How To Photograph Bridal Parties, Naturally
What are formal wedding bridal party photos? How do you make them look and feel natural?
Usually after the wedding ceremony are the formal photos. Let’s discuss the wedding party photos in particular! The formal wedding party photos are usually done after the family photos which are typically done immediately after the wedding ceremony. I’ve found this to be the best way to structure the photos with the wedding portraits with just the couple being done after the wedding party photos. But these don’t have to be so formal.
So! How many people are usually in wedding parties? This number has actually gone down in recent years. The average number I see now is between 4-5 on each side, or about 8-10 people in total. 10-12 if you include flower girls and ring bearers. Which brings us to the photos.
How do you pose a large group? In my experience this often times depends on the vibe of the day, sometimes people are ready to party and want to jump and scream. Other times, the couple just wants a quick photo with everyone together that will take no more than 5 minutes.
Here are a few tips to set yourself up for success!
Location! Location! Location!
That’s right! Location is key when setting these shots up. Ideally you want to pull the group away from the rest of the guests to minimize distractions. It really stinks when uncle Bob walks over and strikes up a chat with one of the groomsmen. Next, you want to find shade, or get your group facing away from the sun. More than likely, you will be doing these shots an hour or two before the light gets good so this is important. Shade will minimize squinting and ugly shadows under eyes, it is also just cooler in the shade.
Make layers
It’s not really a good look to just line 10 people up. Have the smaller ones (flower girls and ring bearers) up front and then layer bridesmaids and groomsmen together around the couple, some facing you at 90 degrees, others at 45. You can also have one member of the group laying on the ground, for example.
Shoot in burst mode, and keep shooting
Set your group up, engage in a conversation to get them relaxed and then set your camera to burst mode. I like the low burst for group shots, around 3-4 frames a second. Anything more is just overkill and takes up time in editing. This means you can crack a joke and hold the shutter down to get the best looking frame in the 1-2 seconds the group will be laughing and looking relaxed. Then keep shooting as the group composes itself, this can often be an opportunity for some truly candid photos.
Mix and Match
Don’t worry about having all the guys on one side and all the ladies on the other. It’s fine to do one shot like that but it’s super expected. Mix and match people and have some with hands on shoulders, some wrapping arms around and so forth. Tell them to squeeze in together!
Just go for it!
Sometimes, the group is down for whatever, like jumping in the pool together. This is your opportunity to create one-of-a-kind images, both for the couple and your portfolio. Be ready and just run with it if the group starts to take charge.
Keep it short and sweet
Get to the venue early to scout out two locations for the group shots. This includes making estimations for how the light will be when it’s go time. One primary location and one back up. When it’s time to shoot, know where you will take them and what you’re going to do for the first two or three shots. Nobody likes to wait on a photographer while they figure out how to get the shot. It’s really easy for a group to lose interest and energy if you’re not o your A-game and constantly giving them feedback. I usually aim for 10-15 minutes max with
Spread them out
Sometimes there are more bridesmaids than groomsmen or vice versa. When that’s the case, spread the smaller group out just a little bit to create even symmetry for your group. You can also have the larger group get closer to one another and face the camera at a 45 degree angle.
Bouquets around bellybuttons and left over right
For the more formal shots, it is customary for the bride and bridesmaids to hold their bouquet around the height of their bellybutton and let the bouquet face the camera a bit. For groomsmen, the equal standard is to put the left hand over their right and stand relaxed with the top button of their jacket buttoned (the top two if they have three buttons.)
What to avoid and look out for
Phones and keys in pockets. There’s usually one groomsman who’s loaded his dress pants with his keys, phone and world atlas, and it shows. I start every group session with an announcement that phones and keys should either go in the back pocket or all together in a pile nearby where we are shooting. If you’re working with an assistant, they should be ready to hold the bouquet and peoples belongings. Also look out for leaves, dirt, and little sticks that can get stuck in the wedding dress. This is usually easy to edit out, but just take a minute to scan the group before each shot to save some time later on. It also reassures the group that you know what you’re doing and makes them feel comfortable.