Cambridge Wedding Photographer | Cambridgeshire Wedding Photography

There are always a number of photographs that, at most weddings, you would generally expect to take. The bride and groom walking down the aisle for example, the speeches, cake cutting and dancing as well. Most photographers take these photographs, as do I, but….when the “safe shots” are in the can – what to do now! Well, I really enjoy looking for really unusual, quirky and characterful moments just like in the image below. Often a great picture like this can crop up at the most unexpected time, it’s simply a case of observing, anticipating and perseverance!

I think the man in the image was the father of a small child and was obviously just keeping the bear safely in his jacket for safe keeping. I love the fact that it looks as though they are both earnestly studying the card, the champagne glass and particularly the rolled up card just adds to the atmosphere of intrigue!

 

It seems to be particularly unfashionable at the moment to discuss family group photographs. Few photographers will show them on their websites and there isn’t often much mention of them in brochures but we all do them to some extent or another and they are vitally important. Very often, they form a record of families and friends together for the first, and maybe last time for many years. Often they will be the only photographs of some groups of people together and it isn’t until many years later that their real value is appreciated.

It’s important to look at the group shots in a wedding photographer’s portfolio as they will tell you many things. When they are done well they should look effortless and fun, you will get a sense from the expressions in the pictures of the rapport between the photographer and the subjects. Are they looking relaxed, happy and smiling or do they look uncomfortable and fed up? Have they been kept waiting for a long time for the photograph or does it look like they were happy to be there?

There is a great skill in taking family group shots. Not particularly photographic skill as, to a certain extent, they are technically straightforward, but in the sense that the photographer’s organisation skills, communication skills and people skills become incredibly important. It is as important to make the photographs as fun and easy for the subjects as it is to ensure you have the correct shutter speed or colour balance set on the camera.

Planning is one of the key elements to ensure that this part of the day goes smoothly. I always make sure that I have a list of the family group shots that have been discussed and agreed beforehand and also make a plan with the bride and groom about where and when they will be taken. It can also be really helpful if you have a best man, bridesmaid or usher or two who can help gather people on the day as this can save a great deal of time.

As a guide there is a list below of a “standard” set of group shots to help you get your ideas going…….

 Bride and bridesmaids

Groom and best man and ushers

Bride, groom and all attendants

Bride, groom and parents

Bride, groom and wider family

 Bride and friends (hens)

Groom and friends (stags)

Whole group shot

The above can generally be achieved in about 20 minutes and some couples will add grandparents shots, photographs with other significant people or sometimes split the family/parents photographs into groom’s side and bride’s side.