When brides give you shot lists (groan)

[bleeds]

Okay, this is the first time I've ever received a 3 page shot list from a bride, ever. I can see it killing all spontaneity, and it will stress me out as I try to get all the shots in. Plus in looking down the list some of these scenerios might never happen. Any suggestions?

[cdifoto]

3 pages? Holy cow. I'll take a short list of the boring line-up groups so I don't miss important people, but I wouldn't do a 3 pager. I'd simply explain that there's not enough time for that, and if enough time is dedicated to it, then the other guests will get frustrated at the wait.

[picturecrazy]

I've gotten them numerous times from brides. Often they just find some list online from some wedding advice webpage and just give that.

It says this right in my contract, but I always reiterate upon receipt of a shot list, that I'll do my best but weddings are uncontrolled events and no shot can ever be guaranteed. I've missed a lot of shots on those mile long lists but nobody has ever complained.

[Jimbo24]

3 page shot list from a bride
:eek:
I would think that you'll probably need a 2nd shooter to accomplish this...

[sblais]

I've gotten them numerous times from brides. Often they just find some list online from some wedding advice webpage and just give that.

It says this right in my contract, but I always reiterate upon receipt of a shot list, that I'll do my best but weddings are uncontrolled events and no shot can ever be guaranteed. I've missed a lot of shots on those mile long lists but nobody has ever complained.

ditto that. I usually tear it right in from of their faces as soon as I receive it.

Ok, I'm kidding...

But other than for the formals (knowing which combination of people they want and how many combos they want), I don't follow any picture list.

[cdifoto]

:eek:
I would think that you'll probably need a 2nd shooter to accomplish this...

I agree. After all, someone has to fetch the alcohol from the bar so you can keep yourself...umm...prepared.

[Jimbo24]

I've gotten them numerous times from brides. Often they just find some list online from some wedding advice webpage and just give that.

It says this right in my contract, but I always reiterate upon receipt of a shot list, that I'll do my best but weddings are uncontrolled events and no shot can ever be guaranteed. I've missed a lot of shots on those mile long lists but nobody has ever complained.

I need to add this to my contract...

[Toogy]

I have a brutal list for the wedding this weekend, it was all done in excel and she has estimated times that each photo will take place at!!!! what the F

I feel like explaining to her, that if I go by that, she will have NOTHING creative from me. NOTHING.

[cosworth]

If I was handed that I'd just say "I don't think I'm the right photographer for you."

[bleeds]

I feel your pain toogy.

Seriously, picturecrazy's line, will go in my contract too. I doubt I will have the time to take out a shot list at any time. I roll solo right now, so I have no assistant to keep track of such things.

[bleeds]

ditto that. I usually tear it right in from of their faces as soon as I receive it.


LOL. It's the only acceptable response to that kind of evil.

[JaertX]

:eek:
I would think that you'll probably need a 2nd shooter to accomplish this...


I think that's a great idea.

I was hired by another photographer to fulfill a two-page shot list so that she could shoot the wedding in her normal style. It was actually pretty fun to just work off the list and not worry about anything else.

If it's not your style a list (and who would?), maybe you ought to add a second photographer to the package you sell her. I never mind a small list and I actually like having a list for groups, but other than that, I would hire someone and pass the bill on.

[jessiper]

I've gotten them numerous times from brides. Often they just find some list online from some wedding advice webpage and just give that.

It says this right in my contract, but I always reiterate upon receipt of a shot list, that I'll do my best but weddings are uncontrolled events and no shot can ever be guaranteed. I've missed a lot of shots on those mile long lists but nobody has ever complained.

Ditto. I tell them that there are definitely shots that I always try to get, but I don't carry a shot list around with me, because I don't want it to hinder me from "capturing the moments."

[jessiper]

I have a brutal list for the wedding this weekend, it was all done in excel and she has estimated times that each photo will take place at!!!! what the F

I feel like explaining to her, that if I go by that, she will have NOTHING creative from me. NOTHING.

OMG, good luck w/that! EEK!

[JJacula]

I actually GIVE my brides a shot list - but with a caveat that I don't guarantee to get any, or every, shot on the list. I have them rate each shot a 0 (skip it) to a 10 (don't miss it). I do it more to feel out what they feel are the most important parts of the day, and that helps me deliver something that will make them very happy.

[cdifoto]

I actually GIVE my brides a shot list - but with a caveat that I don't guarantee to get any, or every, shot on the list. I have them rate each shot a 0 (skip it) to a 10 (don't miss it). I do it more to feel out what they feel are the most important parts of the day, and that helps me deliver something that will make them very happy.

If I had to look at a list AND check the ratings of each shot, I'd have a bridesmaid beat me senseless with the 70-200. That list would get stuffed into the nearest champagne bottle...most likely one I just emptied.

[jestergx4]

this clause is part of my wedding contract and agreement:

Due to the limited and subjective nature of the event, (your studio name goes here) Photography cannot be held responsible for requested photographs not taken or missed or lack of coverage resulting from weather conditions or schedule complications caused by, but not limited to, anyone in or at the event, or by location restrictions. It is hereby acknowledged that any lists submitted are suggestions for the Photographer’s consideration and will be used for organizational purposes only and in no way represent photographs that will actually be produced. Any documentation other than this contract such as, but not limited to, correspondence, conversation notes and lists are not contractually binding

[notapro]

I think the knot inspires this. I have seen people with these huge must-have shot lists on there. And some of them are invariably candid things (they usually post sample pics) of like the bride crying while hugging her father or something.

The excel spreadsheet.. that's crazy, but I'm sure she's trying to be helpful and thinks her organization is making it easier on you.

[JJacula]

If I had to look at a list AND check the ratings of each shot, I'd have a bridesmaid beat me senseless with the 70-200. That list would get stuffed into the nearest champagne bottle...most likely one I just emptied.

I didn't say I actually looked at the list on the wedding day, did I? :) Like I said, it's more for feeling out what she thinks is important so that I'm delivering what she wants. Some brides don't care about family shots, but want tons of partying shots. Some don't care about detail shots, they just want shots of everyone in their family who is attending.

[cdifoto]

I didn't say I actually looked at the list on the wedding day, did I? :) Like I said, it's more for feeling out what she thinks is important so that I'm delivering what she wants. Some brides don't care about family shots, but want tons of partying shots. Some don't care about detail shots, they just want shots of everyone in their family who is attending.

You don't need a list with ratings to determine whether the bride prioritizes party shots over family group shots. I'll take a short list of must have family groupies, and otherwise just shoot the day as it unfolds while getting as creative as I can with the bridal party. Simple.

[JJacula]

You don't need a list with ratings to determine whether the bride prioritizes party shots over family group shots. I'll take a short list of must have family groupies, and otherwise just shoot the day as it unfolds while getting as creative as I can with the bridal party. Simple.

You must be more of a mind reader than I am.

[cdifoto]

You must be more of a mind reader than I am.

No I just ask. The bigger the list, the greater the chance I'll miss something that she'll try to sue me for.

[Jon Rouston]

I would give them a ring and explain about the situation, better try to resolve this before the wedding than during

[beep]

anyone have a shot list that would be appropriate to show a couple?

[BJ Pulsipher]

I'm with jjacula, I give them a shot list. There is one in every Wedding issue by Martha Stewart. It just makes sure that you get the formals that they 'have to have'. Then I get my assistant to keep track of if we got it or not. They will also tell you, during your consult, who they don't want in the shots. 'Oh, I have a friend who is sooo embarassing when she drinks. Don't get lots of shots of her." Yeah, like I'm shooting for FHV.
I just think is helps with the communication. 3 pages of shots is excessive, however.

[stathunter]

I do not accept a shot list. I have them assign someone from the wedding party that will assist me with getting the "important" people for photos but I will not accept a shot list. I tell the brides that if they do not like my previous work I might not be the right photographer for them. Strange but it typically opens things up and they give me a lot of room for creativity.
It is hard to turn away business but sometimes you just have to do it. When a bride comes to me and is difficult to begin with----well that is probably the nicest she will be to me............it's over.

[tim]

I only accept shot lists for the formals. If they give them to me for the rest of the day i'll look at them and keep them in mind and do my best to get any special shots they want, but I won't refer to it. My contract has a clause about this.

[lil_miss]

I will ask for a list of certain people we need to capture in family photos etc but not so much in list format - just so that they make us aware.

[rossdagley]

I actually give the B a shot list for the formals as a starter/suggestion list. Cross off what you dont want, add what you do. This is what we're gonna try and get. I've never been presented with a shot list for anything other than formals.

[jillybean]

A 2 page list is exactly what I rec'd on my last wedding. Generally they were all people combinations of formals but still YUCK!!. She had sat down with her sisters album and written all the ones she wanted. It sucked but we still got a little creative and she was happy.... and her check cleared :) so if formals is what she wants then she gets them.