Family photos are an integral part of any wedding, capturing the precious moments and relationships that define your big day. As a Philadelphia area wedding photographer, I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the family portraits we capture at your wedding are beautiful and stress-free. Here are some quick tips and tricks to help you get the best family photos during your wedding.
Transition Lenses: Avoid Unwanted Darkness
Family portraits often take place outdoors, and transition lenses can darken under sunlight, making your eyes less visible in photos. If you wear glasses with transition lenses, consider bringing a pair of regular glasses for the day. Alternatively, be prepared to remove your glasses temporarily for some photos to ensure your eyes are clearly visible.
Things in Pockets: Keep It Tidy
Items like cell phones, wallets, keys, and sunglasses in your front pockets can be noticeable and distracting in photos. Our team will make sure to remind you before the photo session starts, but be sure to check your pockets and remove any bulky items. You can place them in a bag, give them to a trusted person not in the photo, or move them to your back pockets to keep your appearance neat and distraction-free.
Be Organized: Plan Ahead for Smooth Sessions
Having a clear plan is essential for efficient and enjoyable photo sessions. During our planning meetings, we will create a detailed list of the family photos you want and figure out the best time to capture each family grouping. This list should include the names of the people in each shot and the order in which they should be taken. This organization helps your photographer manage the session smoothly and ensures no important shots are missed.
Designate a Helper: Ensure Efficient Gathering
In my experience, most extended family wedding portraits are taken just after the end of the ceremony or during the wedding reception. Guests are eager to get to cocktail hour, use the restroom, or join the party on the dance floor and will inevitably wander off. Choose a reliable family member or wedding party member from each side who knows most of the guests to assist in gathering people for group photos. This person can help the photographer call out names and make sure everyone is present when needed. Their familiarity with the guests will expedite the process and reduce any potential confusion or delays. Remember, the quicker these important photos are captured, the sooner guests can be sent to enjoy cocktail hour or wedding reception!
Communication is Key: Inform Everyone Involved
Make sure all family members who will be in the photos know where to be and when. Clear communication can be facilitated through a schedule distributed before the wedding day, so everyone knows the plan and their role in the photo sessions. If family photos at your wedding are planned for immediately after the ceremony, have your officiant make an announcement for the extended family to stick around for a few photos. This will help ensure everyone is punctual and ready when it’s their turn.
Minimize Distractions: Focus on One Camera
It’s common for family members to want to take their own photos during the session and we’re happy to step aside for a few moments, but too many cameras can be distracting. When everyone is looking at different devices, it’s challenging to get a photo where everyone’s eyes are on the primary camera. Encourage family members to take their photos after the official shots are done to keep everyone’s attention focused where it needs to be.
When there are littles involved, as a parent it can be tempting to look away from the camera in attempts to get a child to look at the photographer. This only makes matters more difficult as you also look away from the camera. Our team will do our best to bring the children’s focus forward, but having a beloved relative attract the attention directly behind the camera is also a great way to help ensure they are looking in the right direction and get the best family photos on your wedding day.
Visibility Matters: Ensure Everyone is Seen
A simple rule to follow is: if you can’t see the camera, the camera can’t see you. We make sure everyone is visible in the frame and facing the camera. On wedding days, you’ll hear us use phrases such as “this is your window”, the space that you fit between the two people standing in front of you when groups are layered with a few rows. This ensures that no one is hidden behind another person and everyone’s face is captured clearly.
Watch Your Feet: Maintain Proper Alignment
The placement of feet can affect the overall composition of the photo. When everyone stands in a straight line, it increases the likelihood that everyone will be in focus. When a large group of people get together for a photo, they have a tendency to form an arch or semi-circle to ensure everyone fits. Once everyone is gathered, our photographers will pose each person in the group to ensure they can be seen. Proper alignment helps create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing photo where each person is visible.
Prioritize Immediate Family Photos: Save Time and Enjoy More
Taking immediate family photos before the ceremony can save significant time. If you’re having a first look, you can complete all immediate family photos before the ceremony starts. If you opt not to have a first look, use the pre-ceremony time for each partner to take photos with their respective families. This approach leaves only a few immediate family formals and the extended family photos to be taken after the ceremony, allowing you to join your cocktail hour sooner and spend more time with your guests.
Prioritize Mobility-Challenged Guests: Ensure Comfort and Accessibility
When planning your family photo sessions, prioritize guests with mobility challenges such as elderly family members, people using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and groupings with small children who may be eager to move around. Schedule their photos early in the session to reduce their wait time and ensure they are comfortable. Make sure the photo location is easily accessible for everyone, and have chairs available if needed. This consideration ensures everyone is included and comfortable during the photo session.
A wedding is a family affair after all, and capturing the important people that are there to support your marriage is crucial. By following these quick tips for the best family photos at your wedding, you can ensure that your family portraits are efficient, organized, and enjoyable. With a little planning and clear communication, we’ll capture stunning images that you and your family will cherish for years to come. Happy planning, and I look forward to helping you document your special day, surrounded by the most important people!
