Example output · Photographer AI
What the Shot List Planner actually produces
Takes your session type, location, duration, and client preferences and generates a structured shot list grouped by category (details, prep, ceremony, formals, etc.) alongside a minute-by-minute timeline schedule for the full event.
- Session Type:
- Wedding
- Client Preferences:
- Candid, documentary-style; warm tones; must-have family formals with both sides; golden hour couple portraits
- Location:
- Hacienda Villa Esmeralda, Napa Valley, CA – ceremony in vineyard, reception in barn
- Duration:
- 10 hours (1 PM – 11 PM)
- Special Requests:
- Capture detail shots of custom floral arch and wedding cake; avoid photographing one estranged family member (will be briefed on-site)
DETAILS (Setup: 1:00-1:30 PM)
- Custom floral arch: wide, detail close-ups, texture shots in natural light
- Wedding cake: overhead, side angle, slice detail
- Rings on bride's bouquet, cufflinks, dress train on vineyard ground
- Invitation, programs, place cards near barn entrance
- Bride's shoes, groom's boutonniere detail
- Venue signage and vineyard rows as establishing shots
BRIDE PREP (1:30-2:15 PM)
- Getting-ready candids in bridal suite: dress zipping, makeup final touches, emotional moments
- Bride in full dress: walking through vineyard rows, detail of veil/headpiece
- Bouquet held against dress detail
- Lens: 35mm f/2 for intimate moments, 85mm f/1.4 for portraits
- Lighting: utilize soft window light, avoid harsh shadows on face
GROOM & GROOMSMEN (2:00-2:20 PM)
- Candid prep: putting on boutonniere, adjusting tie
- Groomsmen final checks, walking to ceremony
- First look moment if requested (confirm with couple beforehand)
- Lens: 50mm f/1.8, documentary-style framing
CEREMONY (2:30-3:00 PM)
- Guests arriving and taking seats: candids of family interactions
- Groom's reaction as bride walks down aisle (primary position)
- Exchange of vows: wide establishing shot, close-up ring exchange
- First kiss: multiple angles, one from elevated vineyard perspective
- Recessional: joyful couple walking through arch
- Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8 for ceremony coverage, 35mm for recessional
FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS (3:10-4:00 PM)
- **MUST-HAVE**: Bride's immediate family group
- **MUST-HAVE**: Groom's immediate family group
- **MUST-HAVE**: Full wedding party with couple
- **MUST-HAVE**: Bride alone, groom alone, couple together
- Bride with mother, father, siblings (individual)
- Groom with mother, father, siblings (individual)
- Extended family combinations as requested
- Location: shaded area near barn with vineyard rows as backdrop
- Lens: 85mm f/1.4 for clean backgrounds, f/4-f/5.6 for group depth
- Lighting note: Position groups to utilize soft sidelight from barn shadows; avoid direct 3 PM sun
- **SPECIAL NOTE**: Discreetly photograph around estranged family member; pre-identify location
COUPLE PORTRAITS: GOLDEN HOUR (4:30-5:30 PM)
- Vineyard rows: walking toward camera, framed by vines
- Intimate close-up among grapevines
- Silhouette shot with golden light and vineyard backdrop
- Couple running through rows with dramatic sky
- Seated on wooden bench with barn in soft focus background
- Dancing in open field: candid and posed variations
- Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8 for compressed backgrounds, 35mm f/2 for environmental portraits
- Warm tone adjustment: slightly increase color temperature (3200-3400K) to enhance golden hour warmth
- Wait for cloud breaks for most dramatic light (golden hour typically 5:00-5:45 PM in Napa Valley, late September)
RECEPTION CANDIDS & EVENTS (6:00-11:00 PM)
- Guests entering barn: reactions, conversations
- Cocktail hour: candid interactions, detail of drink setup, appetizer moments
- Toasts from best man/maid of honor: reactions, emotional moments
- First dance: wide establishing shot, close-up of faces, side angle
- Parent dances: emotional coverage
- Bouquet/garter toss: energy and reactions
- Cake cutting: multiple angles, detail of cake slicing, feeding moment
- Dancing throughout evening: group energy, couple on dance floor, guest interactions
- Barn interior: string lights detail, head table setup, decorated elements
- Late-night moments: sparkler exit or send-off candids
- Lens mix: 35mm f/2 for intimate moments, 50mm f/1.8 for dancing, 70-200mm for compressed group shots
- Lighting: Use on-camera flash with diffuser during darker barn hours; bounce off ceiling when possible
BONUS SHOTS (If time/energy permits)
- Couple's first look at barn before reception
- Detail of bride's bouquet toss angle
- Groom's reaction during toasts (secondary angle)
- Sunset sky standalone for color palette
- Behind-the-scenes: photographer/videographer setup
- Guest candids: laughing, toasting, embracing
LENS RECOMMENDATIONS
- 35mm f/2: versatile workhorse for candids and environmental portraits
- 85mm f/1.4: formals and intimate couple shots
- 70-200mm f/2.8: ceremony, group compression, dancing isolation
- 50mm f/1.8: backup/groomsmen detail
- Backup body with same lens set
EQUIPMENT NOTES
- Bring stepped ND filters for golden hour (manage exposure in bright conditions)
- Extra batteries and memory cards (plan for 2000+ frames)
- Monopod for golden hour stability without tripod weight
- Reflector for fill light during formals if needed
- On-camera flash with diffuser and bounce capability for barn reception
1:00 PM – Arrival, equipment setup in barn, scout ceremony vineyard location
1:15 PM – BEGIN DETAIL PHOTOGRAPHY: floral arch, cake, rings, bouquet details (30 min)
1:45 PM – Move to bridal suite, begin bride prep candids
2:00 PM – Simultaneous: continue bride candids; second shooter captures groom prep (20 min)
2:20 PM – Bride final dress shots; groom/groomsmen walk to ceremony site
2:30 PM – CEREMONY BEGINS: 25-30 min duration
3:05 PM – Recess from ceremony; brief equipment check
3:10 PM – BEGIN FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS: 50 min block
- 3:10-3:25: Bride's family
- 3:25-3:40: Groom's family
- 3:40-3:55: Wedding party and couple combinations
- 3:55-4:05: Couple alone portraits near formals location
4:05 PM – Transition to reception setup; guests cocktail hour
4:20 PM – Scout golden hour light direction; prepare for couple portraits
4:30 PM – BEGIN GOLDEN HOUR COUPLE PORTRAITS: 60 min block
- 4:30-5:00: Vineyard walking/intimate shots (maximize soft light)
- 5:00-5:30: Peak golden hour: silhouettes, running shots, dancing
- 5:30-5:45: Final golden hour details as light fades
5:45 PM – Return to barn, quick camera settings for indoor reception
6:00 PM – RECEPTION BEGINS: continuous candid coverage
- 6:00-6:30: Guest mingling, barn details, food setup
- 6:30-7:15: Toasts (secure front-center position for reactions)
- 7:15-7:45: First dance, parent dances
- 7:45-8:30: Cake cutting, cocktail candids
- 8:30-10:30: General dancing, group moments, guest interactions (switch to flash as ambient light drops)
- 10:30-11:00: Late-night dancing energy, sparkler exit or send-off
11:00 PM – Final frames, pack equipment, depart
Replace the session type, venue, duration, and client preferences with your actual booking details. Add any must-avoid notes (like the estranged family member briefing here) and confirm whether a first look or second shooter applies to your specific job.
Human review: Review the generated shot list against your actual client questionnaire and venue walk-through — details like family group combinations, lighting conditions, and timing buffers must be verified against real on-site constraints before the event.