Although I do weddings for only a select few of my regular clients: after 25 years of wedding work, I have learned a great deal about shooting, especially groups (I will write about posing on another occasion).  Of course, as all seasoned regulars will tell you, you need to have some information in advance; such as the location the groups will be posed, available lighting, (check the weather reports for outdoor and sunset photos) and most importantly, a list of those in the group, including the count of the largest and smallest groups.  Everyone says they want candids but be sure and remind them these are photographs that will be passed down through the generations.

Be sure to communicate with your clients that time is of the essence.  Many churches offer no more than ½ hour for posed portraits, and sometimes, it’s not the church, but the caterers, DJs and others who are pushing you.  I have found that no matter how fast the photos are done, it’s the photographer who always gets the blame if the couple is delayed to the party.  If you have the opportunity, scout the location before the wedding unless it is one of your regular sites.  If you are fortunate enough to convince your clients to shoot BEFORE the actual wedding, these ideas still apply.

In my opinion, starting with the largest group and working down is most efficient and accomplishes several things.  The group members haven’t yet wondered off on errands, to smoke, or restroom breaks, etc.  Also, as they are finished they can be dismissed to the cocktail hour, one less distraction for the couple (and fewer amateur cameras in the area).

I usually begin with both sides of the family in one “Grand Salon” shot with the bride’s family on her side, the groom’s family on his side.  Bridal party members are only in this shot if they are also family members.  Find out from your client just who should be in this shot.  How far out do they want to go…siblings and in-laws…. aunts and uncles…cousins…cousin’s spouses and children?  These photos can get quite large and awkward, but if they want them…. I photograph them.  Next is the bride’s side of the family (always include the groom, as he is now a member of that family).  I jokingly tell the groom he is merely a prop to hold up the bride.  Break it down to immediate family, then parents, grandparents, godparents, etc. with the couple. Next is the groom’s side of the family and the same rules apply.   As they finish  (be sure you are finished with them) send them away.

Finally, I photograph the bridal party.  Don’t forget to take photos with people separated from each other so the gowns don’t look like just a wash of color and the guys a sea of black dotted by hands.  If there are children photograph the couple sitting with them, or kneeling down next to them.  Don’t forget the flower baskets and ring pillows.

Finally, the couple!  Now you can relax, and if you have time, tell them to take a small break to chat with each other, while you “check your images” (which I don’t do).  This is a great opportunity to capture candids of the couple alone for the first time since they’ve said their vows  (of course, the photographer doesn’t count).  After some of those shots, it’s time to get the formal full-length, three-quarter, and close-ups.  Do your favorites and most important first; leaving the new and experimental shots for the end, just in case you have to stop.   My favorite is “the running out the door image” (I’m on the outside) as it is the most fun, and signals time is moving along to the next photographic set… the limo.