Wedding Photography Checklist: Must-Have Shots and Moments

Pre Wedding Preparations: Getting Ready Shots (Wedding Photography Checklist)

Okay, let's kick things off with the pre-wedding buzz! These are the moments when the excitement is almost tangible. Think nervous laughter, last-minute adjustments, and that quiet anticipation. As a photographer, you want to capture the raw emotions and details that tell the story of the morning.

• Bride Getting Ready: Hair and makeup being done, putting on the dress, special moments with bridesmaids and family. Don't forget detail shots of the dress, shoes, jewelry, and veil. Consider using a Godox AD200Pro for off-camera flash to create beautiful, soft light. It's around $350 and super versatile. Compared to a speedlight, it offers more power in a smaller package, and the light quality is significantly better, especially when bounced.
• Groom Getting Ready: Groom and groomsmen getting dressed, sharing a toast, adjusting ties. Focus on the camaraderie and the details of their attire - cufflinks, watches, shoes. A candid shot of the groom's father helping him with his tie is always a winner.
• Details, Details, Details: Invitations, rings, flowers, gifts. These small details add depth to the story. A macro lens is your friend here! The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (around $950) is a fantastic choice for Canon shooters, offering incredible sharpness and image stabilization. For Sony, consider the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (also around $950). They both are superb.

Ceremony Essentials: Capturing the Vows and More (Wedding Photography Checklist)

The ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. It's crucial to capture the key moments without being intrusive. Plan your positioning beforehand and use long lenses to get close-up shots without disturbing the proceedings.

• Processional: The bride walking down the aisle with her father (or other significant person). Capture the expressions on her face, her father's face, and the groom's face. A 70-200mm lens is essential here. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II (around $2800) is a top-tier choice for Sony users, offering incredible sharpness and fast autofocus. Canon's Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM (around $2100) is another excellent option.
• Exchange of Vows and Rings: Close-up shots of the couple exchanging vows and placing rings on each other's fingers. Capture the emotion in their eyes.
• First Kiss: A classic moment that needs to be perfectly captured. Be prepared and anticipate the moment!
• Recessional: The couple walking back down the aisle as husband and wife. Capture the joy and excitement on their faces.
• Wide Shots of the Ceremony: To show the overall setting and the guests in attendance. A wide-angle lens like a 24-70mm is ideal. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E (around $1100) is a fantastic and more affordable alternative to Sony's own 24-70mm. It offers excellent image quality at a great price.

Post Ceremony Portraits: Bride and Groom, Family and Friends (Wedding Photography Checklist)

This is where you can get creative and capture some truly stunning portraits. Find beautiful locations with good lighting and guide the couple into natural and flattering poses.

• Bride and Groom Portraits: Candid and posed shots of the couple in various locations. Experiment with different angles and compositions. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is the perfect time for these shots. Consider using a reflector to bounce light and create a softer, more flattering look. A 5-in-1 reflector (around $30) is a must-have for any wedding photographer.
• Family Portraits: Formal and informal group shots with the immediate family and extended relatives. Organize these efficiently to avoid keeping people waiting too long. A 24-70mm lens is again a great choice for this.
• Bridal Party Portraits: Fun and relaxed shots with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Encourage them to be themselves and capture their personalities.

Reception Highlights: Capturing the Party (Wedding Photography Checklist)

The reception is all about capturing the energy and excitement of the celebration. Be prepared to move around and capture candid moments, as well as the key events.

• Entrance of the Bride and Groom: Capture the excitement as the couple enters the reception.
• First Dance: A romantic and memorable moment. Use a fast lens (like a 50mm f/1.8) to capture sharp images in low light. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (around $125) is an incredibly affordable and sharp lens. For Sony, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (around $200) is a similar option.
• Speeches and Toasts: Capture the emotions and reactions of the speakers and the guests.
• Cake Cutting: A traditional moment that should be captured.
• Dancing: Capture the energy and excitement of the dance floor. Use a flash to freeze the action.
• Candid Moments: Capture the spontaneous and unscripted moments that make the reception unique. Keep an eye out for laughter, hugs, and heartfelt conversations.

Gear Recommendations: Level Up Your Wedding Photography (Wedding Photography Checklist)

Having the right gear can make a huge difference in the quality of your wedding photos. Here are a few essential items to consider:

• Cameras: A full-frame camera is highly recommended for its superior image quality and low-light performance. The Sony a7 IV (around $2500) and the Canon EOS R6 (around $2500) are excellent choices. They both offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and great low-light performance. Consider having two camera bodies as a backup and to avoid changing lenses frequently.
• Lenses:
  • Wide-Angle Lens (e.g., 16-35mm or 24-70mm): For capturing wide shots of the ceremony and reception venue.
  • Standard Zoom Lens (e.g., 24-70mm or 24-105mm): A versatile lens for portraits, group shots, and general coverage.
  • Telephoto Lens (e.g., 70-200mm): For capturing close-up shots from a distance, such as during the ceremony.
  • Prime Lenses (e.g., 35mm, 50mm, 85mm): For portraits and low-light situations. Prime lenses typically offer better image quality and wider apertures than zoom lenses.
• Flashes: Essential for lighting the reception and for filling in shadows during outdoor portraits. The Godox V1 series (around $300) are excellent speedlights with a round head that produces more pleasing light. For more power, consider a strobe like the Godox AD200Pro (around $350).
• Memory Cards: Use high-speed, reliable memory cards to avoid data loss. SanDisk and Sony are reputable brands. Invest in several cards with sufficient capacity (e.g., 128GB or 256GB).
• Batteries: Bring plenty of spare batteries for your cameras and flashes. There's nothing worse than running out of power in the middle of a key moment.
• Camera Bag: A comfortable and durable camera bag is essential for carrying your gear. Consider a backpack style for easier transport. The Peak Design Everyday Backpack (around $300) is a popular choice.

Backup and Safety: Be Prepared for Anything (Wedding Photography Checklist)

Wedding photography is a high-pressure job, so it's essential to be prepared for anything. Here are a few tips for ensuring a smooth and successful shoot:

• Backup Your Photos: Make sure to have a system in place for backing up your photos throughout the day. Consider using a dual-slot camera that writes to two memory cards simultaneously. You can also use a portable hard drive to back up your photos on the spot.
• Bring Backup Gear: Bring a backup camera body, lenses, and flashes in case of equipment failure.
• Communicate with the Couple: Talk to the couple beforehand to understand their expectations and preferences. Create a shot list together to ensure that you capture all the important moments.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the venue early to scout locations and set up your equipment.
• Stay Hydrated and Energized: Wedding photography can be physically demanding, so make sure to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up.
• Insurance: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself against liability and equipment damage.