"[Real Insights] A Wedding Photographer Shares Tips on Creating a Great Shot List!"

2022.04.28 published

殿堂記事

I Want to Create a Shooting Instruction Sheet＊

When it comes to things that brides often think, "It would be better to have this!", one of them is... "shooting instruction sheets"＊

(It might sound pompous to call it an instruction sheet... so it’s not uncommon to refer to it as a request sheet or a wish list.)

A shooting instruction sheet is something you write down on paper to ask the photographer, “I want you to take photos from this angle!” ◎

By asking the photographer for the shots you absolutely want to capture, you can preserve your wedding photos without regrets♡

@kn_eternallovewedding

What Troubles Photographers About "Shooting Instruction Sheets"?

However... recently, there are cases where there are too many instruction sheets, and photographers are unable to showcase their skills effectively.

While it's fine during pre-shoots when there is plenty of time, on the actual wedding day, there’s only one chance for each moment.

If the bride makes many requests in the instruction sheet, it can lead to spending more time looking at the sheet instead of capturing standard shots or other wonderful photos...!

@yuih_wd

Don’t you feel it’s a bit contradictory for the bride to give so many instructions that the photographer can't show their true potential?

This time, I asked what a "good instruction sheet" looks like from the perspective of wedding photographers◎

What Wedding Photographers Say! Good Shooting Instruction Sheet ① Limit to Two Instructions per Scene!

When I asked wedding photographers, they said that having about two instructions per scene is ideal◎

If there are more than two, they may not be able to remember the instructions and end up concentrating on the instruction sheet instead of capturing good photos.

However, they mentioned that they are willing to accommodate as much as possible if informed, so it’s better to narrow it down to two or so by showing them a few shots and saying, “This angle is a must!” ◎

What Wedding Photographers Say! Good Shooting Instruction Sheet ② Some Angles May Be Impossible or Require Two Cameras!

Next, I want to introduce that there are certain angles in the instruction sheet that may be impossible or require two cameras to capture.

For instance, wanting to capture the reentry scene from both the front and back would definitely be difficult without two cameras.

So, if it’s absolutely essential, they suggested considering asking for two cameras◎

With two cameras, one photographer can focus on the instruction sheet, making it manageable even if there are many instructions♩

@mishafu

What Wedding Photographers Say! Good Shooting Instruction Sheet ③ Keep the Number of Pages and Size Small

Wedding photographers are racing against time. Therefore, if the bride brings more than ten instruction sheets, it becomes challenging to flip through them quickly...!

Plus, during solemn scenes like the ceremony or in the dimly lit venue for the bride's speech, you can’t just flip through the sheets casually.

So, it’s said to be much more readable if the instruction sheet consists of one double-sided page with only the essential photos that they want to be captured, written in the same flow as the wedding proceedings♩

The paper size should be A4 or B5. A smaller paper size with larger images is preferred＊

@R2021_6_05

What Wedding Photographers Say! Good Shooting Instruction Sheet ④ Include Photos that Convey the Atmosphere

While I mentioned that the shooting instruction sheet should consist of one double-sided page and have no more than two desired photos per scene...

Sending them photos that capture your favorite atmosphere can be very helpful＊

Therefore, brides with ample time might consider creating "draft instruction sheets filled with their favorite atmosphere according to the wedding flow" and "instruction sheets that have the must-shot photos according to the wedding flow"＊

The instruction sheet filled with your favorite atmosphere can reveal what kind of taste the bride prefers (whether she likes soft photos, clear photos, or atmosphere-focused photos, etc.)◎

Different photographers may have various opinions, but it could be good to share them as references if needed!♡

Create a Shooting Instruction Sheet and Preserve Photos Without Regrets♩

I introduced what a good shooting instruction sheet looks like from the perspective of wedding photographers♡

If the instruction sheets are too numerous, the photographer won't be able to showcase their true skills, so it's best to only request essential photos. If there are many photos you want to capture, asking two photographers would be ideal♡

Be sure to create a "readable" shooting instruction sheet for the photographer so that they can take plenty of beautiful pictures♩

➡ What Professional Photographers Want to Convey to Couples for Taking Wonderful Photos

If You Haven't Decided on Pre-Shooting!

If you're thinking, "What should I do about pre-shooting?" then consult with a marrry LINE advisor first♡

Whether you're looking for a Korean-style photo studio or want to do a location photo shoot in nature, such as on rocky terrain or in the forest, or in trendy urban settings like Marunouchi and Yokohama, marry can recommend carefully selected photo studios and shooting plans that suit your desired image💬

It's recommended for brides who want to be particular about pre-shooting, as you can carefully consider only the best options recommended by marry🪄

➡ You can consult with an advisor via this LINE＊