Must Take Photos

Most brides seem to have a loooong list of "must take" photos for their photographer. It usually looks like this:

Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress
Bride looking into a mirror
Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup
Groom tying tie
Groom looking into mirror
Portrait of father and bride
Portrait of mother and bride
Outside of ceremony site
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle
Groom waiting for bride
Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
Bride and father walking down aisle
The back of bride and father walking down the aisle – with the groom waiting in the distance
Shot of the audience from the bride and groom’s point of view
Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
Close up of hands
The kiss
Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed
Bride alone
Groom alone
Bride with Maid of Honor
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride with parents
Bride & Groom together
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with families
Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
Bride & Groom with flower girl and ring bearer
Groom with parents
Groom with groomsmen
The getaway
etc.
etc.
etc.

I'm sorry, but as a photographer, paying a photographer thousands of dollars for his expertise in shooting weddings, this should be common sense for him. "Bride and Father walking down aisle, Bride and Groom together, Bride and Groom with families....." duh! Please don't insult your wedding photographer by giving him a list like this. Now, if he asks for a list, that's a different story. I also believe that you are paying money for your vendor's experience and expertise and I feel that a long list like this deteriorates the artists creativity. Now don't get me wrong, if you've see a photo you've seen another photographer do and would like to mimic it or are inspired by it, that's a different story. For example, my list of "must take photos":

First sight: I plan on seeing my groomie before we officially wed and would like to capture our "first meeting".

Knottie: MrsPinkAJV&M

Knottie: Jen&Len

Fun group photos! Instead of everyone just standing on the stairs of the church.

Knottie: Daffodil_Jill

Knottie: MrsPinkAJV

wedlog

Knottie: RR&RB

Knottie: ilovemycoastie3

Group shot of the WHOLE wedding, guests and all! Since I'm having a small wedding I would like to have a group photo with everyone in attendance. Great for thank you cards later!

unknown

Knottie: MrsNFB

Knottie: cassiopia610

to be continued...