Are you wondering how to get some good group photos on your wedding day? The more people in the photo, the more chance if it going slightly wrong! We know it can be a stressful use of your time when you just want to enjoy your wedding day, so we asked photographer, Denise from Angels with Dirty Faces for some great tips on making group photos easy.

Keeping it relaxed

As a reportage wedding photographer, I spend the wedding day documenting the natural moments and connections between you and your guests. This is a complete contrast from group shots and the inevitable posing requests. For your group shots to match the rest of your photos, they need to be relaxed and natural-looking. As your photographer, I gather the key people together and capture their personality, along with the group dynamic. This means that my group shots will not be overly formal, but they will be a beautiful reflection of your day.

Keep it to a minimum

Its always advised writing a list of your group shot expectations to share with your photographer before the big day. This will relieve the pressure on the day, and give your photographer an idea of what is wanted. This also gives you a chance to really think about who you would like to be included in these photos. Wedding group photos take time, cutting into your drinks reception. I would always suggest 6/8 group photos, as this will let you and your friends enjoy your drinks and canapés.

There is usually a recommended list of what group shots to get. With every family being different, this can be used as a starting point, and I am always happy to chat with you beforehand about what you want. My top suggestions would be:

A photo with each set of parents

Then add in both sets of family.

A photo of yourselves and all the bridesmaids.

A photo with all the groomsmen.

Finally, If you have grandparents it’s always lovely to have a shot with them.

Communication is key

It’s a great idea to pre-warn your key guests that you will want photos with them, along with an idea of when they will take place. This will cut down on the pressure of hunting down certain guests across your venue, especially as guests can often go A.W.O.L, leaving you waiting around instead of celebrating.

Ask for help

Personally, I find wedding group sessions are at their best when run by an incredible best man, or bridesmaid who hasn’t had a drink yet and can help get things orgainsed. Having someone work as a helper will help keep things calm, and fast paced, letting you get back to your wedding day. Select someone in your wedding party who has a loud voice, and is great with organisation and ask them beforehand if they could help at this point.

Follow the lead

Your wedding photographer will know the best place to carry out group photos, some key things to look for are keeping them near the guests for ease of accessibility, and somewhere with good lighting. Although, of course, speak with your photographer if you have a particular location in mind. Additionally, you could take the bridesmaid and groomsmen group photos before the ceremony even takes place (if you have the time)!

The whole party

Whilst I am happy to accommodate couples wishes, I always question the whole wedding party group photo, although I rarely get asked to carry these out. These photos are both times consuming and impossible to be creative, so I will always encourage you to think twice about this photo choice. It is hard to get a photo with everyone smiling, looking the same way, or even all there!

Plan b

As a reportage photographer, I am there to document your day candidly and unobtrusively. By keeping your wedding group shot list to a minimum I can get back to what I do best. Prior to your wedding we will talk at length about your guest list, so please let me know if there are photos you really want, for example with your best friend, or your school friends. These will not be on the official list, but part of my group shot list.

At a glance

To conclude, I want to add that you do not even need to have any group shots if its isn’t something you want. It is actually something a lot of couples opt-out of, preferring natural photos of them interacting with their guests. As a reportage photographer, this is where I thrive, if you put your trust in me I will deliver all the moments you want to be captured, no posing required.

Based in Hertfordshire, Denise runs Angels with Dirty Faces.
As a reportage photographer, she will capture all the beautiful moments from your day in the most creative way possible.
If you are looking for an unobtrusive photographer, get in touch with Denise to chat about your needs.

www.angelswithdirtyfacesphotography.com/
Facebook: @angelswithdirtyfacesphotography | Instagram: @angelswith.d.f.photography