Wedding Photography Tips for Oxford and Henley on Thames

I think most people’s experiences of wedding photography group shots are a bit mixed. As a guest, I’ve certainly been left hanging around whilst the photographer poses the couple with every possible permutation of family members. Some, perhaps even the majority, of my clients have had such negative experiences that they don’t want any group shots at all. I do believe that traditional group shots are still really important – the one’s from my parents wedding album still offer a source of curiosity and fun to my children, as well as providing an important document of family history.

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Here are a few tips on how I make this part of the day run quickly and efficiently:

Make a list (but not too long) of the main groups you’d like covered beforehand. Trying to remember who you want to be included in photos in the excitement just after your ceremony will always slow things down.

Family Wedding Group Photos

A good basic framework is:

• Couple plus bride’s parents, siblings and their partners

• Couple plus groom’s parents, siblings and partners

• Couple with bride’s parents

• Couple with groom’s parents

• Extras – special relationships you may want to capture which could include such as just siblings or just grandparents

1. Group shots are always easier to organize directly after the ceremony when everyone is still in the same place and your guests haven’t decided to have an impromptu walk around the grounds

2. Allow some time in your schedule – I aim to cover this part of the day in 15-20 minutes slot which still allows lots of time for pre-wedding breakfast mingling

3. Assign a key person – ideally somebody who knows the family – to help with rounding up the people needed for each group. I’ve found that somebody used to shouting for a living – teacher, police officer etc. – can be a real asset!

4. Enjoy yourselves! – a long line of serious people can make your pictures look like a pre-season football team portrait. Relax…have fun…encourage interaction. The photos will have more energy and will be a closer reflection of how you felt about your special day surrounded by family and friends.

5. Everybody in – if possible, I always try to find a high vantage point so I can shoot an image with everyone included. This is a great way of ensuring that you get a least one picture with all your guests.

I always point out to the bride & groom that, photographically speaking, the group shots represent a relatively small part of the day. If you want any pictures with particular family members or friends not covered during the group session, then please do come and grab me and I’ll make sure that they are taken.