groom’s reaction to a surprise gift from the bride.
• The bride’s father giving a touching toast.
• A candid moment between grandparents.
• A candid moment between the couple enjoying the sunset or fireworks display.

These moments may not be on every wedding shot list, but they are the ones that make your wedding day truly yours. Work with your photographer to make sure these unique details are not missed.

What to Prepare for the Photoshoot?

For a photo shoot, you have to plan and prepare loads of things; here is what you should consider preparing so your photography session is as smooth and organized as possible.

• First and foremost, work with your photographer to prepare a detailed timeline. This ensures that there is enough time for everything.
• Remember to tell your photographer to capture that holds sentimental value for you, such as a locket that has been passed down through generations.
• Remember to create a detailed list of the daily photo shots you desire.
• Have someone who can gather your family for the photos.
• If there are photos that inspire you, share those with your photographer.
• Prepare a list of your other wedding vendors in Bali so your photographer can coordinate with them if needed.

Ready to plan your dream wedding photos? Get in touch with top Bali wedding planners to make your vision a reality!

Get Your Perfect Wedding Day Photos

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a well-organized Wedding Photography Shot List will help ensure that you capture every important moment. Whether it’s intimate moments during the ceremony or the joy of your reception, having a shot list makes sure that every detail of your big day is captured beautifully.

Start planning your dream wedding today. Contact expert wedding planners from Your Bali Wedding today, choose stunning Bali wedding venues, and bring your vision to life with stunning wedding photography to match!

FAQs

Q: Do I really need a shot list for my wedding photography?

A: Yes, a wedding photography shot list is going to keep you and your photographer on the same page regarding which moments matter most to you.

Q: Can I make changes to the shot list on the day of the wedding?

A: Yes, you can make changes to the shot list on the day of the wedding; however, we recommend finalizing it well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Q: How long does it take to capture all the essential wedding photos?

A: The time required to capture essential wedding photos depends on the size of your wedding and the number of shots on your list. Family and group photos usually take around 30–45 minutes, while couple portraits can take 30–60 minutes. Your photographer can help you create a schedule so you’ll have time for all the shots you have planned.

Q: Should we give our photographer a list of specific family members for group shots?

A: It is a good idea to give the photographer a list of specific family members for the group shots; this will simplify the process and minimize the chaos during the photography session.

Q: Can we incorporate candid moments into our wedding photography shot list?

A: Yes, you can incorporate candid moments into your wedding photography shot list, as candid shots often capture the true emotions of the day. Let your photographer know if there are specific candid moments you’d love to see, like reactions during speeches or guests having fun on the dance floor.