Managing Group Photographs at a Wedding
Group photographs are a fundamental aspect of wedding photography, however, coordinating and managing these group shots can be a challenging task, requiring efficient organization and excellent communication skills. In this article, I will discuss the strategy I use for managing group photographs at your wedding, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and produces the best possible pictures, without taking forever!
Planning and Preparation
Make a list in advance
Before the wedding day, I consult with you to understand preferences for group photographs. Discuss which combinations of family and friends you’d like to be included, and ask you to make a list of these groupings. This will serve as a hard target for me on the day and it’s my job to make sure they all happen.
Allocate sufficient time
Ensure that enough time is allocated in the wedding schedule for group photographs. This will help to avoid a rushed and stressful experience, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during the shoot.
A rule of thumb – factor in three minutes per group and you’ll have a rough idea of how long it’s going to take. Of course going from Mum & Dad & Bride to just Mum & Bride isn’t going to take 3 minutes, but that time assumption allows for the time that it takes to gather people up. If your list has ten group shots on it, give yourself half an hour.
Give yourself about half an hour after the ceremony to say hi to people, get a drink and a canape before we start. That way you won’t be held up by people trying to say hello whilst we’re trying to get through the group shot list.
Scouting the location
Visiting the wedding venue beforehand to identify suitable locations for group photographs can be beneficial, however it’s not always possible. I’ve been shooting weddings long enough now to know instinctively where the best place for your group shots is. I consider factors such as lighting, background, and available space when choosing the perfect spot…and I like to think I’m really good at it.
On the Wedding Day
Pre-planning
If you can, tell everyone that is needed for group pictures before the wedding.
Tell them when it’s going to happen and to make sure they don’t wander off during that time period.
If you’ve got massive groups, you can even allocate them numbers, so then all that’s needed on the day is to shout ‘group number four!’ and everyone knows that’s them!
Enlisting the help of a coordinator
On the day I’ll ask you to point me in the direction of a family member or friend to act as a group shot coordinator. This person should be familiar with your family and friends and can help gather the necessary individuals for each photograph, ensuring that the process runs efficiently.
I have no problem addressing the crowd to get the group shots underway, however it’s a much more pleasant experience for your guests to be greeted by someone they know, and it makes it easier if there are stragglers as the person sent to get them knows exactly who they are and can identify them quickly.
Communicating clearly
Clear communication is key to managing group photographs effectively. I’m assertive and polite when directing guests, and ensure that everyone understands the plan and their role in the process. This will help to create a relaxed and cooperative atmosphere.
Capturing candid moments
While formal group photographs are important, candid moments also happen during the gathering process. These spontaneous interactions can produce some of the most genuine and memorable images from the day.
Being flexible and adaptable
Weddings can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected changes. Be flexible and adaptable, adjusting your plans as needed to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances.
Despite your very best efforts, your immense planning, telling everyone where they need to be…something still goes wrong.
It happens.
If guests go missing, we’ll just do that picture later.
Tips for Capturing Great Group Shots
Your guests will follow your lead, if you are sensible, they’ll be sensible. If you are silly, they will be silly too. Never be afraid to embrace your true selves, even in the more formal setting of a wedding. It’s your day, do it your way.
Conclusion
Managing group photographs at a wedding can be a challenging but rewarding task. By planning and preparing effectively, communicating clearly, and utilising a range of techniques to capture engaging and memorable images, you can ensure that the group photography process runs smoothly and produces images that you and your family will love. Having a great wedding photographer who can manage your groups efficiently will make your day so much more enjoyable, people often ask why are wedding photographers so expensive, but having a skilled professional will not only get you amazing photographs, but will make your day infinitely more enjoyable too.