Group Photos
Advice for photographing your most important people
PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR VIPs
I like to keep family group photos relaxed, efficient and focused on the people who matter most to you. My approach is to capture the key family groups and bridal party photos without taking you away from your guests for too long.
Keeping the formal groups fairly simple helps everything flow naturally and leaves more time for candid moments and simply enjoying the day with your family and friends.
How I work
Straight after the ceremony, I’ll usually organise the confetti throw (if you’re having one), then step back and capture all the hugs, laughter and congratulations naturally as they happen. After that, we’ll gather everyone together for a full group photo.
Once that’s done, I’ll guide the bridal party and immediate families through the remaining group photos as quickly and smoothly as possible.
I typically photograph the following groups:
Typical Group List
Couple with bride’s parent’s, grandparents siblings, brother/sister in-laws, nieces/nephews
Couple with both parents
Couple groom’s parent’s, grandparents siblings, brother/sisters in-laws, nieces/nephews
Couple with bridesmaids, best man and groomsmens
If there are any additional combinations especially important to you, just let me know beforehand and I’ll happily include them. I do generally recommend keeping the formal groups focused on immediate family and the bridal party to help everything flow naturally and keep you enjoying the celebrations with your guests.
Typical Group List
Couple with everyone!
Couple with bride’s parent’s, grandparents siblings, brother/sisters in-laws, nieces/nephews
Couple with both parents
Couple groom’s parent’s, grandparents siblings, brother/sisters in-laws, nieces/nephews
Couple with bridesmaids, best man and groomsmens
If there are any additional combinations especially important to you, just let me know beforehand and I’ll happily include them. I do generally recommend keeping the formal groups focused on immediate family and the bridal party to help everything flow naturally and keep you enjoying the celebrations with your guests.
Typical timeline for a full day
Andy arrives
10.00
Get kit organised and capture a few establishing shots.
Bridal preparations
10.30
Capturing candid moments as they happen and bridal details.
Groom, best man & groomsmen
11.30
Arrive halfway through prep for natural moments — then outside once you’re ready.
Bride photos
12.15
Bridesmaids dressed, bride’s dress being tied. The final 20 minutes with everyone ready is ideal.
Ceremony
13.00
Photographing the ceremony from multiple angles, with minimal distraction.
Drink reception & photos
14.00
Confetti, hugs, family photos, couple photos and more.
Speeches
16.00
A great time to capture all the emotions and laughter
Couple evening photos
19.00
Additonal couple photographs, often at an additional location out with your venue
First dance
20.00
First dance, then 30 minutes of the party in full swing.