First wedding jitters!

[Jane]

Next Saturday I am taking wedding photos for a friend as the 'official' photographer!! It is the first wedding I have done. I have done loads of research and planning and have got all the gear I think I'll need (tripod, spare batteries, speedlite, tripod, etc etc).

I'm looking forward to pics of the girls getting ready, the close ups, even the church... the thing that is really worrying me is that she wants loads of formal group photographs and there is only an hour in which to take these together with the bride & Groom formals!

I don't want to build a reputation of taking a 'horseshoe' group photo again and again and want some inspiration for posing the family shots, 6 bridesmaids and the 9 users, together and separately. Has anyone got any ideas for me - visually or verbally?!

[Bindii]

Hey Jane and welcome to the forum...when you get a chance go and introduce yourself in the 'where are you' section...:)

As for your group shots...

Browse the wedding pic forum to get some ideas...but here's a few to get you started...

Get up high...if you are able try to get higher than the group you are shooting.....this way its easy to fit them all in and it also has the advantage of a different...and often flattering angle (especially for the ladies in the group)...

The classic running shot..get the bridal party all in a line...with the bride and groom in the centre and have them run towards you while you snap away...this can make for some lovely shots...

Have them all form a circle around you...and lean in to look at you..you can sit or lay and shoot upwards at them....

Arange the bridal party around the car...with some of them on both sides and the flower girls..page boys in front if there are any...

Put them all in a straight line with the boys facing the girls and have them put their hands on the person in fronts waist..put the bridal couple in the middle and ask them to kiss while the rest of them lean around to look..

For a more formal look you can go for the 'triangle' format...as in some of the party sitting...some of the boys sort of half sitting/squatting and some standing or leaning on a tree etc...

these are just a few ideas off the top of my head buy there are so many ways to pose groups...I am sure that you will be able to come up with enough to get all the shots your friend wants...:)

Oh and good luck!

[kevrayner]

welcome to the forum jane...some great suggestions there from bindii

let us know how ya get on ?

kev

p.s good luck

[BarryM]

can you ask the couple if they could move the meal forward an hour, considering the price they will be paying im sure the venue might be ok with this, jsut so u have a bit more time for your group shots. Worth phoning the couple to ask the venue. One hour doesnt leave a lot of time if your having to gather up people, grab uncle frank from toilet, Auny jean upstairs having a doze etc.