Does anybody know a lot about wedding photography?
I’m getting married and I was kind of blind-sided by this request. First, let me preface this with the fact that I am not having any extended family in town (no aunts, uncles, cousins… nothing) only immediate (Mom, dad, brothers and sisters.) I got this in an e-mail from my photographer:
“Thanks for the shot list. I would also like to request a good contact number (ie) cell for a member of your’s and Will’s family who I can count on to make sure all members of each family are present for specific photos on your wedding day.
This person has to be responsible and alert to what shots I will be taking at certain times and have the right family members present to complete the photos. This will relieve alot of pressure on all parties involved and make for a smooth transition. I will also give them my cell number so we can communicate back and forth as needed.”
This is the first wedding in my family and my family doesn’t get to see me very often. I don’t want them to have to spend all day rounding up kids for pictures. I want them to be able to enjoy it as the parents of the bride should be able to.
Is this a normal request, and is it required? Couldn’t we just give him a checklist of family members and he could go down the list like role call?
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Posted: February 3rd, 2009 under Wedding Photography.
Tags: Parents, Role Call, Wedding Photography
Comments
Comment from skapow
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:18 pm
It is a normal request. Many of the working photographers I know give their clients sheets that have specific shots that you may like taken and you can check the ones you are interesteded in and give names of the people such as “Uncle and Aunt Shot (Aunt Ann and Uncle Jim), Than they have gather all the correct people for the photographs , but a good photographer should try his or her best to shoot what and who you want and not just his or her “usuall” shots and poses.Its YOUR wedding.PS .Same holds true for the DJ if you have one. Its your wedding .Your paying,you deside,if thats your desire.
Comment from Ara57
Time February 9, 2009 at 6:59 am
The photographer just wants to make sure the formals run quickly and smoothly. The quicker the formals are shot, the sooner you get to the reception and start to visit and party. It is a waste of time for the photographer to have to run around and hunt folks, many of whom he won’t even know. This is usually a good job for the MOH or BM, or for the register keeper if she knows the families.
This spring I shot a wedding with a shot list of 3 pages. I shot aver 80 formals (of different groups) It took over an hour to get through all that. Even with the MOG rounding up the guests it was a huge undertaking. Without some help we would probably have been shooting until the honeymoon was over! If you really have a small group and list it won’t take long. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.
Comment from leegee01
Time February 10, 2009 at 11:21 am
This is not an unusual request, but if it makes you uncomfortable or seems unnecessary due to the size of your wedding, you can suggest some alternatives. The photographer just wants to make sure that you can move quickly and efficiently through the formal photos without having to round people up.
One method I have used at times is to make a list of the formal shots that the bride and groom have requested, and place it in a logical order. I like to start with the largest grouping (the entire wedding party and parents) and work my way down to just the bride and groom. I’ll assign each group a letter (bridesmaids=A, groomsmen=B, parents of Bride=C, etc.) and make sure that a list has been distributed to those who will be asked to be present. Then it is relatively simply to ask for whichever group is needed, and release them when their shots are finished.
I’m sure your photographer has found (as I have) that without someone designated to keep things moving along as scheduled, the photographer ends up playing the role of the photographer AND the wedding coordinator. It’s easy to miss important photos due to being distracted.
Talk to the photographer. Good communication will help you both. Utilize your maid of honor or bridesmaids, that’s what they are there for. You want your family to be able to enjoy the wedding, but you need to have someone that can keep things on schedule. If you don’t want to burden anyone at the wedding with that job, consider hiring a day planner or day coordinator.
Good luck!
Comment from fhotoace
Time February 6, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Yes, there is usually some kind of “guide” assigned to any photographer shooting events, especially weddings. They are a stranger and need to know who to shoot other than the immediate family members and bridal party (usually obvious).
The photographer will NOT know who your favorite aunts, cousins SO is or which friends you want most to have included in the shoot. While the candid shots taken during the reception are somewhat random, there will be some specific individuals you will want to be sure to include.