What is a photo list? 

A photo list outlines specific portraits (think smile at the camera photos) that you and your partner want to make sure are captured on the elopement day. This list will include the exact combinations of family members and/or friends that you want photos with, for example: Couple + both sets of parents, Partner 1 with siblings, Couple with Partner 1's grandparents. A photo list ensures that you get photos with everyone that you want to. 

How to make your family photo list

When creating your family photo list, I recommend sitting down with your partner and talking about which photos are important to each of you. Think about who is going to be at the elopement, and which combinations of people you want photos of. 

Write everything down and then finalize a list. When creating your list for me, try to write it like the sample below and include names if you can. Include whether or not Partner 1, Partner 2, or both are included in each combination. If there are any specific poses you want to do, include that too!

Why do I ask for a list?

The main reason I ask for a list is because I want to make sure that YOU get all the photos that you want, and I don't know all the different photo combinations that you want taken at your elopement. The guest photo list is basically a check list for me to ensure that we get all of the important photos, but it also makes the photo process easier for you. 

If you are having guests at your elopement, you may want to include time to take portraits with your guests. That's where a list comes in. When it's time for portraits with guests, if I have a list, I will pull out the list and start going down the list and directing the different combinations of people into position for photos. While I have a general idea of photo combinations, I will not automatically know every photo combination that you may want. For example, I wouldn't know that you may want a photo with you, your sister, and your uncle. There is a lot going on already on an elopement day, and your brain will have to scramble to think of everyone you want photos with in the next 30-ish minutes. 

Does a photo list apply to elopements? 

Yes! If you are inviting guests to your elopement, then a guest photo list applies to your elopement as well. Think of it as a list of photos that you want to make sure you get with your guests. A guest photo list could also include portraits of just your guests. For example, you may want to make sure that all of the guests you invite also get a photo with their families or partners. Since elopement days have smaller guest counts than larger weddings, we can include time for portraits of the couple with the guests, and/or portraits of just the guests. 

What if you want other specific photos that aren't portraits with guests? 

I got you! On the elopement day questionnaire, I have a section for must-have photos. If you have other photos requests that do not involve guests, write in your requests in the questionnaire.