Well, this is a new one for me.

[RyanK]

I met with my clients for a brief meeting today at the couples home. Everything was running smoothly and were just chatting getting to know each other a little better discussing the locations, times, etc. when all of a sudden they hand me these two pages of paper with lists. These lists are shots that they want and are expecting, there are a total of 700 that they are expecting, almost all of which are out of the ordinary for me and just too plain and not original what so ever.

Anyways, has this ever happen to any of you guys? Have you even been handed a "shot list" prior to the wedding?

[POTN Head]

Did you accept? Lol.

[samnz]

I actually encourage clients to provide a list of shots. Then when we sit down I explain that I'll be mainly concentrating on the Immediate family (mums/moms - dads - brothers - sisters etc.) The best way to overcome so many photos and people is to do group photos. Work - Sport and the biggest and probably the most difficult one = Friends.

Also ask for an assistant...preferably the MC, a family member or a close family member (NOT a member of the bridal party). They will be the 'people fetcher'. They will have copy of the list and round everybody up for you...hopefully. That way you can concentrate on your job...lighting...placing etc. Seven hundred guests is a hell of a lot of people and you still want a voice by the end of the gig.

Put your foot down. If need be, explain to the clients, there'll be plenty of point and shooters and they will no doubt be able to capture the incidental moments (tongue poking - rabbit ears behind the head - lip puckering - "Oops I blinked!"...shots).

Hope I read the question right :o :D

Look at it this way...700 guests - that's a heap of weddings!;)

[Mike]

I have small lists quite often but nothing as long as that! Not even as long as 50 shots. I also have a passage in my contract that says something along the lines that I may not get all of the shots they ask for due to changing circumstances on the day and that I cannot be held liable for missing these shots out. It's good cover for when you are shooting from a list.

[gravy graffix]

oh hell no.... you CAN NOT concentrate on your day with a 700 shot list hanging around....

and as you prob know... it NEVER goes as planned.

tell them to narrow it to 10, and the rest are mearly suggestions of what they might like.

[bobbyz]

Not a wedding guy but if someone wants some shots done certain way, who am I to tell that those are simple and boring. As long as they pay me well, I wouldn't care. And I hope you are getting paid well for taking those 700 shots.

[form]

I could never do a 700 shot list. Getting 700 distinctly different poses/shots would take a long, long time.

[shaggymatt]

Is it an Indian wedding? They do last a few days after all! :D

I actually frequent some of the bridal boards, and find it funny when I see threads, "What shots do I need to tell my photographer to take?" Someone inevitably posts a three page shot list and they want them all!

One other thing that Brides don't understand (hey in most cases they've never done this) is that the day isn't full of unlimited time. They don't realize how hectic and jammed full the day is going to be. We've all had the brides that want those 700 shots, but won't give you the time to take the standard formal shots.

[sevans16]

can you post the list? or e-mail a copy. I just can not imagine someone wanting 700+ pics!!

[tsw910]

regardless of what they want .. and if you're not tight with cash flow .. RUN !!!!! as fast as you can .. for a bride to request 700 schedule shots and actually have a list for it .. i can't imagine what the out come will be like if you missed a few ...

[Maddog12]

respectively decline. You'll spend more time checking and worrying about that list then getting the shots you need.

[RyanK]

Did you accept? Lol.
Well, considering contract has been signed for weeks, I had no other option. :/
I have small lists quite often but nothing as long as that! Not even as long as 50 shots. I also have a passage in my contract that says something along the lines that I may not get all of the shots they ask for due to changing circumstances on the day and that I cannot be held liable for missing these shots out. It's good cover for when you are shooting from a list.
I really need to insert that into my (already long) contract. It really wouldnt hurt.
I could never do a 700 shot list. Getting 700 distinctly different poses/shots would take a long, long time.
Trust me, I'm aware aha. I only have 6-ish hours for coverage as well.
regardless of what they want .. and if you're not tight with cash flow .. RUN !!!!! as fast as you can .. for a bride to request 700 schedule shots and actually have a list for it .. i can't imagine what the out come will be like if you missed a few ...

Contracts already signed. :( And unfortunately, this wedding is paying for a lift for my new Tacoma. :D

I'm actually really excited. They're definitely tearing me out of my element and I think it will be a fun, and difficult challenge. Trust me, I will definitely let all you know how it goes as it is this Sunday and I'll post some results.

[tsw910]

good luck brother ! .. i would bring as many free asst. as possible

[Tim Snow]

As a few have stated I do offer the client a 2 page document outlining most "standard" shots. That said, I do have it in my contract that I as weddings are unpredictable, I am not responsable for any missed shots requested by the client. I also point out that fact at the contract signing, so there are never any surprises. C. Y. A.!

[tim]

You do have a choice, and you still have a choice. If you're worry about a list you're not paying attention to what's going on. I refuse shot lists from people who've booked me, but I will happily talk to them and make some notes on what they want, but I make no guarantees. I suggest you send the couple a letter (maybe an email) something like this.

--
Dear B&G,

It was great to meet with you last week, your wedding sounds like it's going to be fantastic! I'm looking forward to taking photos for you.

After giving it some though I cannot accept the shot list you've given me. If I have my eyes on a list I won't be paying attention to what's going on, so i'll miss the candid and special moments that will happen at your wedding. I'd be happy to accept a list of group photos to take after your ceremony, and i'd be happy to have a chat about any other photos you'd like, but i'm unable to work from a shot list and produce the photography you've seen in my portfolio.

If this isn't acceptable i'll return your retainer and i'll give you suggestions on other photographers who may be able to accommodate you.

I'd appreciate if we could resolve this by (insert date on week in future).

Warm regards,

Your name
--

Most likely they won't even realise that it's an issue, and your taking a stand will make them realise. If they decide to book someone else that's a win, you'll have the date available to book other customers who you get on better with.