This is a new one for me...

[_Jo_]

Not sure how the rest of you work...

I normally meet with the client, discuss their wedding day requirements. Check in with them again a week out from the wedding - then arrives the big day.

I have a wedding coming up and the bride has made a very detailed list of what she wants as far as posed photos...here's an excerpt:

• Group shot of everyone, with bridal party in front
• K with all the females
• W with all the males
• K with all the males
• W with all the females
• W and Tony shaking hands
• K dad and W shaking hands
• G and W shaking hands
• Garter shot
• W with garter and K in background
• Gift table and wishing well
• MC
• Kids table
• Photos of people making speeches
• W and K feeding each other cake
• Group shots of guests during the speeches
• Photo of L and her staff (catering staff)
• Photo of D and her staff (bar staff)
• Black and white shots
• Black and white with coloured shots
• K kissing her dad on the cheek

I have never had this before - sure the family shots I like written down. but as for the actual creativity on the day - I do this on the day as it comes to me.

They do present as my more...'inquisitive' couple.

I am not sure I will have TIME on the day to constantly refer to a list...

Have you done this? What do you do?

I am very accommodating, and 'nice'' but I feel this is too much...and to be honest...for $1000 they are getting a damn good deal.

[_Jo_]

I am going to email a response - just not sure how to word it.

[_Jo_]

In some suggestions she even tells me the angle to point my camera! :(
I'm really worried...and not sure how to approach this as I have never in 20+ weddings had a couple like it before?

[bikers1]

This isn't unusual to me,

I always meet up with the B/G prior to the wedding, together we make up a list of 'key' shots that they want. Sometimes it's like drawing teeth :rolleyes:

It is their day and I'm there to give them what they want, I take plenty of other shots which I create, these often prove to be more popular.

There are generational differences, the mothers, aunties etc more often like the traditional posed shots, the B/G often like the more creative shots

I've never had camera angles dictated, that part is left to me,

When I have a list I insist on a nominated member of the party, usually the best man to be available to gather the appropriate people as I have no idea who they are.

I did do one wedding where the best man was the nominated person but was pissed as a fart beofre and after the ceremony , that was a nightmare :D

[_Jo_]

This isn't unusual to me,

I always meet up with the B/G prior to the wedding, together we make up a list of 'key' shots that they want. Sometimes it's like drawing teeth :rolleyes:

It is their day and I'm there to give them what they want, I take plenty of other shots which I create, these often prove to be more popular.

There are generational differences, the mothers, aunties etc more often like the traditional posed shots, the B/G often like the more creative shots

I've never had camera angles dictated, that part is left to me,

When I have a list I insist on a nominated member of the party, usually the best man to be available to gather the appropriate people as I have no idea who they are.

I did do one wedding where the best man was the nominated person but was pissed as a fart beofre and after the ceremony , that was a nightmare :D

I also use a nominated member of the bridal party to help gather family members for portraits (which are pre discussed/written) - these I have no problem with.

It's the detailed description of posed shots eg;

• W with garter and K in background
• Group photo at wedding point, camera looking down on everyone
etc etc

Telling me what angle to take the shot and the EXACT precise location is limiting my creativity...or have I just hit a speed bump with this couple and I need to chill and ride it out??

[_Jo_]

I can't help but feel they have chosen me on price alone and now are directing me on what shots they want, when and where. This I liken to if they asked a "friend" to take their pics. Or is it the norm for professionals to accept a long and lengthy detailed shot list to be taken on the day? What if you don't get the shots? Do you find it time-consuming referring to a list? AND how un-professional to by-standers to see a pro constantly referring to a list in pocket!!!??

[tim]

I tell people that I don't take shot lists for anything other than group photos, as if I have my head in a list i'm not able to be watching what's going on and capturing it. If I had one already i'd try to keep it in mind, but that there are no promises. Alternately tell them you can shoot from the list but you'll get more static photos.

Just be nice. I've never gotten a list that detailed.

[tim]

btw a real website would cost you $30 to get a domain and a few dollars a month to host it. Using freewebs to host your websites shows you're not a professional.

[_Jo_]

btw a real website would cost you $30 to get a domain and a few dollars a month to host it. Using freewebs to host your websites shows you're not a professional.

I'm working on that...I no longer use 'freewebs' - I have not uploaded my recent weddings to it - but have left what is there for those whose weddings they are as they know they are there. Once I get a 'real' website, I will then remove what images I have on the net in free areas.

I will continue with the blog I have just set up.

Aperture 2 has a neat feature where I can upload 'Publish for approval' of each wedding I do. This is very handy at at no extra cost to myself (other then when I purchased the software).

[_Jo_]

I tell people that I don't take shot lists for anything other than group photos, as if I have my head in a list i'm not able to be watching what's going on and capturing it. If I had one already i'd try to keep it in mind, but that there are no promises. Alternately tell them you can shoot from the list but you'll get more static photos.

Just be nice. I've never gotten a list that detailed.

Ok - thanks - I will try telling them that.

[_Jo_]

How's this? :

Thanks for your list of suggestions.

I have to be honest, I have never been presented with one before.

I do like each couple to have a detailed list of family portraits required after the ceremony (this ensures a fast process) but as for the actual wedding photos -
You are paying me to do a job as your photographer, this includes using my skills and creativity giving you the best day possible, resulting in great images.

I have photographed 20+ weddings and I am happy to go through each one with you to reassure you that I am capable, but I have to say if you have any concerns
About me as your photographer, it’s not too late to source another. The main thing is you are happy and relaxed on your big day – you need to be confident in your photographer.

If you would like to refer back to the contract and available packages, you will see that I am only there until a mock cake cut, and will not be there during the reception.
I will therefore not be available for ‘speech shots’.

You have some very good suggestions, and I will take these into consideration, but please bear in mind if I am keeping to a specific 'list' then I am not able to watch what is going on and capturing the moments as they progress...I can shoot from your list supplied but that will result in more static photos, rather then moments captured.

I do however, require a list of all family shots to be taken directly after the ceremony. This is to be given to a person of your choice who is good
At organising people so we can move through the family shots at a good pace.

[tim]

That's a terrible email. I'll rewrite it for you but I have paint on my hands right now so it'll be in a couple of hours.

[_Jo_]

That's a terrible email. I'll rewrite it for you but I have paint on my hands right now so it'll be in a couple of hours.

lol...just as well I didn't send it then!

ok - I am open to suggestions...let's see what you come up with!

[tim]

I wouldn't put yourself down, and I would keep it simple. Something like this.

Dear Bride,

Thanks for the list of photos you sent. Unfortunately the only part of the day where I can work from shot lists is during the group photos, the rest of the time I like to keep my eyes open to capture the moments that are happening, rather than trying to create photos from a list. I'll keep your list in mind and do my best to take the photos you've requested. If you would prefer for me to work from a list rather than capture moments as they unfold please let me know, but be aware that this will limit the range and style of photos you receive.

Please send me your list of group photos, and on your wedding day point out the person you've nominated to help organise things. I'll have copies of the photos list for everyone, I may change the order you've given them to me in to make things run more quickly and smoothly.

(your bit about speech shots)

(nice sign off)


You'll want to tweak that, I wrote it in a few minutes.

[_Jo_]

I wouldn't put yourself down, and I would keep it simple. Something like this.

Dear Bride,

Thanks for the list of photos you sent. Unfortunately the only part of the day where I can work from shot lists is during the group photos, the rest of the time I like to keep my eyes open to capture the moments that are happening, rather than trying to create photos from a list. I'll keep your list in mind and do my best to take the photos you've requested. If you would prefer for me to work from a list rather than capture moments as they unfold please let me know, but be aware that this will limit the range and style of photos you receive.

Please send me your list of group photos, and on your wedding day point out the person you've nominated to help organise things. I'll have copies of the photos list for everyone, I may change the order you've given them to me in to make things run more quickly and smoothly.

(your bit about speech shots)

(nice sign off)


You'll want to tweak that, I wrote it in a few minutes.

Excellent! Thanks, I will use that instead ;)

[_Jo_]

This is what I have ended up with:

Thanks for the list of photos you sent. Unfortunately the only part of the day where I can work from a shot lists is during the group photos, the rest of the time I like to keep my eyes open to capture the moments that are happening, rather than trying to create photos from a list. I'll keep your list in mind and do my best to take the photos you've requested.

If you would prefer for me to work from a list rather than capture moments as they unfold please let me know, but be aware that this will limit the range and style of photos you receive. Also, if this is the case I will require an assistant on the day to read from your list as it will not be possible for me to stop and refer to it throughout the day when I am concentrating on capturing your wedding.

I'll keep your list in mind and do my best to take the photos you've requested, but I cannot promise they will be exact as you describe. It is great that you have listed specific places where you want your images taken, and I will compose them as I see them on the day.

Please send me your list of group photos, and on your wedding day point out the person you've nominated to help organise things. I may change the order you've given them to me in to make things run more quickly and smoothly.

Also, If you would please refer back to the contract/available packages, you will see that I am only there until a mock cake cut, and will not be there during the reception.
I will therefore not be available for ‘speech shots’.

You have some very good suggestions, and I will certainly take these into consideration.

The main thing is that you are happy and relaxed on your big day – and you need to be confident in your photographer.

I am happy to answer any further questions you may have.

And yes, I am available for your rehearsal on the 30th Jan. (I have already told her this twice).

[tim]

Much better :)

[Mrsjperry]

Wow! Just when you thought they couldnt be more demanding.

Hey Jo and Tim, is this letter copyright?

:)

[_Jo_]

Wow! Just when you thought they couldnt be more demanding.

Hey Jo and Tim, is this letter copyright?

:)

Not at all - go for it! :)

[bps]

Tim,

Thanks for the time and attention that you give on this forum. It's folks like you that help make POTN such a great resource...

Bryan

[tim]

Wow! Just when you thought they couldnt be more demanding.

Hey Jo and Tim, is this letter copyright?

:)

Use it however you like.

Tim,

Thanks for the time and attention that you give on this forum. It's folks like you that help make POTN such a great resource...

Bryan

You're welcome, thanks for the nice feedback :)

[lil_miss]

Wow... great email in response though..

I get some couples sending me phtoos that they've seen that they like and I usually just say that I will do my best, but cannot guarantee.

I hope the day goes well for you... :/

[Croasdail]

( scratching head )...

These are all basic shots. What is the big deal? You would have done these anyway, right? I am a bit lost.

I spend 80% of my time doing PJ work, and even there I will ask the contracting person if there is something they are looking for. Another photographer I know works extensively with the weeding coordinator staging the event and planning the shots, making sure everything, angle, lighting, background, etc, is just perfect. An other does a walk through with the B/G the day before. It runs the full range. At least you know their expectations, less chance for surprises afterward. That isn't a long list, and it is all standard stuff.

[_Jo_]

( scratching head )...

These are all basic shots. What is the big deal? You would have done these anyway, right? I am a bit lost.

I spend 80% of my time doing PJ work, and even there I will ask the contracting person if there is something they are looking for. Another photographer I know works extensively with the weeding coordinator staging the event and planning the shots, making sure everything, angle, lighting, background, etc, is just perfect. An other does a walk through with the B/G the day before. It runs the full range. At least you know their expectations, less chance for surprises afterward. That isn't a long list, and it is all standard stuff.

It's not how I work. If they wanted to instruct someone on what angle to hold their camera and what poses to strike they have the wrong photographer. And as I said above, this is a very small excerpt.

[_Jo_]

***UPDATE***
Spoke to the bride-to-be last night on the phone.
She said she was happy for me to do what I normally do and wasn't worried if i didn't get her exact pose suggestions - if at all. We had a good discussion on the way I work and her expectations - I feel much better and all is well.

Thanks for all the help and advice - and special thanks again to Tim ;)

The matter is resolved.

PS - I sent her through the ring shots (golf ball) I took the other day for her and she was rapt.

[Croasdail]

Telling me what angle to take the shot and the EXACT precise location is limiting my creativity...or have I just hit a speed bump with this couple and I need to chill and ride it

I think you were just interpreting her too literally. I think she was referring to a style. You have to remember, they picked the location for a wedding for a reason. It is completely fare in my mind that since it is their event, they make sure the photographer is sharing their vision of the event. A photographer is there to capture their style, make it better using the photographers experience and creativity. If the styles don't match, cool, walk away and both will be more happy. I have taken hundreds of photographs I personally didn't like, but it is what the client wanted. It's their event, not mine.