Your wedding is not just a union between two people, but also a beautiful coming together of two families and circles of friends. Naturally, you’ll want to capture these memorable moments with everyone you love. So, how do you organize the crowd to ensure everyone’s in frame, looking great, and capturing the joy of the day? Here are the top tips from our team of wedding photographers.
1. Prepare a List
Start by creating a list of the group photos you want. This could include immediate family, extended family, best friend(s), college friends, work buddies, etc. By having this list detailed and ready, you provide your photographer with a clear roadmap. Sharing it in advance with them ensures they have ample time to scout the best locations, understand the dynamics of each group, and arrange the settings to perfectly frame these cherished moments.
2. Prioritize Elders & Babies
When organizing group photos, always place priority on the elderly members and young children or babies in your families. Elderly relatives may tire easily, and it’s both respectful and practical to capture their photos first. Similarly, young children and babies have limited patience and can become fussy or restless if they have to wait too long. By photographing these groups first, you ensure they can relax, rest, or enjoy the celebration without the prolonged anticipation of their photo turn.
3. Coordinate Outfits
For a harmonious look, consider suggesting a colour palette to your close family or bridal party. They don’t have to wear the exact same colour, but complementary shades can elevate the group’s overall aesthetic in photos.
4. Consider the Location
Talk with your photographer about the best locations for group shots. Open spaces work best for large groups, while smaller, intimate groups might benefit from cozier spots.
5. Positioning is Key
The composition and positioning of individuals within a group photograph is key. It’s essential to position taller members towards the back of the group and shorter ones at the front to ensure everyone’s faces are clearly visible. This not only provides a clean, tiered look to the photograph but also makes sure that no one is obscured or overshadowed. By collaborating with the photographer who will be guiding guests based on height, you can significantly reduce the time spent on adjustments and speed up the entire photography session.
6. Keep It Fun
Group photos don’t have to be stiff and formal. Encourage everyone to let loose a little. After the formal shot, perhaps suggest everyone make a funny face or strike a silly pose. These often end up being the most cherished pictures!
7. Timing Matters
Plan group photos during a time when everyone is likely to be around and not distracted. By planning the group shots immediately after the ceremony, you capitalize on the fact that everyone is already gathered and in high spirits. Alternatively, the initial phase of the reception, before meals are served and before the dance floor beckons, is another prime window. These periods generally ensure maximum participation, allowing for comprehensive and lively group photos
8. Trust Your Photographer
Lastly, trust your photographer’s expertise. They’ve done this many times and can offer guidance on getting the best shots in the least amount of time. Their expertise isn’t just about knowing where to place the camera; it’s about understanding the flow of the day, reading the mood of the crowd, and efficiently coordinating to get the best shots.
By trusting your photographer’s guidance, not only do you alleviate personal stress, but you also ensure that the photoshoot proceeds smoothly, yielding spectacular results in a time-effective manner.
Remember, the essence of these photos is to capture the love and joy of your special day with all the important people in your life. Stay patient, stay organized, and most importantly, keep smiling!
