The ceremony has recently finished. You are overcome with emotion and ecstatic. Congratulations all around. You may have a Receiving Line. Usual first order of business afterwards – the Family Portraits.
However, while Family Pictures are important, you should keep in mind that there are bigger concerns, (ie) the Couple shots (with the Wedding Party shots sandwiched in between). So, with time usually being of the essence, it’s good practice for the wedding photographer to get the Family Shots done with minimal delay. Under the ideal conditions they are a breeze. On the other hand, they might be a exasperating experience (especially for the Couple).
First things first, you have to select a spot to do the Family Shots. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, it’s a non-issue. Otherwise, you’ll probably have a couple of choices: (1) at the ceremony site; (2) at the park.
Pix at the ceremony location is the most convenient because (1) everyone especially the older family members are already there. Keep in mind, some of the older folks cannot even get into the park (eg) wheelchair; (2) if the pictures are to be taken at another location, like a park, cars will be needed – which can suck up precious minutes and can result in some people getting lost – which can be a real problem if a late person is someone important, such as the Bride’s sister.
If the Family Pix only include the immediate families it’s all good. Alternatively, if there are big families, including cousins, aunts and uncles, then you’ll want to have a shot list to avoid a potentially excruciating experience. The issue? You’ll have a boatload of hanging around waiting for their turn. Without a list you’ll have any number of people offering ideas for the next shot (and it’s amazing how often the most infuriating member of the family comes front and center with their opinions, which drives people batty – especially the Bride and Groom). The upshot is it’s a big waste of time. That’s when people disappear – to go pee, to get something from the car, etc.
All of this can be an incredible waste of time thereby affecting the time there is to get the Bride and Groom shots – by far the most vital shots. The wedding photography will suffer. In addition, anything that causes obvious delays means stress, which the Bride unfortunately seems to feel more than anyone else. Always keep in mind, “Happy Bride, Happy Day”.
Will the List limit the number of shots? Short answer: No. The List is not etched in stone, and it’s great to have as a foundation from which you can incorporate unplanned shots.
Beyond that, begin with the first side of the family, let’s say the Groom’s side, ending with his parents. With his parents still there, you segue to the other half, starting with the Bride’s parents (for the two parents shot), then move into her side.
One last thought regarding the List. It must be in the hands of a reliable and capable person, someone who can identify practically everyone and who is assertive – because it can be quite chaotic with all those people waiting around and talking.
The Family Pictures are certainly not the most imaginative of the day’s shots but they should not be taken for granted. If they are effectively accounted for they end up being both straightforward and appreciated, which leads to more creative wedding photography as a whole.
