In the age of Pinterest and Instagram, most couples arrive at their wedding planning with a vision. You likely have a mental (or digital) folder of images that inspire you—specific angles, poses, or details that you dream of recreating. However, you also want to trust your photographer’s expertise to capture the day without you having to micromanage every click of the shutter.
A common question during the planning phase is: Do you have a shot list, or can we request specific photos? The answer is a healthy balance of both. While I work from a comprehensive professional standard list to cover the essentials, I absolutely welcome your specific requests. This post explains how Adrian Bonet Photography collaborates with you to blend essential coverage with your unique creative vision.
Do not let logistics stress you out. Secure a photographer who knows the area inside and out. Contact Adrian Bonet Photography to check availability for your venue today.
Index
The Foundation: The Standard Shot List
Incorporating Your Specific Requests
Inspiration vs. Replication
The One List That Is Mandatory
Final Thoughts
The Foundation: The Standard Shot List
Peace of Mind
First, you can relax knowing that you do not need to tell me to photograph the first kiss, the ring exchange, or the cutting of the cake. I have a mental “Master Shot List” ingrained in my process that covers all the essential pillars of a wedding day. From the dress hanging in the window to the venue decor before guests arrive, I ensure the foundational elements of your wedding are documented comprehensively.
The Flow of Coverage
My standard approach follows the natural narrative of the day. I cover the anticipation of getting ready, the emotion of the ceremony, the romance of the portraits, and the energy of the reception. You can trust that the “must-haves” are being captured automatically, allowing you to stay present in the moment.
Incorporating Your Specific Requests
The Details That Matter to You
While I know the basics, I don’t know the personal significance of every detail unless you tell me. Is there a piece of jewelry that belonged to your grandmother? Did you hand-write notes to each guest? Did you rehearse a surprise choregraphed dance? These are the specific requests I love to receive. During our planning meetings, we discuss these unique elements so I can prioritize them.
VIP Guests
Every wedding has VIPs. While I photograph all the guests, if you have a best friend from college who traveled across the world to be there, or a grandparent who is camera shy, let me know! I will make a special effort to capture candid moments of these specific people throughout the day.
Inspiration vs. Replication
Using Inspiration Boards
I encourage couples to share their mood boards or Pinterest inspirations with me. This helps me understand the “vibe” you love. Do you prefer moody, artistic silhouettes, or bright, joyful candids? Your inspiration photos serve as a visual language that helps us align on style.
Authenticity Over Imitation
However, I advise against trying to strictly replicate a list of 50 photos you saw online. Your wedding is unique to you. Instead of spending 20 minutes trying to recreate a pose someone else did, I prefer to use that time to capture your genuine chemistry. We use your requests as a springboard for creativity, ensuring your photos look like you, not a copy of someone else.
The One List That Is Mandatory
Organizing the Chaos
There is one area where a strict shot list is absolutely necessary: Family Formals. This is the time immediately following the ceremony where we take posed group photos. Without a list, this can become chaotic and time-consuming.
Efficiency is Key
I ask my couples to provide a typed list of family groupings (e.g., “Couple + Parents,” “Couple + Siblings”) before the wedding. This allows me (and your planner) to call out names efficiently, getting through the formal photos quickly so you can get to the cocktail hour and enjoy the party.
Final Thoughts
Photography is a collaboration. I bring the technical expertise and the artistic eye, but you bring the personality and the story.
When you book Adrian Bonet Photography, you get the best of both worlds: the assurance that a professional is covering all the bases, and the flexibility to ensure your specific vision and special requests are honored. We will work together to build a photo collection that checks every box while still feeling spontaneous and real.