Who wants to stand and pose for an hour with a fake smile, being told how to stand... when you could be off chatting and drinking?!
Here are some tips for keeping your group wedding photos fun, personal, easy going and of course, with the end result... a collection of photographs you LOVE of your family and friends!
Relax & Be Yourselves
Enjoy this time with your besties! You don't have to follow any rules or stand a certain way. Laugh big, get close and have some fun. This is what is going to make your photos shine! And when you look back on your photos in 30 years, these are the moments you are going to treasure!
2. Champagne Bridal Party Group Shot
I love it when brides/grooms have a photo or idea they want to make happen. Ed and Evie were the most laid back couple and sprayed champagne over their bridal party for this group photo, which looks super cool!
3. Walking Bridal Party Group Photo
Whether it's when you are walking to a location for your group shots, or once your group shot has been taken. Having your guests walk alongside or behind you makes for a more relaxed and informal group photo. There is a different energy when people are walking and have more of a purpose which looks great in photos : )
4. Impromptu Group Photo
I love it when a couple grabs me for a quick pic of a group of friends/family (I think this one was a cousin photo) There are guests in the background and everyone has just kind of grouped together... but the vibe is great : )
5. Embrace Different Backdrops
If your wedding is over multiple locations or you have various backgrounds that you want to use, you can always split your group shots, or if you get time, have multiple bridal party shots at your alternative locations : )
Lydia & Richard got married at St Paul's Cathedral, so we did some of their group shots inside the cathedral, some outside and then some more bridal party shots at the reception venue in front of this London bar
6. The in-between moments my fave!
When everyone lets their guard down, or thinks I'm not photographing anymore... I LOVE these photos and try to capture the in-between moments whenever I can
7. Whole Wedding Party from above
If you would love a photo of all your guests... a great way to get everyone in is from a height!
It's not so easy for those camera shy people to hide behind someone else and it makes a great shot for your wedding album. Of course this may not be possible with your venue, but it's definitely worth thinking about : )
The Group Shot Photo Bomb
You may think they are being a pain... but I love it when someone intentionally or unintentionally 'ruins' a group shot. Anything that makes your photos have more personality, makes them more unique or adds to the story of your day is better in my book. And it's not like we only have one shot : )
Be Brave / Outdoor Group Photos
I will always try and find a way that your group shots can happen outdoors. I don't want you to miss out on having beautiful outdoor shots at your wedding venue due to the weather... plus the elements always add a certain energy to your photos which is a win! So whether that's grabbing a few brolleys or heading outdoors in that break in the rain... let's do that! If it is absoultely bucketing down with no sign of a break then we will of course find somewhere indoors that works ; )
Channel the cast of Friends
What better group photos are there than those iconic Friends ones? whether they are walking together, having a group hug or drinking milkshakes... they look awesome! Get in close and show the love <3
How To Do The Bigger Group Shots
The space you have and what you want to achieve will determine the best route to go down.
You could go single file... if you want to see everyone's outfits this is the best way to go. Or you could layer with various heights...
Group Photos with Smoke Bombs
If you want to make a statement with your group shots, smoke bombs definitely add that wow factor!
Family Group Shots with Children
It doesn't take long for kids to absolutely trash their beautiful wedding outfits. You're also on a countdown as to when they might kick off / need a nap/ need to feed etc etc etc... so it's not a bad idea to get any shots with kids in (where you want them in their 'cleanish' outfits) done first
Let your friends get creative
Your besties know you! And in my experience they love to come up with their own ideas for bridesmaids and groomsmen group photos... and if they are on board then this will shine through in the photos rather than being told to do something that makes them feel awkward : )
Wedding Dog Group Shots
Pooch enthusiasts... it's always worth trying to get your dogs in on your family groups photos
Pretty light can make all the difference
Whether it's golden hour, lovely soft overcast light or a shady spot away from the harsh midday sunshine... finding a spot with 'good light' is my top priority when choosing a location for family photos. Never underestimate the difference the light makes!
Confetti Group Shot
Everyone loves confetti! If you want to mix it up, why not have your guests confetti you all at once instead of walking through the traditional tunnel of guests. It makes a really cool group photo!!
Capture their personalities
Your wedding photographs don't have to be boring... they are magical portals to remind you of what happened and who all those incredibley important people in your life are and were! So I believe it is my duty to capture the personalities of those people you love!
The Golden Oldies
Sometimes those classic old school shots are just the best! There's a real sense of nostalgia in recreating those really traditional yet fun shots : )
One of a kind
Do you have a really random photo request? Get it done! the more unique the better in my opinion. Above the bridemaids pose on the groom's car... there was an inside joke I think! And below... Katie and Mike included their VW campervan in their group photo, meanwhile Rosie climbs aboard her hubbie and her cousinmduring their couple photos... why not?!
Never Too Late
I think I was on my way out the door and we decided to grab just one last group photo!
And below... daylight has gone but a flash and some willing guests can still make some memorable group photos!
And that's your lot! I didn't realise until I started writing this how much there is to say about wedding group and family photos.I hope you found at least some of this useful : )
The key is... don't try and plan a million group shots as you will get bored of standing there waiting for your guests to cooperate. Keep it fun and enjoyable!
And any help or questions, as always... just let me know ; )
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