You’ve just said your “I dos”.  You are dazed and overjoyed.   Hugs and kisses all around. There may be a Receiving Line.  Next on the schedule afterwards – the Family Portraits.

Yet, while Family Pictures are essential, you should keep in mind that there are bigger concerns, namely the Couple shots (with the Wedding Party pix taken in between).   So, with time usually being of the essence, it’s a good idea for the wedding photographer to get the Family Shots squared away with minimal stoppages.  Under the optimum conditions they fly by.  On the other hand, they can be a frustrating experience (especially for the Couple).

First things first, you have to select a spot to do the Family Shots.  If your ceremony and reception are in one place, it’s a non-issue.  If not, then you’ll probably have a couple of choices: (1) at the ceremony site; (2) at the park.

If there is a spot at the ceremony site, that is ideal because (1) everyone especially the older members of the families are already there.  Remember, some elders will not even get into the park (eg) wheelchair; (2) if the location is different, such as in a park, cars will be needed – which can suck up a lot of time with the added possibility of some people getting lost – which can be a real problem if a missing person is someone important, such as the Groom’s mother.

If the Family Pix only include the immediate families it should be a simple endeavor.  But, with large families, (ie) cousins, aunts and uncles, then you’ll want to have a shot list to dodge a potentially excruciating experience.  Why is this important?  You’ll have 25-40 hanging around waiting for their turn.  Without a list you’ll have any number of people offering suggestions as to what to do next (and it’s amazing how often the most irritating member of the family comes front and center with their picks, which drives people batty – especially the Bride and Groom).  Meanwhile, it takes too much time.  That’s when people float away – to go have a cigarette, to get something from the car, etc.

All of this can really throw off the schedule thereby affecting the time there is to get the Couple pictures – by far the most vital shots.  The wedding photography will suffer.  Furthermore, anything that results in clear setbacks is a cause for stress, which the Bride regrettably seems to feel more than anyone else.  Remember, “Happy Bride, Happy Day”.

Won’t the List limit the permutations?  No, it won’t.  The List is not etched in stone, and it’s great to have as a starting point from which you can incorporate spur-of-the-moment shots.

With respect to the List, start with the first side of the family, let’s say the man’s side, ending with his parents.  With his parents still there, you hit the other half, starting with her parents (for the two parents shot), then dive over to her side.

A final note about the List.  It must be in the hands of a dependable and capable individual, someone who knows practically everyone and who is assertive – because it can be a little crazy with all those people milling about and talking.

The Family Pictures are certainly not the most imaginative of the day’s pix but they are important. If they are organized properly they end up being both straightforward and appreciated, which contributes to more creative wedding photography as a whole.

 

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