Family Photos
With extensive experience, I have developed a tried-and-tested formula to make family photos stress-free and efficient. I like to have the family photos directly after the ceremony, as everyone will be here and in one location. Having family photos during the reception is a nightmare for both photographers and couple’s, reason being, everyone is scattered and trying to round up everyone will waste a lot of valuable socialising time for you as a couples.
Here are the Key Points.
Designate Point Persons:
Nominate one person from the bridal party and one from the groom's side to assist in organising and keeping family members in one designated area so they don’t run off.
Make sure that who ever you wish to be included in family photos are aware they will be needed after the ceremony.
Flexible Location Options:
Depending on weather conditions, I prefer outdoor family shots for better lighting and diverse backdrops. However, indoor settings work just as well.
Post Meet and Greet Line:
After the meet and greet line (if opted for), I clear the crowd and start with a comprehensive family photo involving both sides.
Prioritize Immediate Family:
Proceeding with one set of family shots, I prioritise immediate family members. For elderly members, I recommend capturing their photos early to avoid them waiting around for longer periods.
Structured Posing:
With everyone in one area, I will direct and pose the group in both formal and casual arrangements.
Sequential Family Group Shots:
Progressing from big group photos, we move on to capturing specific relationships, such as siblings, parents, and combinations with or without the bride or groom.
Peeling Off Individuals:
Beginning with larger groups, I gradually transition to individual shots, ensuring each family member receives personalised attention.
Capturing family photos can seem daunting, but with a well-structured approach, we can streamline the process. Based on my experience, I have implemented strategies to make it efficient and enjoyable. It's crucial to schedule these shots after the ceremony, as it becomes challenging to gather people once they start arriving at the reception. I never conduct family
photos during the reception. To begin, I recommend preparing a shot list that includes all the family members you wish to have in the photos. This ensures that no one is missed, and we can stay organized throughout the session. To facilitate the process, designate a bridesmaid and groomsmen who are familiar with the family members. They can assist in organizing and gathering specific
individuals, as they know who is who, saving time and confusion. We usually start with a large group shot encompassing both sides of the family. This sets the
foundation for the family photos and creates a beautiful memento of everyone together. Then, we proceed to photograph one side of the family, moving them to the side while we focus on the other side. We start each set with another group shot and then proceed with individual family members, such as siblings and parents, removing the extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins) from the frame. This allows us to capture intimate moments with immediate
family members. After completing the first family group, we repeat the process with the other side, ensuring that both families receive equal attention. This structured approach allows us to efficiently capture the desired family combinations without feeling rushed.
The choice of who you want in your family shots is entirely yours. However, entrusting the decision solely to me might pose a risk of unintentionally omitting specific individuals. Your preferences and input are crucial to ensure that every important family member is included in the cherished photographs.
