Wedding Photography Checklist

1. Things to Do (Day Before & Morning Of)

Review the Schedule & Shot List: Go over the wedding day timeline and the couple's shot list one last time. Know when and where key events are happening.

Confirm Final Details: Send a quick text to the couple confirming arrival time and your main point of contact for the day.

Check Weather Forecast: Look at the forecast and plan accordingly (e.g., pack umbrellas, gear protection if rain is expected).

Review Location Notes: Revisit any notes or photos from previous location scouting or venue layouts.

Plan Your Route & Parking: Double-check venue addresses and parking information. Check potential traffic for tomorrow and plan your route, allowing extra travel time. Ensure your car has fuel.

Mentally Walk Through the Day: Visualize the key shots and moments you want to capture.

Prepare Outfit: Lay out your professional-looking, comfortable clothes and *very* comfortable shoes. Darker colors are often best.

Get Good Sleep: A well-rested photographer is essential! Try to get to bed early.

Set Multiple Alarms: Ensure you wake up on time tomorrow morning.

Eat and Hydrate (Morning Of): Have a good breakfast. Pack snacks and water for the day.

2. Things to Prepare (Gear - Day Before)

Charge ALL Batteries: Camera batteries (main and spares), flash batteries, phone battery, trigger batteries. Charge them fully.

Format Memory Cards: Back up any existing photos and format all memory cards *in the camera(s)* you'll be using.

Clean Lenses and Sensors: Ensure lenses are free of dust and smudges. Check the camera sensor for dust spots.

Check Camera Settings: Pre-set basic settings (RAW format, date/time, basic exposure mode) to save time.

Test All Gear: Do a final check to ensure cameras, lenses, flashes, and triggers are all functioning correctly.

Pack Your Bag Methodically: Lay everything out. Check it off as you pack. Organize gear within the bag for easy access tomorrow.

3. Things to Bring (Essentials & Backups)

Cameras: Two camera bodies if possible (main + backup).

Lenses: Versatile zoom (e.g., 24-70mm) and prime lens (e.g., 50mm or 85mm).

Memory Cards: Bring *more* than you think you need (at least 3 high-capacity, formatted cards). Secure them in a case.

Batteries: Fully charged main batteries *and* spares for each camera body and flash.

Battery Charger(s): For potential downtime charging.

Flashes/Lighting: External flash(es), spare batteries, diffusers/reflectors if used.

Lens Cleaning Kit: Microfiber cloth, lens blower.

Comfortable Camera Strap/Harness: Essential for all-day wear.

Detailed Timeline/Shot List: Printed or digital copy.

Contact Information: Phone numbers for the couple, planner, key venue contacts (easily accessible).

Snacks & Water Bottle: Crucial for staying energized. Granola bars, electrolyte drinks are good options.

Small Emergency/Personal Kit: Include blister plasters, pain relievers, safety pins, small sewing kit, tissues, mints, deodorant.

Phone & Charger/Power Bank: For communication.

Weather Protection: Umbrella, rain covers for gear if needed.

(Optional) Small Towel: For kneeling on damp ground.

4. Questions for the Couple (Upon Arrival/Briefly)

Main Contact Person: Ask "Is there a specific person (planner/family member) who is my main point of contact today?"

Schedule Changes: Ask "Are there any last-minute changes to the schedule?"

Gear Storage: Ask "Where is a safe place I can store my bag/gear when not actively shooting?"

Important Shots/Details: Ask "Remind me quickly - besides the obvious moments, any specific candid shots or details that are extra important?"

Surprise Moments: Ask "Are there any surprise moments planned I should be ready for?"

Family Formals Location/Helper: Ask "Where would you like family formals taken? And who can help gather family members?"

Sensitive Family Dynamics: Ask "Are there any sensitive family dynamics I should be aware of when arranging groups?"

Couple Portrait Time: Ask "When would be the ideal time/duration for your couple portraits?"

Off-Limits Areas/Situations: Ask "Is there anything off-limits for photography (locations or situations)?"

5. Posing & Interaction Tips

Be Confident & Friendly: Your energy matters. Smile, be polite, give clear directions.

For Smiles/Laughs: Use light jokes, prompts ("whisper something funny"), group directions ("everyone look at X and laugh!"), and use a toy or silly faces for kids.

For Posing: Keep it simple ("stand close," "walk towards me"), look for natural moments between poses, give gentle instructions ("tilt chin down"), use prompts ("look at your flowers"), and demonstrate if needed.

6. Other Useful Tips for the Day

Arrive Early: Allows time to scout, check light, and settle in.
Capture the Details: Rings, shoes, flowers, decor, cake – they tell the story.
Shoot Candids: Be observant during downtime, cocktail hour, dancing.
Family Formals: Work efficiently from the list. Get big groups done first.
Check Your Shots: Periodically review photos for focus/exposure during breaks.
Backup Photos: If possible during long breaks (dinner), back up cards to a laptop/drive.
Communicate: Briefly check in with the couple or planner.
Be Flexible: Schedules can change. Stay positive and adapt. Unexpected moments are often the best.
Set Phone to Silent: Especially during the ceremony and key moments.
Take a Moment if Needed: If feeling overwhelmed, step aside, breathe, refocus.
Enjoy It! Let the happy energy of the day fuel you. Her passion will show in the photos.