When shooting group shots – start with the biggest group first

Regardless of what type of wedding photography coverage couples are looking for, whether it be reportage, documentary, traditional or contemporary, there is one aspect of wedding photography that virtually every couple will request – the posed group shots.

I have met couples in the past who have said to me that they do not want any group shots but I do advise them to think twice about this as even though it is not the part of the day which I enjoy most, I do think they are very important. In fact most people, especially the older guests, will say they are the most important photographs of the day.

Unfortuantely though, unless handled well, they can also be the most stressful photographs of the day, not least to the bride and groom and the photographer!

While the rest of the family is waiting impatiently for their family photograph, an all too common scenario is for Uncle Bob to be at the bar ordering a drink whilst Grandma is deep in conversation with her friends at the other side of the venue whilst a kind Usher is sent off to find them!

But there is one tip, which I discovered after only my first wedding, which makes the whole process so much easier and less stressful – and that it to start off with a big group photograph of everybody first!

Starting with a big group photograph of everybody first has a number of advantages over starting with smaller groups and working upwards.

Firstly, it is far easier to gather everybody together than it is to try and hand pick particular wedding guests, such as parents, out of a large group whilst people will be deep in coversations. Once the majority of guests start walking to the spot where the photographer is setting up the group shot, those that haven’t heard will still instinctivly follow all the other guests as well.

Secondly, whilst everybody is together you can then instruct everybody which group photographs will be taking place next and those wedding guests who will not be needed for other photographs can make their way back to the bar safe in the knowledge they have had their photograph taken!

One of the biggest bugbears couples have about wedding photography is having to wait around whilst the group shots are taken. Taking the big groups first and then making the groups smaller and smaller, until only the bride and groom are left, means that guests are not left waiting around – and at a wedding that will be appreciated by everybody!

Neil
www.neilredfern.com