There is a popular trend right now in wedding photography in which couples want non-posed candid photos instead of the traditional posed shots of the family members and the wedding party. Although these candids are valued and make up about 85 percent of what I photograph during the wedding day, the more traditional posed shots of the bride and groom, their family, and the wedding party continue to be an important part of the services that a wedding photographer provides. Statistically, you will find many guests, family members and friends still order these photos more than any other photos you capture that day. So it is essential to do a great job capturing these posed photos.
There are two times during the wedding day ideal for taking posed shots. The first is before the ceremony, but after the bride and groom are done getting ready. The second is after the ceremony, but before the reception. There are pros and cons to both approaches, but in the end, it is up to the couple to decide when they prefer to capture these traditional shots.
The big question that determines when the photographs can be taken is whether the bride and groom want to see each other before the ceremony or whether they prefer to wait until after the bride walks down the aisle. When talking to the couple during the early planning stages, present the idea of having their photos taken before the ceremony. Quite possibly, they haven't thought about it, and you can help them decide by presenting them with the advantages of capturing photos before the ceremony.
Fresh hair and makeup – The bride's makeup and hair has just been done and is looking its best. That is not to say she won't be radiant all day, just that the makeup and hair will be fresh.
More time for photos now – You can pad the timeline when shooting before the ceremony, making sure you get the photographs you need without impacting the guests by delaying the reception. Taking photos after the ceremony delays the arrival of the newlyweds and their bridal parties at the reception.
Staged first look – You can make sure you get both the bride's and groom's expressions as they see each other for the first time that day. While staging the first look may sound like it will take away the "surprise" element from seeing your bride/groom for the first time, I have captured some great reactions in past shoots. By being prepared, I can always catch those first few magical looks between the happy couple.
More time with their guests later – By shooting the bulk of the images before the ceremony there is more time for the couple to be with their guests at the reception.
There are many great shots that can be captured before the ceremony. If the couple agrees to this format, make sure the schedule is created with this in mind. You should also make sure the bride and groom communicate to the family members who will be in the photographs where they should be and at what time. It might even be a good idea to appoint the event coordinator or even a family member who knows everyone to help coordinate the group shots and keep everyone organized.
The bride and the groom can determine the location. In most cases they want these shots done in front of the altar, but they can also be done outside if the weather cooperates. One advantage to taking the photographs outside is better light. If the couple still want them to be done inside for sentimental reasons and the church is not well lit, you can easily create your own light using an on-camera flash. If more light/power is needed, you can couple the on-camera flash with two additional off-camera strobes on a light stand.
As essential as capturing these photos is, it is just as essential to be efficient. The faster you get these shots done, the better you look as a photographer. It is imperative to have a shot list and keep that list short. Explain to the couple that having a long list of different combinations of pictures may not be necessary as only a few of these poses will make it into the album. It is best to include everyone in one photo first, then start trimming them down to smaller combinations depending on the types of shots the couple requests.
This is the only time of the day where I become vocal as a photographer. I direct the shots and keep the process moving so everything gets done in no more than 20 minutes. No matter what the situation, however, I am patient with everyone and smile. Remember, the family members are an important part of the couple's day and you do not want to treat them badly in any way.
The wedding is important not only to the bride but to her family as well. It is the day their little girl is starting her own family, and many family members will order prints from the wedding. In some cases, family members could even become future clients when they get married.
When it comes to preparing to photograph the bride and her family, request a list of the people the bride wants in photos with her. The obvious people include the immediate family: parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and children, but there might also be a favorite cousin, aunt or uncle she considers very important.
There will be an opportunity between the wedding ceremony and the reception to get photos of the extended family, so at this time, it is just about the bride and her family. If the couple has decided to have their photos taken together before the ceremony, then you can add the groom into these shots as well. If the couple does not want to see each other before the ceremony, then there will be an opportunity after the ceremony to get some family shots with both the bride and groom.
Usually, capturing the important people in the bride's life does not require a lot of different combinations of family member photos. Chances are slim that all the shots will make it into the wedding album. It's best to start with the biggest group and remove people as you go along until you are down to the bride and her parents or if she has children, her alone with them.
Photographing the groom and his family is very similar to shooting the bride and her family. They will be equal partners in their life together and should be treated as such here, even if you do spend more time with the bride. In fact, the same concept applies when shooting the groom with his family. Start with the biggest group and work your way down to the groom with his parents. Remember, if the couple doesn't mind seeing each other before the ceremony, the bride can be part of these images where noted.
This list is just a suggestion. It can be shorter or longer depending on the couple. Work with the couple prior to the wedding day to create the list. This will help the shoot be more efficient.
Let's face it; not every family is picture perfect. Some families face special challenges, usually caused by divorce and remarriage. Often the new stepparent wants to be in the photos, but someone else doesn't agree. Knowing about these situations before the wedding can help you diffuse the situation and make sure the family photos proceed as smoothly as possible.
Keep the focus on the couple. Making the couple the focus of all photos keeps things moving and will not allow enough time for bad feelings to take root. If disagreements arise, remind everyone it is all about the couple.
Talk to the couple. Ask the couple about specific problems that can arise and if necessary shoot two separate sets of family images. You can do one set before the reception and one after, if necessary. At times it is the bride and groom who have a problem with the new family member. Just remind them gently that just because a photo is taken, doesn't mean they have to use it. Sometimes it's easier to take the photo and move on.
Time the photos. Have the folks who don't get along included in the photos at different times. Start with one, then have that person leave before shooting the other.
You already have photos of the groom and his men and the bride and her maids, now it is time for all of them together. If the couple doesn't want to see each other before the ceremony, these shots can be taken between the ceremony and the reception. Keep in mind the bridal party includes the people who are the most important to the couple, and the shots of the full wedding party will have a special place in the wedding album and on their wall. These can be the fun shots, the time when you can be creative and step away from the plain and boring. From the way the group poses to using various props that are planned ahead, these shots can become really memorable. As you can see by the list below, there are not that many shots, but it is what you do with these that will really count.
