Photographers Check List For Brides

There are plenty of “must have” wedding day photo checklists floating around on the Internet. We at Southern California Wedding Photography wanted to provide our readers with a more unique version of the wedding photography checklist. That’s why we developed the “Photographers Checklist For Brides.”

The “Photographers Checklist For Brides” is a run down of items the bride will need for her wedding photographer or wedding day photographs; items such as final payment to the photographer as well as any props she may want to bring along for her wedding day photo session.

Most brides on their wedding day are overwhelmed with the events of the day, so adding the wedding photo necessities and requirements to their list can just be enough to push a bride over the “edge” on her wedding day. This list was written after interviewing several professional wedding photographers and compiling their input.

While we do understand some of the information in the list below would be covered in a typical wedding photo contract, we still felt it was important enough to add to the list, just in case your photographer did not include in their contract.

Photographers Check List For Brides

Final Payment: Depending on your contract and arrangement with your photographer, you may want to make sure that you have your final payment either paid or with you on your wedding day. Every photographer has a different policy, so make sure that you know your photographers payment policy. Some photographers won’t even show up to the wedding if final payment isn’t paid by or on the wedding date.

Props: Your photographer may have this covered, but often times, wedding photographers capture the moment and are inspired by the day’s events and the chemistry of the couple and guests; Using props may not be something the photographer will have in their bag of photographic equipment.

Some suggested props could be sunglasses, cigars, flasks, or umbrellas. If you’re going to use them in a photograph, make certain that your entire wedding party has the props. Place them on a list of things to bring and give the list to your wedding party so they know what to bring to the wedding or reception venue.

Time line of events: Even if you are working with a wedding coordinator, it’s a good idea to keep your wedding photographer informed about what types of events will be taking place and in what order. This doesn’t mean that the plan wont change, but providing your photographer with a list of events of the day can help them plan their shooting and timing.

Contact Numbers: If you’re working with a wedding coordinator, provide their name and phone number to your photographer.  In addition, you may also want to provide your maid of honors and best mans phone number to your photographer, especially if you’re not working with a coordinator. This gives the photographer other key individuals they can contact in case you are not available or the photographer cannot get hold of you.

Wedding/Reception location address and contact info: While this information may be covered on the wedding photography contract, it’s a good idea to provide your photographer with this information just in case they need to get directions or as an extra contact should they not be able to reach the wedding coordinator, you or member of the wedding party.

Post wedding address: If you’re going to be moving to a new address after you are married, provide your wedding photographer with the new residence so that they can deliver the final product(s) to you. This also includes any email changes due to your last name change.

Photo List: Depending on your photographer and their style of business and photography, provide them with a list of important family members to photograph. You will see plenty of photo shot lists on the Internet. Most photographers shy away from shooting from a list. But if you want specific shots of family members, especially during the formals, then you should provide your photographer with that information.

House Rules: This mainly applies to churches, but some wedding facilities do have their own house rules for photographers. Check with your facility, if they do have a list of requirements for photographers, make sure to get your photographer the list so that they are aware of what they can and can’t do at the wedding/reception site. The last thing you want is for the photographer to break these rules.

Maps and Directions: If you are having a backyard wedding or plan on taking photos at a local park, provide your photographer with a map and directions to the location(s). Although your photographer should have knowledge of the wedding and reception venues, you may want to provide them with a printed map to those locations as well.

Meals: Your photographer(s) are professionals. They are at your wedding because you hired them to capture your special day. Make sure they are fed. Coordinate with the reception staff/wedding coordinator to make certain that the wedding photographer has a meal. If there are two photographers or an assistant, make sure you have that information and pass it along to the reception facility. You don’t want to starve your wedding photographer, especially if they are there to make you look good.

Copy of signed contract: Don’t forget to bring a copy of your signed contract. This will serve as a reminder of what time the photographer is contracted from and to. Often times a couple will book a photographer for a specific length of time and may forget that the photographer is set to leave at a certain time. The contract will help both parties understand the terms of the business transaction for the day so there’s no issues at the wedding.

Engagement photo: If you had an engagement photo session with your photographer, then you may want to bring either the print to be signed or the photo guest book. Often times, the photographer will bring the engagement photos with them, but just incase they ship it to you; make sure you bring it to the wedding.

Any Signed Releases: While for the most part, the wedding contract can double as a model release, some photographers may require an additional model release so they can use the photos for self-promotion or photo competitions. You may have already signed this and provided it to your photographer. However, if not, then make sure you bring the original copy with you, signed.

Your wedding day and it’s planning is hectic already, the last thing you need to do is be bogged down with wedding photo details. A little planning on your part is sure to make your experience with your wedding photographer a pleasant one. The list above is just a guideline, but we at Southern California Wedding Photography certainly hop that it will prove to be a valuable asset to you and your photographer.

One Response to “Photographers Check List For Brides”

1. End of tenancy cleaning says:

   August 25, 2010 at 4:48 am

   everything should be perfect on the wedding day. Good photos are treasure that remains for whole life