Shots to Share with Photographer

[AnnR]

Originally Posted by LALA

I'd like to show sample pics to the photog not bc I want them duplicated, but more to express my FI and my personality. I don't get to spend much time with my photographer before the wedding so he might not get just how goofy/weird we are. I feel like by showing him that a ton of the pics I like are goofy he'll get me more and not be concerned about taking a lot of funny pics.

On a side note, I can't wait to see YOUR pictures after hearing this!

[jthrasherphoto.com]

Originally Posted by TAMMYM

Jonathan, would you be offended if we give you a couple of sample shots that we seen by another photographer that we would like to duplicate? I have 100% faith in Juan to take amazing pictures, and I know that I'll love them. With that said, I seen a couple of pictures that I fell in love with and (really just 2) that are unique that I'd like to duplicate. But I don't want to offend Juan by suggested that we take them. What are your thoughts on this?

Tammy, I wouldn't be offended. I've had brides do that with me before and i'm fine with that. The problem comes when it gets to be a little obsessive and it seems like the bride doesn't trust you or your talents and judgement. I'm sure Juan would be fine with it. Ask him though.

[Tammy Host]

i'm gonna be the oddball BUT i gave juan a list of pics i wanted. i used to be in the wedding photog business and did it to make my photographers job easier. granted it was not as extensive of a list but it was a list of pics i wanted that he may not know i wanted unless i told him.

mainly regarding family pics. i wanted certain couples and groups taken together and i wanted him to know that.

i think it is important to be realistic about what pictures you want but also give your photographer creative reign to do what he/she does best.

[destinationbride07]

thanks this is great info!111

[gkashmira]

I don't mean to be rude but I have to admit that I will be sending my photographer a shot list. I think it's silly if a photographer is irritated by a list. I have a friend who at their wedding never got a picture of herself (the bride) and her mom! I would be crushed if something like this happened so I am not taking any chances!

I also have never met my photographer and while I like his work there are some pictures that are very important to me (like family) and some that are not (like tons of "getting ready" pics). I'm going to use the one Ann posted up but edit it according to what we are looking for. It will also serve as a timeline for the photographer since we only have him for 4 hours...

[CourtneyV]

I think too the photographer can't always anticipate who you want grouped together. I'll probably send my photographer a list, but it'd be super short.. I don't want to stunt their creativity - and if they're too busy taking the shots that I want, who knows - I may have missed out on some of the amazing photos the photographer would have normally taken. I agree with Jonathan in needing to have complete faith in your photographer.

[starchild]

Originally Posted by gkashmira

I also have never met my photographer and while I like his work there are some pictures that are very important to me (like family) and some that are not (like tons of "getting ready" pics).

I agree there, I'm not excited about a photo journal of me trying to do something with my frizzy hair in the humid jungle, lol, but I do want tons of the family/guests.

[animaldoc]

Originally Posted by NATASHA

About two weeks before the wedding I sent this (large) document to Dino - our photographer - as an example of the types of photos that we were looking for. I also sent a shot list with the specific names of who we needed pictures with, but I was really more concerned with the style of photo we were going for.

I noticed that Dino specifically set up two pictures that I had included that were a bit more unusual than the others (most notably the one with the mariachi surrounding the bride and group as they walk after the ceremony) so he definitely used this.

Feel free to use it too. Oh - and sorry in advance to those of you whose shots I stole without prior written notice (Tammy!).

Okay, I am confused, is there supposed to be an attachment with this post?
Thank you,
Jennifer

[tonyschreiber]

Originally Posted by TammyB

Jonathan, would you be offended if we give you a couple of sample shots that we seen by another photographer that we would like to duplicate? I have 100% faith in Juan to take amazing pictures, and I know that I'll love them. With that said, I seen a couple of pictures that I fell in love with and (really just 2) that are unique that I'd like to duplicate. But I don't want to offend Juan by suggested that we take them. What are your thoughts on this?

I would want to the hear about why you liked the particular images, more than that you wanted to duplicate them exactly. Every wedding is different and has its own vibe and style. I'd hate to force an image onto a wedding that really doesn't fit, but I've also been known to do jumping wedding party shots when people ask.

[Kits55]

Originally Posted by AnnR

I totally agree for the most part - I hired Leigh because I loved her work, and types of pictures she took, and her overall style. Like I actually told Leigh recently, I am all for letting her do her thing and getting out of her way! But with that said, I do think a bride may benefit from a list in some cases. Given my "unique" family situation, it isn't as obvious about what kinds of formal shots I need to capture. And I love the pj style - no doubt about it. But I also feel like I do have to get those posed formal shots, just because my family is so rarely in one spot, it's a great time to do so.

At my first wedding my photographer was amazing, I absolutely loved her work (Kathleen Day-Coen, I believe her name was). The marriage didn't last, but the pictures were stunning! But at that wedding, I totally forgot to take a picture with my now step-mother. My dad has been with her for at least 18 years (over 10 at the time of the wedding) and I totally forgot to get her in one of the family shots. I have felt guilty about that even since! I was so caught up in the day, I didn't even think about it. So, for those reasons, I think a list can help - even if it's just one that the bride keeps to herself as a checklist of photos that are important to her. Ya know?

boy am i glad to have found this post. i never thought about how it could be construed at rude to keep sending your photog photo lists. it helps a lot to know that for when i make my decision, i'll just have to go with who i love the most. I will probably still make a small list after reading how some very special very important shots have been missed....and i like the idea of letting your photog know where pictures can be skimped (i.e. getting ready) and where you want a fuller shoot (i.e. the reception).