Do we photograph ‘formal’ groups?

It’s a question we get asked from time-to-time. And browsing through our website portfolio and Instagram feed I can see why – we don’t ever post them. In short, the answer is yes. They just aren’t the sort of images we showcase. This is for a number of reasons. They are very personal to the bride and groom and their families, and unless you happen to be in the photograph or know them well they aren’t particularly dynamic, which in terms of a showcase puts them in the ‘boring pile’.

Having said that we understand the value they have to the newly-wed couple and their families. Particularly the parents and grandparents. Later in life they serve as historic family records. I personally treasure a ‘formal’ group photograph of four generations in my own family – my son, me, my father and grandfather.

I typically set aside some time during the wedding drinks reception to capture the group photographs. Using a list provided by the bride and groom prior to the big day, we work with the ushers/bridesmaids or a best man (in fact anyone who knows the family and wedding party well) to help gather the family together in an unobtrusive manor rather than me barking orders at the guests, which no one appreciates. These photographs take time and can be a little disruptive to the drinks reception. We also feel we capture our best shots when capturing the day in the background, enabling us to tell the story of the day. For these reasons we recommend keeping the number of different group photographs to a maximum number of ten. Personally I think about six works well. Here’s a recommended list:

Bride and groom, brides parents.
Bride and groom, grooms parents.
Bride and groom, combined parents.
Bride and groom, combined immediate families.
Bride and groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Everyone.

The photographs above highlight a few recent examples. They were taken at weddings at the Larmer Tree Gardens and the Tithe Barn in Petersfield.