Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

The Anatomy of a "Shot List"

Misnomers surround the wedding photography term: "shot list." Martha Stewart is once again the culprit at large.

Except this time, she's not the only one. Characters like "The Knot," "Wedding Bells" or "In Style Weddings" are just as guilty of misguiding so many brides in search of wisdom and guidance. These magazines, and their web counterparts, often offer their readers a piece of advice in the form of a list - a page one can detach - and share with their photographer so that every "great" wedding photograph ever taken can be reproduced at their own wedding.

Sadly, the information - and the manner in which it's provided - is often misleading for brides that have spent the time and money to hire professional photographers. These lists offer a guarantee that unfortunately strips away the creative vision they hired their photographer for, replacing it with manufactured moments.

Now, that being said - for some who've opted for a non-professional, friend or family photographer these lists find their use. They provide guidance for the novice or amature and structure for capturing interesting moments throughout the day.

For those that have gone the professional route the best thing you can do before, or even after, hiring your photographer is to talk about how they will meet your requests for the formal portraits and their process for capturing your day. Questions are a great way to clarifying expectations - so ask away! If you're satisfied with the answer - then leave Martha on the coffee table.

You've made an investment into hiring this person for the skill, creativity and personality you saw in their portfolio (without the list) - now let them maximize their talents for your big day!