[ad_1]
Every amateur and professional wedding photographer knows how hectic a wedding day can be. A wedding consists of so many moving parts that one slip up could mean disaster for a Bride and Groom who have been looking forward to their day since announcing their engagement. One obstacle that every wedding photographer faces at almost every wedding is the dreaded family formal photos.
Immediately following the wedding ceremony most clients' request for family photos to be taken at the ceremony site. For a photographer including gathering everyone attending the ceremony and taking their photos with the newlyweds in every combination possible. Depending on the size of the wedding party and due to the photographers 'unfamiliarity with both parties' friends and family members this always serves to be a challenge.
One tool I always use prior to the wedding day is to have my clients fill out a "Family Shot List." This list (which I have laid out below) shows multiple combinations for which photograph the bride and groom with their relative family members. Now this is list is not by any means a random list. There's a strategy behind it.
I always start off with an optional group photo. This will include everyone in attendance. I usually make this optional depending on how large the attendance is at the ceremony site. Sometimes when there too many in attendance and it becomes too time consuming to gather everyone, I'll make a justification call and begin with photographing the brides side of the family. Sorry Groom it is technically the Brides day so her family goes first, unless requested of course. If a group photo is manageable the reason why I do start with it first is because once I finish those shots, those who are not required to stay for the rest of the photos may leave and head over to the reception.
Once completed with the group photos I move on to the brides side of the family, followed by the grooms side. When working with each side of the family, I begin with the grandparents. I believe the grandparents are the most respected individuals so I give them the honors, then followed by the bride or grooms immediately family. Following that is any other combination of family members that bride and groom requests.
Lastly, I photograph the bridal court as the rest of the friends and family head over to the reception.
ONE PIECE OF ADVISE: If at all possible, try to assign the task of "gathering the troops" to your ceremony coordinator or an individual who is familiar with the members of family. This will allow the process to run smoother and free the photographer to do what he does best, take photographs!
Family Shot List Example (Feel free to add more family combinations)
Group :
– Bride, Groom, Bridal Party, Friends, & Family Together (Optional)
– Brides entire side of the family
– Grooms entire side of the family
Bride and Groom together with:
– Brides grandparents:
– Brides immediate family (Mother, Father, Siblings):
– Brides parents:
– Grooms grandparents:
– Grooms immediate family (Mother, Father, Siblings):
– Grooms parents:
– Parents from both sides of the family:
– Pastor / Priest:
– Entire Bridal Court (including flower girls and ring bearer)
– Bridesmaids
– Groomsmen
– Matron of Honor and Best Man
[ad_2]
Source by Brandyn Fidel
