Groups And Portraits Wedding Photoshoot

Posed and semi-posed photos for this part of your wedding day

Great Short Duration + Short Notice + Micro-Wedding Discounts – Please Enquire

Bride and groom pose for group photo with bridesmaids and groomsmen at Hunton Park Watford. See this and more on Peter’s Hunton Park Wedding Photo Gallery

Documentary, Reportage, and Photojournalist styles are the predominant wedding photography trends in the UK today

but most clients do prefer to mix in some timeless classic wedding photos. Try to find time during the day to pose for some formal and semi-formal photographs. You're sure to appreciate this in years to come, even if you don't see the point right now!
a posed and semi-posed photoshoot session usually takes place after the ceremony and before the reception, during what is sometimes called the “cocktail hour.” Many couples allow around 30 minutes but it can be as short or as long as you wish. Some have chosen 2 hours at multiple locations! Many also like to have one-off shots at other times e.g. bride and groom separately before the ceremony and during the wedding breakfast

Peter does not impose a low limit or refuse to do formal photos

unlike many photographers. You can have as many or as few numbers and any style 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.

No need to stick rigidly to a list

we can change things and make additions any time on the wedding day. But a little preparation before the day will make everything much quicker and more enjoyable.

How to avoid the groups and portraits photoshoot
taking over your day?

Bride and groom pose for photo with their parents at the Taplow House Hotel near Maidenhead

Make a list. Force yourself! Note all the groups and portraits that you’d like

Give each group a name. List every participant in each group (except the large groups) by their first name and function e.g. "Lizzie - bridesmaid". This is very important so that they can be found swiftly and delays avoided. These are the most popular photos and many couples consider them essential:

group photo of everyone attending the wedding
group photo of bride & groom with brides immediate and/or entire family
group photo of bride and groom with grooms immediate and/or entire family
group photo of bride and groom with all friends
bride and groom with all parents
bride and groom with brides parents
bride and groom with grooms parents
bride with her parents, then with mum, then with dad
groom with his parents, then with mum, then with dad
bride and groom with various grandparents
bride and groom with their own children if applicable
bride and groom with all the wedding party
n.b. maid of honour, bridesmaids, flowergirls, best man, ushers, pageboys
bride with maid of honour
bride with maid of honour, bridesmaids and flowergirls
groom with bestman
groom with bestman, ushers and pageboys
bride and groom together
bride alone

groom alone

Group photos of all the wedding guests are very popular requests. This shot is from an upstairs window at the Burnham Beeches Hotel. It is desirable to have some height available so that all the guests can be seen. See this and more on Peter’s Burnh… — Group photos of all the wedding guests are very popular requests. This shot is from an upstairs window at the Burnham Beeches Hotel. It is desirable to have some height available so that all the guests can be seen. See this and more on Peter’s Burnham Beeches Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

This photo of all the wedding guests with the bride and groom was shot at the Lismoyne Hotel Fleet Hampshire from the fire escape! See this and more on Peter’s Lismoyne Hotel Fleet Wedding Photo Gallery

Usually there is not a high vantage point available and so if possible Peter stands on a table or chair - or step ladder if available - and arranges the guests to the best advantage. See this and more on Peter’s Elephant Hotel Pangbourne Wedding Pho… — Usually there is not a high vantage point available and so if possible Peter stands on a table or chair - or step ladder if available - and arranges the guests to the best advantage. See this and more on Peter’s Elephant Hotel Pangbourne Wedding Photo Gallery

And one more big group wedding photo for luck! This time at Rivervale Barn Yateley. See this and more on Peter’s Rivervale Barn Wedding Photo Gallery

We can add some unique variety to the “usual” posed photos. The bridal party in this shot made use of a classic tractor on a farm after the wedding at All Saints Church Kenton. See this and more on Peter’s All Saints Church Kenton Harrow Wedding Pho… — We can add some unique variety to the “usual” posed photos. The bridal party in this shot made use of a classic tractor on a farm after the wedding at All Saints Church Kenton. See this and more on Peter’s All Saints Church Kenton Harrow Wedding Photo Gallery

Flower girls and pageboys can be tricky to photograph at weddings because of their short attention span but it is certainly worth the effort! These flower girls were at a wedding at the Elvetham Hotel Hartley Wintney. See this and more on Peter’s El… — Flower girls and pageboys can be tricky to photograph at weddings because of their short attention span but it is certainly worth the effort! These flower girls were at a wedding at the Elvetham Hotel Hartley Wintney. See this and more on Peter’s Elvetham Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

If you have lots of little people it may be a good insurance policy to snap them in the getting ready before the ceremony - before they get distracted or mucky later in the day. See this and more on Peter’s Grovefield House Hotel Wedding Photo Galle… — If you have lots of little people it may be a good insurance policy to snap them in the getting ready before the ceremony - before they get distracted or mucky later in the day. See this and more on Peter’s Grovefield House Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

See what I mean about mucky! See this and more on Peter’s Reading Registry Office Wedding Photo Gallery

It is good to shoot some fun versions of the group photos. This wedding was at the Grims Dyke Hotel in Harrow. See this and more on Peter’s Grims Dyke Hotel Harrow Wedding Photo Gallery

Although most of the posed group photos are shot after the ceremony it is also very popular to complete some after the “getting ready” before the ceremony. This bride posed with her bridesmaids before setting out for the church. See this and more on… — Although most of the posed group photos are shot after the ceremony it is also very popular to complete some after the “getting ready” before the ceremony. This bride posed with her bridesmaids before setting out for the church. See this and more on Peter’s Luton and Dunstable Wedding Photo Gallery

And another photo of the bride with her bridesmaids just before the ceremony. See this and more on Peter’s Old Luxters Barn Henley On Thames Wedding Photo Gallery

The groups and portraits you might like can be anytime, not just during the “cocktail hour”, and you surely do not need to stick to an old-fashioned list. This photo was shot in the evening in a private garden. See this and more on Peter’s St Marys … — The groups and portraits you might like can be anytime, not just during the “cocktail hour”, and you surely do not need to stick to an old-fashioned list. This photo was shot in the evening in a private garden. See this and more on Peter’s St Marys Church Burghfield Wedding Photo Gallery

The fellas seldom wish to participate in photography and video of their “getting ready” - it tends to be only only on the orders of the bride! But its good to get some “reportage” coverage on their arrival at their venue and to add a few classic por… — The fellas seldom wish to participate in photography and video of their “getting ready” - it tends to be only only on the orders of the bride! But its good to get some “reportage” coverage on their arrival at their venue and to add a few classic portraits as with the groom and bestman above. See this and more on Peter’s St Michaels Church Heckfield Wedding Photo Gallery

“Table shots” are sometimes requested comprising anything from just two guests to a complete table of guests with the bride and groom alongside. These guests attended the wedding at the Icon Hotel in Luton. See this and more on Peter’s Luton and Dunstable Wedding Photo Gallery

And some individual guest portraits can work great at any time throughout the day. This was during the wedding speeches at the Burnham Beeches Hotel. See this and more on Peter’s Burnham Beeches Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

The wedding reception speeches are a good opportunity to shoot individual guests

Another, this time at the Noke Hotel wedding reception. See this and more on Peter’s Mercure St Albans Noke Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

Add any "non-standard" groups or variations to your list

Popular requests include:

step-parents / new partners of parents, variations as appropriate
bride with brother and sisters, then individually
groom with brothers and sisters, then individually
bride individually with each bridesmaid / flowergirl
bride and groom with flowergirls
groom individually with each usher and pageboy
bride and groom with pageboys
bride and groom with VIP friends or relations e.g. a guest who has travelled from abroad
bride / groom with work colleagues / university friends / sports club friends etc
bride with hen party
groom with stag party

guest family groups e.g. brides sister with her husband and children

Bride poses for wedding photo at the world famous Cliveden near Maidenhead. See this and more on Peter’s Cliveden Wedding Photo Gallery

This bride posed for a formal photo after her ceremony at the Audleys Wood Hotel. See this and more on Peter’s Audleys Wood Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

And this bride requested a formal photo of herself after the “getting ready” before the ceremony. This is a very popular request. See this and more on Peter’s Oakley Hall Hotel Wedding Photo Gallery

Groom poses for photo before his wedding at the Radisson Blu Hotel Heathrow

And this groom just before his wedding at the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints Aldershot

This groom posed for a semi-formal photo after his wedding at Basingstoke Registry Office. We completed the groups and portraits etc partly outside the Office and then on to the adjacent park. See this and more on Peter’s Basingstoke Registry Office… — This groom posed for a semi-formal photo after his wedding at Basingstoke Registry Office. We completed the groups and portraits etc partly outside the Office and then on to the adjacent park. See this and more on Peter’s Basingstoke Registry Office Wedding Photo Gallery

The photo shoot session can be as short or as long as you like. This couple allowed for two hours from the day - yikes! Starting with the Muslim Al-Nikah wedding ceremony at the Chiltern Hotel in Luton

And finally on to the hills of Dunstable Downs

You can of course request a photo with your best friend!

This couple had a photoshoot on the River Kennet at Hungerford as their venue, the Town Hall, though large does not have many suitable spaces for groups and portraits. See this and more on Peter’s Hungerford Town Hall Wedding Photo Gallery

An informal portrait - obviously! This wedding was at Basildon Park near Reading

There are usually plenty of opportunities to combine a good selection of relaxed “reportage” photos during the shoot. This couple went to a local nature reserve after their ceremony. See this and more on Peter’s St Bedes Church Basingstoke Wedding P… — There are usually plenty of opportunities to combine a good selection of relaxed “reportage” photos during the shoot. This couple went to a local nature reserve after their ceremony. See this and more on Peter’s St Bedes Church Basingstoke Wedding Photo Gallery

Couples often like some informal portraits such as this photo Peter shot at the Pennyhill Park Hotel Bagshot

Now cut your list down!

remember that the chances are many guests will be photographed at some point in a reportage style, probably several times. Give a copy of your list to Peter a week before the day. He may make some additional suggestions based on the popular choices other couples have made and on the time available

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 or has very limited space available you may prefer that the majority of photos are shot 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

Plan when the formal photos will be 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 of the ceremony 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!

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

Check you have allowed sufficient time

most couples devote around 45 minutes to the photoshoot. Peter will discuss this with you when reviewing your list. For large groups you should allow 5 minutes per group. Smaller groups should be quicker but we are dependent on the timely co-operation of the participants so please do be realistic with your expectations. Remember that some of the smaller or less essential groups can be shot after the reception or even in the evening. Check if any very young or elderly or infirm guests may be leaving early before scheduling them for later in the day.
if you have a very long list of photos 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! Also consider prioritising a very long list so that if you do get fed up with it part way through we do know that we have the most important shots in the can.
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

Variations

such as portrait and landscape aspects, full body, 3/4, head and shoulders etc are usually included

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!

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 photography. A summer date is no guarantee of good weather on the day! 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. Peter carries extensive powerful lighting equipment and almost everything can be shot inside if necessary

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 lose detail, whilst the darker areas are plunged into blocks of near black. Usually Peter favours shooting in light shade to achieve the very best skin tones and detail. If there is no suitable area in the unforgiving afternoon sunshine consider repeating some of the photos either later in the day when the sun is more forgiving or inside the venue

Peter recommends a few days before the wedding date

that he chats through with you whether any of the data you supplied when you booked has changed e.g. have you changed your ceremony time / phone number / moved house / decided to get ready at a different location etc. He would also like to note the first names and wedding functions of the most important attendees so that we can finalise a group photos list. And we should check off the days timeline

Usually we speak by phone, or meet face to face (if mutually available). You can browse this wedding update PDF list which Peter uses