Most couples that come to me think I don't do formals and almost apologise when they ask about them. Of course I do them! But I'd rather call them 'family shots'. I want them to be a relaxed part of the day, not too long.. and definitely not formal! They are an important part of the day and what I tend to say to couples is that you can't go back, once the day is over... and no photographer can guarantee getting a photo of every member of your family through the day so even tho formals have got themselves a bit of a bad reputation, for a photographer.. they're very comforting.. as you know you're definitely not missing out Auntie Pat or Uncle Bob (if he's not on your shoulder trying to take pictures of the formals with you of course).
For me it's a really nice time in the day where I get to interact with family too... I tend to take family shots quite close (I know some photographers can stand quite far back).. but I really enjoy the banter and seeing the family dynamics, the jokes, who gets picked on for being in the toilet and holding everyone up... and it's nice to think that these photographs will be on mantelpieces for years to come.. your children will laugh at the outfits and how young Mummy and Daddy look... sometimes I think we forget how precious they are...
So I thought I'd give you a bit of a taste of some family shots from different weddings as they don't usually go in the blog post.. and if I shoot your wedding and suggest 'formals'.. I promise I will never ask anyone to kneel down at the front and I will never shout 'Say cheeeeese!'. Scouts honour.
The other day a photographer emailed asking if I did formal shots and if so, how did I do them... (I warn you now, this could be completely different from how other photographers do it)...
Firstly I look for a good spot.. and when I'm talking about a good spot, I mean... good light. Sometimes in the Summer this can feel impossible when the sun is out so I try to find even shade and if not, I try to have the sun behind them. I will have a pre prepared list of any shots they might want and then get the Best man, an Usher or Bride and Groom to help organise. I always use my 35mm and always stand in talking distance so that I can chat to people, keep it light and relaxed.. I normally take one landscape of the whole party (head to feet) and then with close family such as parents I usually go in closer for another (waist up) shot. I try to keep it to around 20 mins at the most and have been known to 'pow' some families.. but I think that was only once...
Hi Emma, this is a really good post! I was seriously thinking about the 'formals' yesterday and how to make it better (or whether to do them at all!), and this is a really good approach to take. Definitely less is more though! x
ReplyDeleteGood post and helps demystify what group shots are all about, as you say not the most sexy but still an important part of the day
ReplyDeleteVery good post, Emma. They are more important than we realise at the time x
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good and interesting post! I love the informal style but I think you need to have a few family shots thrown in as well, but I think they can some times feel a little bit stuffy so this is such a good way to go about doing them! :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteI love these photos, everyone needs a few formal family pics to remember their day by - think you should start including a few in your posts, I love these x
ReplyDeleteI just have to say what a super post. We all cringe at having to be in them and at the mention of them, but when you visit Aunts, Uncles, Grannies and Cousins - these are the pictures that they keep for life, to show future generations of family, that go in the album or on the mantelpiece. I love going back through my family photos and seeing everyone together and without them this wouldn't be possible. A necessary evil that we have to grin and bear, but that can be done naturally and with fun, as you do :) x
ReplyDeleteNot my fav part of the day and the part I worry about the most. Its good to know the way I approach the group shots isn't that different from others. Interesting reading :)
ReplyDeleteT'is true, my grandma just can't get on board with me and the old boy romping in the daffodils, it's not what she expected and not what she wanted. She wants me and him smiling, stood next to each other, then everyone else stood smiling, looking awkward and bunched together. It's just what she wants, and, really, she's 75 - why should she change her ideas of what wedding photos should be now?!
ReplyDeleteSo, thanks Case for making me stand still and grin like a goon. (Although I think that formal of me with my mum and dad is loverly and not that formal because I'm nuzzling my mother!)
great post, this is something we've been thinking about for our wedding & we just wanted it to seem so much more relaxed & you hit the nail on the head. nice one!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Emma - so nice to see that the formal poses can be given a modern twist, whilst still keeping everyone happy.
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