These tips were put together by Chiha Studios photography because we believe our couples should be 100% stress-free on their wedding day. This includes not having to worry about organizing or directing family photos, wedding party photos, and more.
It’s important to realize that some photographers focus just on candids and documentary style photos. Then, when it comes to the group photos they let the couple take charge to get this set up. This can create unnecessary stress or feel chaotic.
Make sure your photographer is an expert with candid photos AND portraits.
STEP 1 – CREATE A FAMILY PORTRAIT LIST
Family portrait time should focus on whoever you consider to be your closest family. For example, this could be your immediate families and any potential grandparents. Everyone’s ‘close family’ looks different. You get to decide.
There will be other opportunities throughout the day and evening to capture group portraits with extended family and anyone else.
Once you’ve established this group, write a list of all the different combinations you want photographed. Such as:
- Bride and siblings
- Bride and dad
- Bride and groom with both immediate families
- Groom with grandparents
- Etc
STEP 2 – CREATE A WEDDING PARTY LIST
If you’re having a wedding party, it’s helpful to create a list of who’s in your wedding party and what their relationship is to you or your fiance. This is to help us, as your photographers, to understand who is who. It will also help the photographer make sure everyone is present when it’s time for photos. The size of your wedding party may also affect the location we choose for the photos.
STEP 3 – DELEGATE THE LISTS
This part is important.
Choose someone that you trust to be in charge of this list. This person will be responsible for making sure everyone on that list shows up on time and in the right location for group portraits.
As the bride or groom, you want to be stress free and relaxed on your wedding day. Delegate.
The photo list should not be the responsibility of the couple.
STEP 4 – SEND THE LISTS TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It’s important that as your photographers, we also have these lists. While we’re taking portraits, we’ll be referencing the lists to make sure we don’t forget anyone.
It’s also a nice opportunity for us to learn more about who’s in your family and wedding party before the wedding.
STEP 5 – CHOOSE A TIMING STRATEGY
OPTION A
If you and your fiance are having a First Look with each other, then the best time to do your family portraits and wedding party portraits is BEFORE the ceremony. You’ll begin with the First Look in private place. Directly after, we’ll capture the family portraits and wedding party portraits.
OPTION B
If you’re not having a First Look, then we will schedule your group portraits directly after the ceremony ends. It’s best to do this before people become too distracted at cocktail hour with eating and drinking. We recommend that your officiant make a reminder announcement about the timing of these photos before and after the ceremony.
