Tips for Future Brides on Taking Family Photos
As a future bride, capturing family moments on your wedding day is essential. These photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Here are some tips to ensure your family photos turn out beautifully.
1. Plan Ahead
Create a List: Make a list of family groupings you want to capture. Include immediate family, grandparents, and any special relatives.
Coordinate with Your Photographer: Share your list with your photographer beforehand. Discuss locations and ideal times for these shots. Tips,
2. Timing is Key
Schedule Photos: Set aside time during the day, ideally after the ceremony when emotions are high and everyone is gathered. This is often the best time to capture genuine smiles and connections.
Consider Lighting: Natural light enhances photos, so aim for early evening or overcast days for softer, flattering lighting.
Best tip
have the list on your phone and give it to me the day before or the day of the wedding. even better, give the list to the person who knows the most people at the wedding. that person could be one of the bridesmaids, who can speak loud enough to get the people to take the photos. What's the point? Depending on the type of wedding, this stage can take more or less time, but it's still vital. that's why organization is essential. if you do it this way, the energy doesn't get dispersed, and everyone stays happy.
3. Communicate with Family
Inform Everyone: Let your family know in advance about the photo sessions. This helps them plan accordingly and ensures everyone is ready when it’s time to shoot.
Designate a Family Coordinator: Choose someone to help gather family members for photos, ensuring a smooth and organized process.
4. Pose Ideas
Mix It Up: Encourage a mix of posed and candid shots. Some fun poses can include a family hug, playful interactions, or a traditional lineup.
Use Levels: Vary the height of family members for more dynamic compositions. Have taller individuals stand or kneel in front of seated family members.
Best tip
If there are photos you absolutely want, this is the time. that's why you can write them down in the list as a reminder. this also works for couple photos, which are usually taken after the family photos, so that the energy of the ceremony is still there. it can also be a moment of pause for the couple before tackling the rest of the event.
5. Stay Relaxed
Embrace the Moment: Wedding days can be hectic, so try to stay relaxed. Enjoy the process and focus on the love surrounding you.
Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break to gather your thoughts and enjoy your family.
Best tip
If you don't have any particular ideas for the family photos, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll also take a look at them and I'm happy to make suggestions. Family photos can be formal, simply to have a souvenir of the people present at the time that we'll print later.
6. Post-Wedding Plans
Review Your Photos: After the wedding, take the time to review and select your favorite family photos for prints or albums.
Share Digital Copies: Consider sharing digital copies with family members, ensuring everyone has access to these treasured memories.
We love
By planning ahead and fostering a relaxed atmosphere, you can ensure that your family photos are not only beautiful but also reflective of the love and joy of your special day. Happy planning!
what I love:
here's an example of a photo I was able to capture just before doing the couple photos. the candid and spontaneous moments are really a part of the job that I particularly enjoy. it's also a little extra bonus for the couple and families as they discover images later or even rediscover and share them with loved ones even years later.
