How to create a FAMILY SHOT LIST
Family photos are one of the most important parts of your wedding day. For many couples, it’s the first time both of your families will meet each other! I created this guide to help my couples organize their wedding day and photo goals, though any engaged couple or wedding vendor will find this resource helpful. In this post, you’ll find a sample family shot list, as well as a free printable template to create your own family shot list.
The family photo time is usually scheduled directly after the ceremony ends (during your 60-minute cocktail hour) for about 15-20 minutes total. The remaining time is commonly spent capturing your bridal party and your romantic photos, or romantic photos only. It’s important we respect the cocktail/pre-reception timeline so we have adequate time to photograph the married couple at sunset and to stay on time for dinner service. To ensure I schedule enough time to document your families in an organized and timely manner, I kindly request a family shot list. If you have a larger than average family or require more than 15 photo combinations, a second shot list is required. I call that list the “Additional Family List”. More about that below in my FAQs. If you are looking for a free family shot list printable template, keep scrolling!
FAQs
Why 15 family pairings? My rule of thumb is scheduling 15-20 minutes for family photos, with each grouping accounting for 1 minute of your scheduled family photo time —1 grouping = 1 minute. This is the minimum amount of time I suggest for any wedding. The bridal party (the groomsmen with the groom, the bridesmaids with the bride, and the groomsmen and bridesmaids with the bride and groom) photos are not included in these pairings, I schedule additional time for that! Pro tip - When creating your list, think about 1 grouping = 1 minute.
What is the “Additional Family List”? Although I suggest this list for couples with larger guest counts, any couple can create this list. This list includes extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, or close friends who are not in the bridal party.
What if there are family dynamics, such as divorce? Before your wedding day, you’ll receive a “Wedding Details Questionnaire” which helps finalize your photography timeline and personal wedding day details. One of the questions will ask whether there are family dynamics I should be aware of. For example: divorced or separated parents, or family members who do not speak. It’s important that I am aware of any dynamics that could make your family photo time uncomfortable or strained for you. I will be in charge of calling out the family groups based on your shot list, so you won’t have to make any uncomfortable decisions on your wedding day!
I have a big family, do we need to schedule more time? If you have a big family, or more than 15-20 pairings, I highly recommend scheduling more family photo time. You have several options for adjusting your timeline, including photographing immediate family before the ceremony. This is also a great option if you want to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to schedule this, I create a unique photography timeline for every wedding and I’m happy to help!
How do I organize and prepare my family on the wedding day? The DJ or officiant usually makes a “family photo” announcement once the ceremony ends. I also recommend placing one to two people in charge of gathering the family who know the family members by name and face. I will call the names from the list once everyone has gathered.
I want to take some informal photos with certain guests without using any family photo time/golden hour. What should I do? If you would like a particular photo with any guest(s), like a college friend or group of friends, please add that to your “Additional Family List”.
This is a sample list - Though the sample has titles to show how most lists are created, I recommend writing each family member’s name instead of their title (such as “Anne” instead of “Step mother”). Keep scrolling for a free family shot list printable template!
And here is a free family shot list template - Just right click to save and print!
I encourage my clients to ask any additional questions they have about their family shot lists or wedding timeline. Every family and wedding is unique, and each couple creates their family photo shot list differently. There is no right or wrong way to create the pairings! I hope this guide is helpful as you prepare for the big day!
If you have a question for me, or you’re interested in my pricing, send me an email! I live in Temecula, California (just outside of San Diego) and service all of California.
