8 TIPS FOR CAPTURING THE BEST FAMILY PHOTOS AT WEDDINGS

February 9, 2023 Rohit Jhawar

Wedding photos help to capture and preserve the memories of the wedding day, and family photos are an important part of it.

Family Bonds: Family photos celebrate the bonds between family members and highlight the relationships that are important to the bride and groom. They provide an opportunity to document family members who may not always be together, especially for those who live far apart.
Tradition: Family photos at weddings are a long-standing tradition that is practiced by many cultures around the world. They are an opportunity to honor the couple's family and ancestors and to carry on traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Creating a Legacy: Family photos become part of the couple's legacy and can be passed down to future generations. They provide a window into the family's history and help to keep the family story alive.
Formality: Family photos are often more formal and posed than other wedding photos, and they provide a contrast to the more candid and spontaneous moments captured throughout the day. They are a way to capture everyone looking their best and create a more polished and formal record of the wedding day.

Image By: Rohit Jhawar Photography

NOW LETS SEE HOW WE CAN CAPTURE THE BEST FAMILY PHOTOS TO CREATE TIMELESS MEMORIES THAT STAY WITH US FOR GENERATIONS.

Plan Ahead:
Before the wedding day, discuss with the couple and their families about which family members should be included in the photos. Create a shot list and make sure everyone knows when and where the photos will be taken. Share this list with your photographer and let them know if there are things related to the family that they need to be aware of.
Allocate Time:
Schedule enough time for family photos in the wedding timeline. Allocate at least 15-30 minutes for family photos depending on how many photos you have added to the list. Family photos are best taken immediately after the ceremony or before the reception as every one is gathered around and easily accessible. Tip: You can request you celebrant to announce at the end of the ceremony that family photos will follow immediately after the signing or the couples exit so they stay together and nearby.
Location:
Choose a suitable location for the photos. Ideally your photographer will take care of this however feel free to run past your suggestion if you have certain spot that you think is memorable or significant to you. It should have ample natural light and a nice backdrop. Tip: The location should be easily accessible for elderly family members and people with mobility issues, the closer it is to the ceremony spot the easier it is to arrange everyone.
Pose Without Posing:
Posed family photos can look stiff and awkward. Instead, encourage the family to interact naturally with each other. Suggest fun poses that will create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Make sure to look at the outfits one last time before the images are taken, things such as straightening the tie, buttoning up suits and jackets etc. make a great difference.
There Is Always Room For Creativity:
Add some variety to the family photos, experimenting with compositions. Recommend your photographer to take some candid moments of the family interacting with each other.
Keep It Simple:
Keep the focus on the family members and their emotions. Make sure no one is wearing sunglasses and feel free to remind your photographer to take note of it as once these formal photos are done they are done for ever.
Be Patient:
Family photos can be chaotic and stressful, especially when dealing with large groups of people. Be patient, calm, and communicate clearly with the family members to get the best shots. A good photographer will make sure he makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome and will patiently get the job done with a smile.
Request Multiple Shots:
Multiple shots of each pose is the key and ensures that everyone is looking their best. This will also give the family members more options to choose from. Let your photographer know the more the merrier when it comes to family photos. A little tip, If the family members and guests are given a heads up not to blink just before the shutter is released then that would ensure a great image.

BONUS TIPS & recommendations

The order in which the photos are going to be composed can be decided well in advance through a little research and your preference. For example on which side to place mum and dad and brothers and sisters etc. can be a little confusing if no thought is been given to it beforehand. An experienced wedding photographer will also come handy in this situation and would definitely be able to give you suggestions and guide you through it.
Make sure to at least have one image where both the bride and grooms family are there together in the same image. A wedding is a celebration of two families coming together and to have a beautiful moment captured of them together marks the grandness of this sacred occasion.
If you would like to have a group photo of all the guests at the wedding, if possible make sure to arrange a high vantage point for the photographer to take the image from and request your celebrant to announce the same so the guests are aware they need to gather around and leave everything else in the hands of your trusted photographer.

Scroll below to give your feedback or suggestions in the comments field.

ABOUT RJ PHOTOGRAPHY

RJ is a Melbourne based Wedding and Elopement Photographer who passionately documents love stories in the most intimate, fun and candid way. He enjoys being in nature and looking at things with wonder and new eyes each day. His photography is primarily driven by a deep sense of adventure, alchemy and being present. He aspires to capture the true essence of your intimate love story and presents it in a raw and candid manner.

Plan Ahead:

Allocate Time:

Location:

Pose Without Posing:

There Is Always Room For Creativity:

Keep It Simple:

Be Patient:

Request Multiple Shots:

BONUS TIPS & recommendations

Scroll below to give your feedback or suggestions in the comments field.

ABOUT RJ PHOTOGRAPHY

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