Formal Photography - The Record For Your Family History, or How To Make The Formal Photos Swift And Painless - By Ashton Lamont

Semi formal photo of bride with her friends from university

Documentary, Reportage, and Photojournalist styles are the predominant wedding photography trends in the UK today. Most Ashton Lamont clients prefer to mix in a small amount of more traditional or classic coverage. Peter recommends that you try to find a little time during the day to pose for some formal photographs. Its guaranteed that you will appreciate these additions to the record of your family history in years to come, even if you don't see the point right now!

But how do you stop the formal photography session taking over your day whilst still getting the results you want?

  1. Make a list.
    Yes! Force yourself to itemise every formal group you would like.
    Give each group a name and list every participant in the group by name. This is very important so that they can be found swiftly and delays avoided.
  2. Now try to cut your list down!
    Remember that in documentary style all day coverage the chances are that most guests will be photographed at some point, probably several times.
    Give a copy of your list to Peter and to your "rounder-uppers" (see below) a week before the day.
  3. Plan where the formal photos are to be shot.
    Usually most formals are done at the ceremony venue or at the reception venue or a mixture of the two, though it has been known for us to go to a third venue just for photos.
    If your ceremony venue is not particularly photogenic (e.g. a modern church) or has very limited space available you may prefer that the majority are done at the reception venue. But Peter recommends that you still allow time for some shots at your ceremony venue regardless of its appearance because of its significance.
    Tastes vary and you may like to have some earlier in the day as well, for example with your parents before you depart for the ceremony.
  4. Plan when the formal photos are to be shot.
    Often they are done in one session in between the ceremony and reception (wedding breakfast).
    They are usually best done shortly after the ceremony ends and before the participants wander off and become difficult to find.
    You'll need to allow about 10-15 minutes for things to settle down whilst the guests come streaming out and hug and kiss you! And if your church has bell ringing we won't be able to start the formals until it has finished because no-one will be able to hear us!
  5. Plan the order in which the formal photos are to be shot.
    Usually its best to start with the largest groupings and work down, finishing with just the bride and groom alone. This ensures that people are not waiting around needlessly and can enjoy the hospitality of your venue as soon as possible. If you have elderly or infirm guests consider moving them to the start of the list.
  6. Check you have allowed sufficient time.
    Usually Peter can shoot these "essential" formal subjects in about 20 minutes:
    (a) group shot of everyone attending the wedding
    (b) bride and groom with all parents
    (c) bride and groom with parents from one side, then the other
    (d) bride with her parents, then with mum, then with dad
    (e) groom with his parents, then with mum, then with dad
    (f) bride with bridesmaids
    (g) groom with bestman, then with bestman and ushers
    (h) bride and groom together
    (i) bride alone
    Variations such as portrait and landscape aspects, full body, 3/4, head and shoulders etc are included.
    Where you require additional groups you should allow 5 minutes per group for large groups (e.g. bride and groom with all family members). Smaller groups (e.g. groom with his brothers and sisters) should be quicker but please do be realistic with your expectations - it can be difficult to persuade participants to break off from their drinks and conversations to join the bride and groom in a timely manner.
    Remember that some of the smaller or less essential groups can be shot after the reception or even in the evening.
    Check if any elderly or infirm family or friends plan to leave early before scheduling them for later in the day.
    Unlike some photographers Peter does not impose a low limit or refuse to do formal photos. You can have as many as you want. However do bear in mind that the more time you devote to formal photos the less time will be available to shoot reportage coverage and for you to socialise with your guests.
    If you have a very long list of formals you could consider having some of them before the ceremony. Thats very unusual in the UK but common practice in the USA. And you'll look your freshest and best at that stage of the day!
    Peter will want to spend about 10 minutes just before the start of the wedding breakfast shooting scene setting images of your table layouts, favours, cake, decorations, etc.
    If you plan to have a receiving line (where you and your parents stand at the entrance to the reception room and greet all the guests as they enter) your venue will want to start this 20-30 minutes before the time scheduled for the start of the wedding breakfast; please ensure you factor this into your timeline.
  7. Appoint one or two rounder-uppers
    Their job is to find the participants for the various group shots you require. Its desirable that the rounder-uppers know most if not all the guests, and vital that they have a copy of your list. They should be extrovert individuals who are not shy to ask guests to join us straight way - unless you like waiting around!
  8. Make a "Plan B" in case of inclement weather.
    Rain is the most obvious culprit but strong winds or cold temperatures can also wreak havoc with your outside formal photography. A summer date is no guarantee of good weather on the day, as many 2007 brides will attest! Likewise hot or humid conditions can be unpleasant for all those wearing formal wedding attire.
    So check out your venue for indoor areas where you would be happy to be photographed. But don't worry unduly; Peter carries extensive powerful lighting equipment and almost everything can be shot inside if necessary.
  9. Sunshine - friend or foe?
    Every bride wants sunshine for her wedding day. And of course it makes for some great shots. But it can be less than flattering to skin tones.
    Images shot in bright conditions are much more contrasty than in even lighting, regardless of the equipment and techniques used. The lightest areas can be "blown" to white and loose detail, whilst the darker areas are plunged into blocks of near black.
    Usually Peter favours shooting in sunshine because it adds to the atmosphere and sense of enjoyment. But consider repeating some of the formal shots either later in the day when the sun is more forgiving, or in a shady area, or inside the venue.

Important: Please send a list of the formal photographs you require and a timeline for the whole day to Ashton Lamont a week before your wedding date

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