How I shoot the group shots at weddings.
Eeeeeeek it’s time for the dreaded group shots, love them or hate them they do make up a part and parcel of every wedding, you know your mum is going to want some. It’s one of the very few times that all members of your family are going to be together, so it’s important to get these done. I shoot efficiently and effectively when it comes to the family group shots so don’t worry, as long as we plan it and we have full cooperation from everyone we will be done in no time and you can get on with enjoying the day.
I like to get these images shot as soon as possible after the ceremony, so before people start to wander off etc. and I like to start with the “everybody” shot and this is where the best man will earn his money. It’s always helpful to have someone that can help round up the guests and I can focus on arranging everyone into a pleasing manner. If you just so happen to have a cherry picker crane to hand that would be great, Annie and Graham did at their wedding so why can’t you? This allowed me to get a great height and produce a fantastic group shot of all guests.
Don’t worry if you can’t bring along a crane on the day, it’s not part of my contract, here are a couple of lovely group shots from Stubton Hall and The Pumping House in Ollerton.
Next shot to get in the bag is teh confetti shot, if I have not done this directly after the ceremony which I sometimes do. It’s a great shot to produce and who does not like images like these. I will first compose my couple and then bring in the confetti throwers, it works best if confetti is thrown up and not at the couple, don’t worry I will tell everyone this before hand, and also please try not to blink or flinch, I have had to edit so ,many great shots due to blinking.
Now it’s on to the family shot, as a rule of thumb I will shoot bride’s family first the individual shot sof bride with mum and then bride with dad, then repeat with groom’s family. Obviously all families are different and it’s so important that I understand the dynamics of each family I am shooting beforehand, this is where our pre wedding meeting becomes important so we can discuss the all essential shots that are needed and I can be made of any family issues that I may need to know about. I will make a list of the “must have” family photos and bring this along so we know exactly what we need to shoot and you do not have to think on your feet and decide what images you want on the day. I shoot as efficiently as possible on these and with full cooperation from all guests we can get these done in 15/20 minutes.
Finally I will shoot the bridal party and I like to get a bit more creative and produce more dynamic photos for these ones, I give a bit more direction and try and bring out some personality. It is always hugely tempting for the groomsmen to pick up the groom when I do these photos, no idea why but does make a good fun shot, so ensure the groom is always picked up and held dangerously high (joking of course) and also be careful if he is wearing a kilt, I do not do those kind of photos. Don’t pick the bride up though, she will hate it.
