My approach to Group Photographs

Weddings are one of the few times in life you have all your friends and family together in one place. So capturing that as a lasting memory is important to most couples. I do take group photos on the day. Some photographers don’t like taking group shots as they are ‘set up’, and their style is not to intrude. But I think you need a mix of reportage with group and portraits organised in an efficient way.

I always try to keep the number of main group shots to around five. As depending on the ones you want, and the time available, the pace needs to keep moving to ensure the guests, and you, are not kept hanging around. This is where my experience comes in and I have had many comments on how much people enjoyed my approach to group portraits.

Example Group List

The following is a typical list that I would always try to capture on the day.

Pre-service

  1. Bride
  2. Bride with Bridesmaid(s)
  3. Bride with Parent(s)
  4. Groom
  5. Groom with Bestman
  6. Groom with Bestman & Ushers

After Service

  1. Bride & Groom
  2. Bride & Groom with Brides Parent(s)
  3. Bride & Groom with Grooms Parent(s)
  4. Bride & Groom with Both sets of Parent(s)
  5. Bride & Groom with Bridal Party (Bridesmaids, Bestman, Ushers, Page Boys, Flower Girls, etc)
  6. Everyone Group Photograph

Your wedding, your memories

If you have any others you would like to add to your list that is fine. We shall go through them before the big day and time permitting I try to capture them all. If you choose more than seven I generally put some of the extras on a reserve list for “if we have time”. I generally discourage taking photos such as “All the men from the stag” or “All brides extended family” as these are generally several big groups of different people, and they take time bringing people in and out and making sure people don’t wander off.

Most people have been to a wedding where the groups photographs start to drag on, so it about getting the right mix of capturing memories in a fun quick way before everyone gets restless. Something to consider might be an evening Fun Booth. It is a great way to capture smaller groups and record everyone at the wedding.

So I know who to look for in any group photographs, you will need to email me a list in the following format – ‘Bride & Groom with Brides Parents (John & Mary)’