Tips for Family Wedding Portraits

Tips for Family Wedding Portraits

July 13, 2023

Weddings aren’t only a celebration of love between two individuals; they are an opportunity to gather with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Amidst the joy and excitement of a wedding day, family portraits hold a special place, capturing the essence of love, connection, and togetherness. We want to share with you some valuable tips and insights to help you make the most of your family portraits, ensuring that these cherished moments are beautifully preserved for generations to come.

General Tips & Tricks for the Best Family Photos:

• Make sure the family members who will be in your group shots are aware ahead of time. You can also have your officiant make an announcement asking family to meet for photos after the ceremony in a designated place.

• Depending on the length of your list, we try to get all of these photos done in 20 minutes.

• Our goal is for you to have the most enjoyable and efficient family photos possilble. While they may appear daunting, we’re here to make them go smoothly.

Prepare a Shot List

We will send a shot list questionnaire about 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding and then also an email to confirm the groups you’d like captured. This is so we can get all of the family photo combinations you want and don’t forget anyone.

Person in Charge

It can be a huge help to have a friend or family member who knows your families to assist in making sure everyone in the family photos is there and ready to go.

Family Dynamics

We will make sure to ask about any dynamics within the family so we can avoid any uncomfortable situations.

Big to Small

We suggest starting with the largest group and working your way down to smaller groups so that any guests who are no longer required can go on to the party. We also recommend taking photos of grandparents or older guests first so that they can be dismissed as well.

Avoid Phone Photos

When a guest takes a photo over our shoulder, it can confuse folks about where to look and slow down the process.

We’re happy to have guests take photos if you’d like, but we will stop and have them take their photo first so everyone is looking at the same camera.

More Tips & Tricks For Easy Family Portraits:

• We’ll get everyone where they need to be, so don’t worry about this part!

• Let’s keep it simple. Classic and timeless poses often work best for family portraits.

• Remove cell phones, keys, and wallets from pockets.

• Put down any drinks, purses or stationery.

• Take off sunglasses from head and face.

• Stand at an angle, toward the couple.

• Put one foot forward.

• Decide if you want all suits buttoned or unbuttoned. If coats are buttoned, hands need to be down or the jackets will pull.

• Put hands in the middle of the back next to you so we don’t have a rogue hand coming through your loved one’s side.

• If there’s more than one camera around, always look at us.

• If there are young children in the photos, keep you attention on us and we will get the kiddos’ attention.

• Either put your hands down to the side, in your pockets or hold your bouquet or women can hold the arm in front of them.

We promise family portraits don’t have to be painful! Following these simple tips can make them a seamless, enjoyable part of your wedding day.

Tips for Family Wedding Portraits