• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE 2025 JOHN CAIN MAGAZINE

John Cain Photography  |  Dallas TX

John Cain Photography | Dallas TX

  • John Cain Photography
  • Why John Cain?
  • About
  • Services
  • Portfolio
  • The Mag
  • Blog
  • Inquire
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Weddings
    • At Home
        • A Charming Southern Garden Wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Dunn

          A Charming Southern Garden Wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Dunn

        • Mary and Preston’s Garden Party At-Home

          Mary and Preston’s Garden Party At-Home

        • An At-Home Celebration for Avery and Austin

          An At-Home Celebration for Avery and Austin

    • Ballroom
        • Forever Began in Fort Worth for Caroline & Will

          Forever Began in Fort Worth for Caroline & Will

        • Love in Bloom at the Las Colinas Resort

          Love in Bloom at the Las Colinas Resort

        • A Timeless Texas Wedding: Celebrating Ali and Alex’s Love in the Hill Country

          A Timeless Texas Wedding: Celebrating Ali and Alex’s Love in the Hill Country

    • Country Club
        • Built to Last with Mr. & Mrs. Spradley

          Built to Last with Mr. & Mrs. Spradley

        • Celebrating the Cohns at Brook Hollow Golf Club

          Celebrating the Cohns at Brook Hollow Golf Club

        • Mr. and Mrs. McKenna Married in Dallas

          Mr. and Mrs. McKenna Married in Dallas

    • Tented
        • A Colorful Ranch Wedding in Celebration of the Conolys

          A Colorful Ranch Wedding in Celebration of the Conolys

        • Lake Countryside Meets Secret Garden

          Lake Countryside Meets Secret Garden

        • The Wilsons’ Wedding Day at Arlington Hall

          The Wilsons’ Wedding Day at Arlington Hall

    • Bridal Portraits
        • Whitney’s Bridal Portraits

          Whitney’s Bridal Portraits

        • Haylie’s Dream Dress Inspired by Texas Wildflowers

          Haylie’s Dream Dress Inspired by Texas Wildflowers

        • Radiant in Reem Acra with Mrs. Butkus

          Radiant in Reem Acra with Mrs. Butkus

    • Engagement Portraits
        • Sundown on the Ranch with the Future Sartors

          Sundown on the Ranch with the Future Sartors

        • Counting Down to Wedding Day with Elizabeth & Robert

          Counting Down to Wedding Day with Elizabeth & Robert

        • Clara & Blake’s Story of Connection and Perfect Timing

          Clara & Blake’s Story of Connection and Perfect Timing

  • Destinations
    • Beaches
        • Back to the Bay Area

          Back to the Bay Area

        • Night One in Napa: The Matthews’ Rehearsal Dinner

          Night One in Napa: The Matthews’ Rehearsal Dinner

        • Caroline and Matthew’s Garden-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in California

          Caroline and Matthew’s Garden-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in California

    • Mountains
        • MADELEINE MORREN + ETHAN ELIZONDO WEDDING

          MADELEINE MORREN + ETHAN ELIZONDO WEDDING

        • A Ceremony Overlooking the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Lapke

          A Ceremony Overlooking the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Lapke

        • Up in the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Duwe

          Up in the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Duwe

    • Texas
        • KATE + TOMMY ATLEE’S WEDDING PART 2

          KATE + TOMMY ATLEE’S WEDDING PART 2

        • KATE + TOMMY ATLEE’S WEDDING PART 1

          KATE + TOMMY ATLEE’S WEDDING PART 1

        • KATE ADAMS & TOMMY ATLEES REHEARSAL DINNER

          KATE ADAMS & TOMMY ATLEES REHEARSAL DINNER

  • Inspiration
    • Behind The Scenes
        • Spring Cake Inspiration

          Spring Cake Inspiration

        • Get to Know Designs By Andrea

          Get to Know Designs By Andrea

        • Engagements in Florida with the future Mr. & Mrs. Hendrie

          Engagements in Florida with the future Mr. & Mrs. Hendrie

    • Fashion
        • Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Kate Middleton

          Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Kate Middleton

        • Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Grace Kelly

          Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Grace Kelly

        • Things We’re Loving: Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

          Things We’re Loving: Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

    • Registry
        • Step Inside Blue Print’s Annual Something Blue Spring Social

          Step Inside Blue Print’s Annual Something Blue Spring Social

        • Registry Items I Actually Love… and the Items I Could Have Gone Without!

          Registry Items I Actually Love… and the Items I Could Have Gone Without!

        • A Mother’s Day Gathering in the Garden with Juliska

          A Mother’s Day Gathering in the Garden with Juliska

    • Entertaining
        • A Poolside Pink Party for Haylie Jackson

          A Poolside Pink Party for Haylie Jackson

        • Spring Soireés Are Here to Stay!

          Spring Soireés Are Here to Stay!

        • Cocktails & Canapés for an Evening at the Rosewood Mansion

          Cocktails & Canapés for an Evening at the Rosewood Mansion

    • Travel
        • A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

          A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

        • A Few of Our Favorite Things in Lake Como, Italy

          A Few of Our Favorite Things in Lake Como, Italy

        • Romantic Guide to Nantucket

          Romantic Guide to Nantucket

All, Lifestyle

Tips for Building a Wedding Day Shot List

By:

John Cain Sargent

View Full Gallery Scroll Through Images

As photographers, we get to see everyone else’s work— it’s literally our job! We work at lots of different venues, with different bands, planners, designers, stationers, florists, cake bakers, etc… As a Mom or bride planning a wedding, I can only imagine that when evaluating who to hire for your own wedding, it’s easy to believe that across each vendor category that you’re comparing apples-to-apples. I hate to bare this news, and with great empathy I share that frustratingly that could not be farther from the truth. It makes planning a wedding sometimes more challenging than you’d like it to be. What makes one florist different than another? Or photographer? Who’s to say?!

As a photographer, we get to see everyone else’s work, but rarely do we get to watch other photographers on a wedding day. One role I’ve had the privilege playing fourteen times has been as a groomsman. If you were to ask me what one thing had a DRAMATIC impact on the experience of being in the wedding? Photographers. I was silently surprised to see how wide of a range there was across even just 14 weddings in the professionalism, composure, preparation, and execution of their craft. And price didn’t always equal quality.

What was one thing that impacted this experience? What is one thing you can do for yourself regardless of who is photographing your event to better ensure you get what you’re hoping for? A shot list! Below are a few recommendations and insight into our approach with our clients as to how we guide you towards really enjoying your wedding:

A FEW TIPS FOR DOCUMENTING YOUR WEDDING DAY DETAILS:

TIP #1

Work directly with your photographer to create the shot list. Your planner may help, but ultimately photographers are responsible for getting the shots!

TIP #2

Involve ALL important parties in the shot list decision making. This includes ALL parents.

TIP #3

Focus on people, groups, and highly-personal details for your shot list.

TIP #4

When possible, define the groups by a group name and not a long list of individual names.

TIP #5

When adding group photos to the shot list, think about who the pictures are for, and prioritize accordingly. It’s okay to say no if it feels redundant.

TIP #6

Communicate with potentially interested/involved parties what your decisions are. Everyone arrives at weddings with their own set of expectations.

TIP #7

For large family groups, designate a family captain to communicate whether or not you’re doing an extended family portrait. Some uncles don’t know to stay after the ceremony. Some aunts expect that these always happen. There is no rule of thumb, and it just helps to let everyone know either way.

TIP #8

If still undecided about whether to take a specific shot— think about how if you will share/display the portraits 10/20/30 years from now.

TIP #9

For details outside of friend and family groups, how extensive is the production surrounding the event? Are there any renderings or design boards that can prepare your photographer before we arrive?

TIP #10

If you (or your mom) has friend groups that are desired to get at the reception— designate a captain of the group to find the photographer and make it happen. Ask Sally to get the tennis group together for the MOB so that she doesn’t have to worry about it at the party. -or- have the band announce the sorority group to the dance floor, or everyone who went to the University of Texas if that is a shot you’d like!

I hope you found these helpful! As a John Cain Photography bride, our team works enthusiastically to ensure all expectations are exceeded and no family member is left saying, “I wish we had gotten a photo of ____.” For more tips and inspiration, see more from John Cain Everyday!

Tags

Behind The Scenes Tips

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Reader Interactions

Comments

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore More

  • Highway to Hellinghausen
    Lifestyle February 20, 2020

    Highway to Hellinghausen

  • Saying “I Do” Under the Gazebo
    Lifestyle May 28, 2021

    Saying “I Do” Under the Gazebo

  • That’s Cake?! Groom’s Cakes with All the Personality
    Lifestyle May 27, 2020

    That’s Cake?! Groom’s Cakes with All the Personality

  • Above the Mantel with The Potted Boxwood
    Lifestyle October 21, 2019

    Above the Mantel with The Potted Boxwood

  • John Cain Photography Magazine Launch!
    Lifestyle January 27, 2021

    John Cain Photography Magazine Launch!

  • Five Tablescapes by Bisette Co Inspired by Five Brides
    Lifestyle July 17, 2020

    Five Tablescapes by Bisette Co Inspired by Five Brides

  • The Most Festive Winter Wedding Celebrations
    Lifestyle December 25, 2019

    The Most Festive Winter Wedding Celebrations

  • Lovely in Lace at HPUMC
    Lifestyle February 26, 2021

    Lovely in Lace at HPUMC

  • All the Wedding Cake Inspiration You Need
    Lifestyle March 16, 2020

    All the Wedding Cake Inspiration You Need

  • #BowmanandWife
    Lifestyle August 7, 2019

    #BowmanandWife

  • Wedding Beauty Tips from Covergirl Makeup Artist Maitee Miles
    Lifestyle July 2, 2020

    Wedding Beauty Tips from Covergirl Makeup Artist Maitee Miles

  • Merry and Bright at Brook Hollow Country Club
    Lifestyle December 18, 2019

    Merry and Bright at Brook Hollow Country Club

@johncainphotography

Footer

Get In Touch

214.520.6771

studio@johncainphotography.com

4623 W Lovers Lane

Dallas, TX 75209

© 2020 – John Cain Photography

John Cain Photography

  • Services
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • As Seen In
  • Inquire

Blog

  • Weddings
  • Lifestyle
  • Destinations
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Spotify