Having been to a lot of showers and having helped friends though theirs I would add this:
Do tell people where you are registered for two reasons:
One: you will get what you actually want and need, not too much random stuff!
Two: If they are at the places you registered and get you stuff you don't need you can easily take it back for credit for things you'll need later. Better to have one bit credit at a good place rather than run all over returning stuff and having little credits as 20 places, which is exhausting and not as useful!
(I have returned a lot of stuff for friends, horrible when it's at ten places!)
__________
(unasked for photo advice, please feel free to ignore!)
As far as photos: I am a photographer and someone who understands the struggle of IF we have all been though. You should absolutely get photos and great ones. You will have them forever, even more than wedding photos. And, if someone asks you specifically what you really want then I think it's OK to tell them. Or, maybe all your family could pitch in... tell them any donations would be the perfect Christmas/Birthday gift!
I do think $1,000 is possibly a bit much, and I say that as a NYC photographer, you could try looking at other photographers: unless you are totally in love with this persons work and will only be happy with that, which I totally get, too! But, you may well be able to find someone for about $500. And don't get too set on their 'prints' package. Try asking for the full files and print them yourself, much cheaper usually. And, go in with ideas of the shots you'd like, like examples from the photographer's own portfolio, of shots you want to do with your baby. That will help make sure you get what you are looking for!
(And, most of the time, is easier for us!)
OK, so there is my unasked for advice! I hope it is helpful!
Good luck and all the blessings!
Sara H