Group shots are what separate the keen amateurs from the experienced professionals.
Over the years, I’ve realised how very important good group shots are. A wedding is possibly the only time that so many family members and friends all come together in one place, at one time; a once in a lifetime opportunity to document the gathering of the clans, and a record of everyone in one place celebrating one of life’s most wonderful events.
What’s the secret to painless group shots? To be honest, there’s no great secret, just common sense and years of experience. I’m afraid that too many photographers have a fixed idea of how the groups should be done. I listen to what couples want on the day rather than telling them what they have to do. We spend a lot time before the wedding planning and organising the groups so that on the day it appears effortless and, dare I say, fun. Obviously, I’ll share my experiences of what I think might work best, but in the end, it’s your wedding and your decision about what you want.
Much to my surprise, I really enjoy doing group shots. I truly relish the challenge of organising so many people so that they look, and more importantly, feel relaxed and happy. At virtually every wedding, someone comes up to me and says, “How’d you get the groups done so quickly? I certainly didn’t expect it to be so much fun!”
