Are your parents saying “Make sure you get your photographer to get a shot with Aunty Mavis and Uncle Baxter . . oh and Second cousin Julie…”?
Your wedding. Your Rules (and some sound advice from your photographer).
Group shots are something most couples can’t get the time to settle on until the last minute. I always ask my couples to keep it to a list of 10 MAX. There are quite a few reasons for this.
Straight after your ceremony most people are understandably excited to get that first drink and get the party started and despite some friendly instruction from yours truly, still break the rules and wander off. However, what usually works is that I always kick off with confetti followed by a big group shot. Then I can ask everyone needed after to stay put and send the rest off to the bar. Chin chin!
Now, you’ve spent a lot of money on your perfect wedding. You’ve paid for all that champagne and those dreamy canapés and you want to get in on the action. You do not want to be stood around with face ache taking group shots for the entire drinks reception while your best man is off in search of Uncle Dave who’s decided to go and check into the hotel just as he’s needed for a photo. So by keeping that list short, it allows you more breaks from photos and more time with your guests. It also allows me to keep snapping away taking great candids of you and your guests. Those candids are the ones you are more likely to put in the album and share with your mates. During that chill time you can also grab me for the photo with Aunty Mavis for your Mum!
So what goes on the list? I’ve created a rough plan here which of course will vary depending on your family dynamics but it might be a good starting point.
The Big Group Shot
Couple with Partner 1’s Family
Couple with Partner 1’s Parents
Couple with Partner 2’s Family
Couple with Partner 2’s Parents
Couple with Both Sets of Parents
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
Couple with Groomsmen/Bridesmaids
These photos can take 3-4 minutes each, typically because of organising people into position, making sure they are looking at the camera, trying to encourage children to smile etc. I will take a few shots to get the most relaxed image and give you some variety before moving on to the next group. The 10 shot mark can take between 20-30 minutes.
The best advice I can give you is to manage your shot list according to the time you have on the day. This is particularly important during Autumn/Winter weddings when we lose light sometimes as early as 4pm.
I want you to have the best day ever and not be sad you had to be a slave to the camera too long. It’s your wedding, your rules. Maybe you don’t want any group shots at all! It’s totally up to you.
If you want natural and fun shots, you’ve come to the right gal!
