Creating your ideal shot list for your dream destination wedding in Aruba
Planning your wedding day is an exciting journey. That’s why, as a professional wedding photographer, I want to help you navigate the process of creating your photo shot list. This list is essentially your blueprint for capturing all the important moments and details that will make your wedding album truly unforgettable. So, let’s dive in and create a shot list that is perfect for you!
Start with the essentials
First things first, let’s outline the essential shots that every wedding album should include. These are the timeless, nonnegotiable moments that capture the essence of your day:
Getting Ready: Shots of you and your bridal party getting dressed, putting on makeup, and sharing those special pre-ceremony moments. PSA: Make sure to schedule AT LEAST 2 hours for these.
Ceremony: Key moments like the processional, the exchange of vows, the ring exchange, and that magical first kiss as newlyweds. An important thing to note is that most of these will be candid shots.
Family and Group Photos: Formal portraits with your families, bridal party, and any special groups you want to include. The people you want to have in these photographs are entirely up to you.
Couple Portraits: Intimate and romantic shots of just the two of you, capturing your love against the backdrop of Aruba’s natural beauty.
Reception: Highlights such as the grand entrance, first dance, cutting the cake, and heartfelt toasts from your loved ones.
Personalize Your Shot List
Your wedding day is uniquely yours, so don’t hesitate to personalize your shot list with special moments and details that are specifically important to you. The more you let your photographer know what you want, the more we can cater our photography towards that vision!:
Special Guests: Are there specific relatives or friends you want to make sure are captured in photos? Let me know so we can make sure they’re included.
Details: Think about the little things that make your day special—decorations, floral arrangements, place settings, and any DIY touches you’ve put a lot of effort into. I’ll usually get some shots of it regardless, but if I know you want to highlight a particular item, I’ll spend some extra time on it.
Aruba’s Beauty: As a wedding photographer in Aruba, I love incorporating the island’s natural beauty into your photos. Whether it’s a sunset beach shot or a portrait against lush greenery, it would be a complete waste not to use that gorgeous backdrop.
Timing and logistics
Consider the flow of your day when creating your shot list. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Allow adequate time: Factor in enough time for each segment of your day. This allows for plenty of opportunities to capture everything without feeling rushed and/or anyone getting stressed.
Golden Hour: Aruba offers spectacular light during the golden hour, a.k.a., the hour right before sunset. If possible, schedule your couple's portraits during this time for magical, soft lighting.
Communicate Your Priorities: Let me know which shots are absolute must-haves for you during our first meeting. Whether it’s a specific pose, location, or style, your input helps me tailor the photography experience to your vision.
Trust your photographer’s expertise
While it’s essential to have a shot list, remember that part of my job as your photographer is to capture spontaneous moments and emotions. Some of the most cherished photos often come from candid, unscripted moments. So, relax and enjoy your day knowing that I’m here to capture every smile, tear, and laugh. I can guarantee you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Conclusion
Creating your photo shot list is an exciting part of wedding planning, and it’s a collaborative effort between you and your wedding photographer. Together, we’ll craft a list that ensures every precious moment is beautifully documented, from the intimate details to the grand celebrations.
