Discover why trusting your photographer’s instincts leads to more authentic, storytelling-led wedding photography
As you start planning your wedding photography, it’s easy to find checklists and Pinterest boards recommending a “must-have” wedding shot list—from getting ready with your girls to cutting the cake.
But here’s the honest truth: you don’t need a long list of staged photos to get incredible coverage.
At Smiling Tiger Studios, our style is instinctive and story-driven. We focus on real, in-the-moment emotion—not ticking boxes. So let’s talk about whether a shot list actually helps or hinders…
What Is a Shot List?
A wedding shot list is a checklist of specific photos you want your photographer to capture—like “bride walking down the aisle,” “rings on the cushion,” or “first kiss.”
Some couples even download long templates they find online, often filled with generic, Pinterest-style ideas.
But weddings aren’t generic. And neither are the people in them.
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Let’s chat about what you have in mind. Get in touch to check your date.
Want to see what this looks like in action? View our real weddings for honest storytelling at its finest.
What You Do Need to Communicate
We’re not against planning—we’re huge fans of clarity. What helps more than a checklist is an understanding of what matters most to you.
Before the day, we’ll talk through:
- Key people (anyone you want us to look out for)
- Important moments or traditions
- Group shots you actually care about
- Anything sensitive we should be aware of
That’s all we need. The rest? That’s where our experience, instincts, and deep observational skills take over.
The Problem With Long Shot Lists
Here’s the issue: a rigid shot list can actually distract your photographer from the real moments unfolding.
It pulls us out of the story and into a checklist. And that means we might miss the raw, unscripted magic in favour of capturing the cake.
We work best when we’re given the trust and space to observe, anticipate, and move intuitively. That’s where the real connection lives.
Trust Is More Powerful Than a Checklist
When you choose a photographer because you love their work, you’re really saying: “I trust how you see.”
And that trust is worth more than a shot list.
That said—if there’s something really specific you’re dreaming of, tell us. A meaningful object. A surprise moment. A loved one you don’t want us to miss.
We’ll make it happen. Just don’t worry about the 47-item Pinterest list.
Let’s Talk About What Matters Most
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we approach every wedding with fresh eyes and open ears. We want to hear your story, know your priorities, and quietly deliver a gallery that feels deeply personal—not staged.
