Weddings: How To Approach The Family Shots

The ceremony has recently finished.  You are delirious and ecstatic.   Hugs and kisses all around. cialis without prescription There may be a Receiving Line.  Next on the timetable after all that – the Family Portraits.

However, though Family Pictures are essential, there are bigger fish to fry, (ie) the Bride & Groom shots (with the Wedding Party shots sandwiched in between).   So, with time usually being tight, it’s important for the wedding photographer to get the Family Shots squared away as promptly as possible.  If everything goes according to plan they are a breeze.  Conversely, they can be a frustrating experience (especially for the Couple).

First things first, where are you going to do the Family Pictures?  If the ceremony and reception are in one location, it’s a snap.  If not, then you’ll probably have a couple of choices: (1) at the ceremony site; (2) at the park.

If there is a spot at the ceremony site, that is the most convenient because (1) everyone is already there.  Keep in mind, some of the older folks will not even get into the park (eg) wheelchair; (2) if the pictures are to be taken at another location, like a park, everyone is required to find their way there – which can take precious time and can end with some people getting lost – which can be a real problem if a late person is someone important, such as the Bride’s father.

If the Family Pictures only include the immediate families it’s all good.  But, with large families, (ie) cousins, aunts and uncles, then an invaluable means for the Family shots to not become annoying and prolonged is a List with all the shots.  The issue?  You’ll have upwards of forty hanging around waiting to be called.  If you don’t have a list there will be any number of people giving suggestions as to what picture to take next (and it’s amazing how often the most irritating member of the family chimes in with their picks, which drives people batty – especially the Bride and Groom).  The upshot is it’s a big waste of time.  That’s when people meander – to go have a cigarette, to get out of the heat, etc.

All of this can be a serious waste of time thereby threatening the time there buy cialis brand is for the Bride and Groom shots – without doubt the most important shots.  The wedding photography will suffer.  Also, anything that results in clear delays means stress, which the Bride usually seems to feel more than anyone else.  Always keep in mind, “Happy Bride, Happy Day”.

Won’t the List limit the scope of the pictures?  Short answer: No.  The List is not etched in buy Viagra Soft Flavoured online stone, and it’s great to have as a foundation from which you can incorporate unplanned shots.

With the List, begin with the first side of the family, let’s say the Groom’s side, ending with his parents.  With his parents staying there, you hit the other half, starting with her parents (for the two parents shot), then dive into her side.

A concluding note about the List.  It should be placed in the hands of a dependable and capable individual, someone who can identify practically everyone and who is not timid – because it can be a little crazy with all those people milling about and talking.

The Family Pictures are clearly not the most imaginative of the day’s pix but they are important. If they are effectively planned for they end up being both easy and appreciated, which leads to more creative wedding photography as a whole.

 

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This post was written by admin on June 14, 2010

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3 Comments so far

  1. neil@liverpool wedding photography September 21, 2010 12:54 am

    “Family Pictures are clearly not the most imaginative of the day’s pix ” always diffuclt to do anything about this! dont think theres anything that can be done

  2. derval@Wedding Photography Liverpool May 16, 2011 3:31 pm

    This is true, about taking the family pictures in the weddings. This task is the most difficult one as you have one family picture you have to call all at one place at one time, and have to wait till all come. I completely agree with your lines: “if there is a spot …. such as the Bride’s father”. It is always best to click the family pictures as many as possible while they are together at the ceremonies in the wedding. Also, family pictures are a need of a wedding album.
    I enjoyed reading your blog as this are the common problems the photographer faces while taking the family pictures.

  3. suraksha@Wedding Photography London May 20, 2011 11:57 pm

    Do not try to collect all the family members at a time, try to click them are in small small groups and busy in wedding, take the natural ones. They are more lively and they all will enjoy and love them whole life.

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