Wedding Photography Series: Part 6 of 10
Family photos–they are the pictures everyone wants, but no one wants to take pause the celebration to take. Yet, they are some of the most meaningful images from your wedding day. With the right amount of preparation and a clear plan, they don’t have be stressful.
Here are some tips to help make your wedding family photos smooth, quick and even enjoyable.
Our Process for Seamless Family Photos
Organizing your family for formal portraits is no small task. That’s why, leading up to your wedding, I send out a detailed family photo questionnaire. This allows us to understand your family structure, relationships and who you would like included in each photo.
Using your responses, my team and I create a carefully organized shot list. Each grouping is sequenced to keep the session moving efficiently with minimal stress–so you spend less time posing and more time celebrating.
A photo of the bride, groom and both of their families is always on the list of essential photos.
The connection between a bride and her father is extraordinary and the resulting photos are beautiful.
Just as sentimental is a photo with a groom and his mother.
B’s mother is sure to treasure this photo with all of her sons.
When a bride and her mother have a strong friendship and loving bond, it comes through in photos.
Everyone is dressed up, so capturing a photo of the parent’s is always on the list.
Keep It to Immediate Family
For wedding day family photos, I recommend focusing on immediate family only. Each grouping–factoring walking over, arranging people, and taking the shot–typically takes 60-90 seconds. Including extended family adds significantly more time and complexity.
To keep things stress-free, my assistant and I manage the photo session by calling out names and guiding each group with just the right amount of professionalism and warmth. You don’t have to worry about rounding people up or keeping things on track–we’ve got that covered. Our goal is to keep things organized, upbeat, and moving so you can enjoy the moment while we capture it.
Choose Your Style: Formal or Fun?
Think about the style of family photos you’d like. Do you prefer classic and posed shots, or are you drawn to candid and playful moments?
Traditional portraits are timeless and often especially meaningful to parents and grandparents–they are the ones likely to be framed or passed down. But capturing your family’s natural dynamics is just as valuable. While I don’t “stage” these moments I am always watching for real interactions that showcase your family’s love and personality.
Make Sure Everyone Knows When and Where
Family photos can’t happen if people don’t show up–or worse, if we are standing around waiting for someone to arrive. Clear communication is key.
Let your family know:
- When family portraits will happen
- Where they need to be
- Who is expected to stay for photos
For immediate family, photos can happen earlier in the day. For extended family, I recommend scheduling them immediately after the ceremony, before guests head to cocktail hour. It also helps to ask your officiant to announce that certain guests should remain for pictures.
Navigating Sensitive Family Dynamics
Every family has its unique dynamics, and sometimes tension can arise. If there are any delicate relationship or situations–divorced parents, stepsiblings, estranged relatives–please include that when you submit your photo questionnaire.
We will handle these groupings with sensitivity and care, doing our best to avoid any awkwardness and helping everyone feel comfortable. Sharing the list with your family in advance can also prevent surprises and help set expectations.
And if things get tense? Just smile and remember: this part of the day will be over in 15 minutes-and the photos will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts: Creating Meaningful Family Wedding Photos
Family photos are some of the most cherished images from your wedding day. While they can be a logistical challenge, they don’t have to be a source of stress.
My team and I are here to make the process smooth, efficient, and even fun. With careful planning and a little collaboration, we will create family photos you will treasure for years to come.
Ready to plan your wedding photography? Contact me here to get started!
Bonus Tip:
Looking for more wedding timeline tips? Check out our blog post: 6 Tips to Make a Wedding Photography Timeline
See more weddings on the blog here.
