This shotlist has been curated from the experience of over 400 weddings and serves as the baseline for the types of images we aim to achieve at a minimum. Use this to guide your approach, style and conduct to our weddings, and as a tool to help you organise and coordinate your day for smooth, fun, and creative shooting.


It's important to understand that whilst the images listed on this guide are a minimum standard, don't let them distract you from the amazing candid moments that are happening right in front of you. Use it to compliment your workflow, vision and creativity.


Lastly, don't let this list intimidate you, there is a good chance you are already covering at least 90% of this shotlist.

Maximising this stage of the day is essential, especially as it's often an intimate and possibly nerve-wracking time for those involved. Be sure to introduce yourself with warmth and engage in a brief, friendly chat. Arriving 5 minutes early can set the right tone.


Preparations offer a wonderful opportunity to have a relaxed conversation and build rapport with the bride, groom, and others present. There's little need for direction here, but do ensure that everyone is standing in well-lit areas and influence the flow of the preparation to ensure everything is on time.


While it's natural to focus on capturing what's directly in front of you, don't forget to tap into your artistic side. Feel free to explore different angles and use elements like doors, windows, perspectives, and other rooms to add a creative touch. These unique perspectives can add depth and beauty to the memories you're capturing.


Lastly, please be sensitive to the emotions of the day; nervousness or even short-temperedness can be natural at this stage. With your thoughtful approach, family portraits and wedding party shots can be joyous and memorable experiences.

Before The Suit

The Casual Stuff

- Hotel or home exterior, establishing shots & details
- Candids, chatting, laughing of people present
- Candid individuals of everyone present
- Groom and groomsmen hanging out

35mm, f/4, 1/250

  • Details & accessories
  • Shoes, tie, boutonnieres, cologne, cufflinks, rings, belt, jewellery, heirlooms
  • Family photos on the wall
  • Groom's suit hanging
  • Close-up details of suit
  • Groom alone with suit
  • Groomsmen suits
  • Groomsmen boutonnieres
  • Groomsmen gifts

70mm, f.2.8,1/320

  • Groom + groomsmen group photos w/ beers, etc
  • **Groom + parents
  • **Groom + mum
  • **Groom + dad
  • **Groom + siblings
  • **Groom + immediate family
  • **Groom + other significant present people


**skip if preparation time is limited (less than 45 minutes)


Quick Tip 1: For group photos with the groomsmen, take some classic shots, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "look at the person who you think will be best on the dance-floor tonight", and "look at the person who you think will be banned first from the bar tonight" - using these prompts and the real reactions that follow allow us to avoid inauthentic prompts like "pretend to laugh".


Quick Tip 2: For 1-on-1 photos with the groom, take one classic shot, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "give him one word of marriage advice".

After The Suit

It's Almost Time!

- Groom and groomsmen getting ready
- Each groomsman assisting groom with tie, vest, cologne, cufflinks, jewellery, etc
- Groom putting on shoes
- Mother of the groom attaching boutonniere
- Letters & gifts from bride

35mm, f/2.8, 1/200

  • Groom + groomsmen
  • Groom + each individual groomsman
  • Groom + parents 
  • Groom + mum
  • Groom + dad
  • Groom + siblings
  • Groom + immediate family
  • Groom + other significant present people


Quick Tip 1: For group photos with the groomsmen, take some classic shots, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "let's shower our groom with compliments" - using prompts like this and the real reactions that follow allow us to avoid inauthentic prompts like "pretend to laugh".


Quick Tip 2: For 1-on-1 photos with the groom, take one classic shot, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "any final words for our groom?".

35mm, f/1.8, 1/250

  • Individual groom portraits 
  • Groom + bridal party departing the location
  • Groom & wedding car


Quick Tip: For groom portraits, ask the groom to "double check" that all his accessories (tie, watch, jacket, etc) are in place and good to go.

Maximising this stage of the day is essential, especially as it's often an intimate and possibly nerve-wracking time for those involved. Be sure to introduce yourself with warmth and engage in a brief, friendly chat. Arriving 5 minutes early can set the right tone.


Preparations offer a wonderful opportunity to have a relaxed conversation and build rapport with the bride, groom, and others present. There's little need for direction here, but do ensure that everyone is standing in well-lit areas and influence the flow of the preparation to ensure everything is on time.


Lastly, please be sensitive to the emotions of the day; nervousness or even short-temperedness can be natural at this stage. With your thoughtful approach, family portraits and wedding party shots can be joyous and memorable experiences.

Before The Dress

The Casual Stuff

- Hotel or home exterior, establishing shots & details
- Candids, chatting, laughing of everyone present
- Candid individuals of everyone present
- Bride and bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done

35mm,f/2.8,1/250

  • Details and accessories
  • Invitations, bouquet, perfume, jewellery, shoes, wedding rings, heirlooms
  • Family photos on the wall
  • Wedding dress
  • Close-up details of wedding dress
  • Wedding dress hanging
  • Bride alone with dress
  • Bridesmaid dresses
  • Bridesmaid bouquets
  • Bridesmaid gifts


Quick Tip: When capturing the bride alone with her dress, natural prompts such as "tell us the story of how you found this dress and show us your favourite parts" allow for a more natural movement and flow in the photos, distracting the bride from any awkardness.

35mm, f/2.8, 1/200

  • Bride + bridesmaids group photos w/ champagne, etc
  • **Bride + parents
  • **Bride + mum
  • **Bride + dad
  • **Bride + siblings
  • **Bride + immediate family
  • **Bride + other significant present people


**skip if preparation time is limited (less than 45 minutes)


Quick Tip 1: For group photos with the bridesmaids, take some classic shots, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "look at the person who you think will be best on the dance-floor tonight", and "look at the person who you think will be banned first from the bar tonight" - using these prompts and the real reactions that follow allow us to avoid inauthentic prompts like "pretend to laugh".


Quick Tip 2: For 1-on-1 photos with the bride, take one classic shot, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "give her one word of marriage advice".

After The Dress

It's Almost Time!

- Bride putting on dress, helped by mother of bride or maid of honour
- Bride putting on shoes
- Each bridesmaid assisting bride with jewellery and accessories
- Letters & gifts from groom

35mm, f/2.8, 1/160

  • Father of the bride first look
  • Bride putting boutonniere on father


Quick Tip: Communicate with dad and explain the first look, coordinate the first look to ensure the lighting works and the location is comfortable and clean.

50mm, f/1.4, 1/200

  • Bridesmaids dress reaction 
  • Bride + bridesmaids
  • Bride + each individual bridesmaid


Quick Tip 1: For group photos with the bridesmaids, take some classic shots, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "let's shower our bride with compliments" - using prompts like this and the real reactions that follow allow us to avoid inauthentic prompts like "pretend to laugh".


Quick Tip 2: For 1-on-1 photos with the bride, take one classic shot, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "any final words for our bride?".

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

  • Bride + parents
  • Bride + mum
  • Bride + dad
  • Bride + siblings
  • Bride + immediate family
  • Bride + other significant present people


Quick Tip: For 1-on-1 photos with the bride, take one classic shot, and follow up with a prompt, eg. "any final words for our bride?"

35mm, f/2.8, 1/1000

  • Individual bride portraits
  • Bride + bridal party departing the location
  • Bride & wedding car

35mm, f/2.8, 1/160

  • Ceremony exterior, establishing shots & details
  • Interior, flower arrangements, arbor, furniture, signage

35mm, f/1.8, 1/250

  • Groom and groomsmen arriving
  • Guests arriving
  • Groom and groomsmen waiting at altar/arbor
  • Parents seated
  • Grandparents seated
  • Family & guests waiting

35mm, f/2.8, 1/500

  • Bride and bridal party arriving in wedding car
  • Bride stepping out of car

35mm, f/2.8, 1/500

  • Flower girls/page boys entrance
  • Bridal party entrance
  • Bride walking down the aisle
  • Groom reaction


Quick Tip: Taking a knee in front of the front row opposite the groom will give you an angle of the bride's entrance and the groom's reaction. Once this is complete, leave the front space immediately. As always, coordinate with the video team if you're shooting side by side as the space is usually tight.

35mm, f/1.4, 1/160

  • Couple standing at altar/arbor (wide shots, close ups)
  • Vows from groom's perspective
  • Vow's from centre perspective
  • Vows from bride's perspective
  • Exchanging of rings
  • First kiss from centre perspective
  • Flower girls/page boys
  • Musicians
  • Guest reactions
  • Signing of the register
  • Showing off the certificate
  • Recessional/walking back down the aisle + kiss
  • Confetti/petal/rice throwing

Post-Ceremony

Capturing Euphoria

Quick Tip: Most times, the bride & groom are wondering what to do right after the ceremony and it's the photographers that they look at for direction. Let them know to mingle for a few minutes and to take in all the joy of the moment, before commencing family photos.

- Greeting/embracing guests after ceremony
- Candid photos of newlyweds with guests
- Guests mixing and mingling
- Newlyweds together

Full Group Photo

Gotta Catch 'Em All

Quick Tip: Take charge of the crowd without hesitation, guiding individuals to fill in any awkward gaps for a clean and aesthetic group shot.

Prompts:

Photo 1: "3.. 2.. 1.. smile"

Photo 2: "On my count, we're gonna give the bride and groom a big cheer, and as long as you continue to cheer, they have to continue to kiss.. 3.. 2.. 1.."

Family Photos

This list can be curated per couple/wedding

Quick Tip: Take lead in directing and positioning individuals within the photo as needed to achieve a clean, classic shot.

- Bride's parents
- Bride's siblings
- Bride's immediate family
- Bride's immediate family w/ grandparents
- Bride's grandparents
- Groom's parents
- Groom's siblings
- Groom's immediate family
- Groom's immediate family w/ grandparents
- Groom's grandparents
- Both sets of parents
- Both immediate families
- Both immediate families w/ grandparents
- Both sets of grandparents
- Other

This is where you put your entertainer hat on! We encourage you to get as creative as possible for this stage of the shoot. Differently to the ceremony, this is one part of the day where you are more of a director than a photographer. Be sure to have a wide range of prompts prepared that will encourage the bridal party to interact with each other and yourself through a fun and easygoing atmosphere. Playing music in the background can bring out the best photographic moments and keep the bridal party's minds away from the worries of being photographed. One good suggestion is to have a general shooting routine to use for every bridal party to ensure you can convey a steady flow throughout the photo shoot, and to prevent any mindblanks when directing.


While you're welcome to use the following prompts, don't hesitate to use them only as a starting point of inspiration. This is your opportunity to think outside of the box and harness your own unique creativity. Your personal touch can truly make these moments special and memorable. Avoid sounding rehearsed and embrace your artistic intuition and enjoy the process!

The Whole Gang

Both Sides Of the Party

35mm, f/2.8, 1/400

Prompt: Start off simple with a classic, clean shot of the bridal party

35mm, f/2.8, 1/320

Prompt: "Talk to the person next to you about your favourite cocktail"

35mm, f/1.8, 1/4000

Prompt: Go for a walk side by side and talk about your favourite rom-com

35mm, f/1.8, 1/1250

Prompt: "Let's give the biggest cheer we can and let the whole suburb know we've got a pair of newlyweds right here, in 3.. 2.. 1.."

35mm, f/2.8, 1/3200

Prompt: Don't forget the candid stuff! Each wedding and bridal party can have their own unique features. Like this ute.

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

Prompt: "Who's keen to play a game? Does anyone remember the old primary school game Chinese Whispers? We're gonna start on the left, and I want you to come up with any sentence about our bride & groom, and we're gonna pass it down the line, the last person has to shout it out loud!"

35mm, f/2.8, 1/4000

Prompt: "I'm gonna count you guys down, and I want you guys to strike the craziest and silliest pose you can possibly do"

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

Prompt: Champagne showers, just tell everyone to go absolutely bananas

The Bridesmaids

Just the Ladies

- Have fun with these and feel free to create or re-use any of the above prompts
- Ask the group if they've seen any shots that they'd like to recreate
- Remember to take 1-on-1 photos of the bride with each bridesmaid
- And solo portraits of the bride

Some bridesmaids prompts:
- Let's all shower our bride compliments
- Give your bouquet a little throw and catch it
- Throw your bouquet hand up and give me the loudest cheers
- Forget about the cameras and just give each other a big group hug

The Groomsmen

Just the fellas

- Have fun with these and feel free to create or re-use any of the above prompts
- Ask the group if they've seen any shots that they'd like to recreate
- Remember to take 1-on-1 photos of the groom with each groomsman
- And solo portraits of the groom

Some groomsmen prompts:
- Let's all shower the groom with compliments
- Unbutton your jackets to keep it casual and give wrap your arms around each other
- Lift up the groom sideways
- How high can you jump?

This stage of the shoot is your opportunity to don your romantic hat and let your creativity shine! Unlike the ceremony, here you'll play more the role of a director than a mere photographer. Have a wide range of prompts ready that inspire the couple to interact naturally across various moods. Suggestions like "Whisper something in her ear" or "Take a short walk and enjoy a moment to yourselves" can create authentic and beautiful moments, putting the couple at ease in front of the camera.

It might be helpful to have a general shooting routine as well. This can create a consistent flow throughout the photo shoot and prevent any uncertainty when directing. Your gentle guidance can transform this part of the day into a joyful experience, filled with memories that will last a lifetime!

While you're welcome to use the following prompts, don't hesitate to use them only as a starting point of inspiration. This is your opportunity to think outside of the box and harness your own unique creativity. Your personal touch can truly make these moments special and memorable. Avoid sounding rehearsed and embrace your artistic intuition and enjoy the process!


Quick Tip: When working with prompts, remember to navigate around the bride and groom! Explore different angles - close-ups, wides - high, low - portrait, landscape - and orbit around the couple. This ensures diverse interpretations of the same prompts are captured, resulting in a more comprehensive gallery that showcases a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.

85mm, f/2.8, 1/500

Prompt: "Hold hands facing me and don't forget to smile! Now looking at each other, how does it feel to be married?!"

Follow up: "Give her a twirl and bring her in for a dramatic kiss!", eskimo kisses

Result: Classic handheld photos facing the camera and the reactions afterward will convey various interactions with the most popular being some laughter and some fun movements

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

35mm, f/1.8, 1/4000

Prompt: "Cuddle up nice and close, side by side. We're gonna play a little guessing game, using your nose, can you (groom) draw anything you want on her cheek and you (bride) have to guess)"

Result: The groom will usually draw one of two things (you can probably guess), and it will cause the couple to laugh

85mm, f/1.8, 1/320

35mm, f/1.8, 1/500

Prompt: "I'm gonna give you an instruction, and as soon as you hear it, I want you to do it straight away without thinking.. kiss but only with your teeth"

Result: The couple will generally laugh as they attempt this movement, images will result in close-up face to face smiles and laughter

35mm, f/1.8, 1/1600

35mm, f/1.8, 1/640

Prompt: "Cuddle her from behind. Now whisper anything you want in her ear"

Follow Up: "Go for a kiss"

Result: The groom will usually whisper something silly that will cause the couple to laugh

85mm, f/4, 1/320

35mm, f/4, 1/20

Prompt: "What's your first dance song? [Bring it up on your phone]. Shall we give it a practice run?

Result: Save this for emergencies when your mind blanks out, whilst shooting, use this time to set up your next prompts. Only play the song until approximately after the first or second chorus depending on the mood of the couple.

35mm, f/2.8, 1/4000

55mm, f/1.8, 1/6400

Prompt: "Face each other face to face and throw your arms over his shoulders, now let's fill those gaps and get a little close and comfortable"

Follow up: "Lean your foreheads together", eskimo kisses, "use your hand to guide her chin in for a kiss", "look at me as he gives you a kiss on the cheek"

Result: Self-explanatory, one of the most classic wedding couple poses with several variations, this is also the perfect time to get close-ups of each wedding ring, boutonniere, bouquet, and other aspects of their outfit

85mm, f/1.8, 1/250

35mm, f/1.4, 1/8000

Prompt: "I want you guys to stand 10 metres apart, now run towards each other like you haven't seen each other in months, if you're keen to take it the next level, lift her up, spin around and have some fun"

Caution: Please be aware and sensitive when using this prompt. This will not work for all types of couples.

Follow Up: "Keen for take 2?"

Result: A playful moment where the couple get to be a little adventurous with the photos

35mm, f/1.4, 1/5000

24mm, f/1.8, 1/4000

Prompt: "Can you lift her up like you're carrying her to your honeymoon"

Caution: Please be aware and sensitive when using this prompt. This will not work for all types of couples.

Result: A playful moment where the couple get to be a little adventurous with the photos

35mm, f/1.8, 1/200

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

Prompt: "I'm gonna step back and get you guys to go for a walk and have a moment to yourselves, I'll be shooting in the background but just enjoy some quiet time"

Result: Save this for emergencies when your mind blanks out, use this time to set up your next prompts

85mm, f/1.8, 1/640

35mm, f/1.8, 1/4000

Prompt: No prompts, just the classic veil shots from inside and out - however you can layer these shots with other suitable prompts

35mm, f/2.8, 1/4000

35mm, f/1.8, 1/1250

Prompt: "Show off your rings, loud and proud!"

35mm, f/1.4, 1/500

35mm, f/1.8, 1/100

Prompt: Don't forget the candid stuff! Amongst all the prompts and directions, there's always magic happening in the in-betweens.

35mm, f/2.8, 1/800

The reception offers numerous key moments that you'll want to capture. The specifics may vary depending on the wedding's style and traditions, such as additional dances and performances at cultural weddings or simply new wedding trends. Just remember to keep a watchful eye on your run sheet and stay aware of your surroundings. Building open communication with the MC can also be a great help. Together, you can ensure that all the wonderful moments of the reception are beautifully preserved. And as always, don't forget to keep an eye out for the candid stuff!

35mm, f/2.8, 1/4000

  • Venue exterior
  • Venue interior (without guests)

35mm, f/2.8, 1/160

  • Styling details
  • Centrepieces, floral arrangements, stationary, signage, place settings, guest favours, wedding cake, bridal table

85mm, f/1.8, 1/250

  • Room reveal (if necessary)
  • Guests entering and mingling


Quick Tip: The bride & groom will generally let you know if this is something they are interested in doing. Work with the reception staff to coordinate their entrance.

85mm, f/1.8, 1/4000

  • Bridal party entrance
  • Newlyweds entrance


Quick Tip: Ask the bridal party, bride & groom what they have planned for their entrance. Remind them to take their time as they move throughout the reception floor, and remind them twice more to stop for a few seconds if they are entering with indoor fireworks.

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

  • Guest table photos / table dash*


*regular table photos if there is no table dash planned


Quick Tip: When doing the table dash, take one classic smiling photo, then ask the group for a big cheer. Raising your voice and raising an arm in a cheering motion encourages lots of effort from the group.

85mm, f/2.8, 1/250

  • Toasts and speeches (from at least 3 perspectives each speaker)

85mm, f/2.8, 1/250

  • Guests reactions - smiles, laughs, tears, etc


Quick Tip: Aquire a handful of potential subjects in your line of sight, and strategically move around and place yourself in new positions with new subjects. This helps avoid running around trying to get a better angle. Also, keep an eye out on the VIPs and their reactions (parents, siblings, grandparents)

35mm, f/2.8, 1/250

  • Camera aware group photos of couples & friend groups


Quick Tip: Don't ask to take their photo, just approach the couple/group and point at them with a smile (it actually works!), and/or tell them to "jump in". This eliminates the potential for the dreaded "no thanks".

85mm, f/1.8, 1/250

  • Newlyweds sitting at bridal table
  • Newlyweds mingling with guests
  • Guests mingling with each other

35mm, f/1.8, 1/40

  • Sunset/backlit night portraits 


Quick Tip: If you don't have a second flash or a continuous light to act as the fill, find a spot with ambient light (eg. streetlights) and use that, whilst you backlight flash your couple.

35mm, f/1.8, 1/200

  • Father daughter dance

35mm, f/1.8, 1/125

  • Mother son dance

35mm, f/2.8, 1/320

  • Cake cutting

35mm, f/1.8, 1/2500

  • First dance


Quick Tip: Be super active whilst being discreet. Get shots that are high, low, wide, tight, through the guests, from behind the bridal table, all the classic angles, and everything in between. But remember, there are guests right behind you that have been waiting to see this moment live, and remember to coordinate your movements with the video team!

35mm, f/5.6, 1/8

  • Dance-floor (70% classic, 30% creative/shutter drags)


Quick Tip: Read the room, and don't smother the guests too much. Move in and out of groups and take breaks from the dance-floor to allow the room to breathe and for the dance groups to change.

35mm, f/1.8, 1/125

  • Newlyweds dancing with guests

35mm, f/1.4, 1/160

  • Newlyweds leaving the reception
  • Sparkler/archway/glowstick exit


Quick Tip: Involve yourself in the set up, management and countdown of the sparkler exit to ensure that all bases are covered and that you aren't caught off-guard. If the venue or MC isn't setting this up, it's all up to us!

35mm, f/1.4, 1/160

  • Getaway car

Other

  • Canapes & plated meals
  • Drinks & cocktails
  • Musician/entertainment performing
  • Bouquet toss

Reserve Your Date


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