The wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, events, and memories in the making. Often, amidst the hustle and bustle, certain key individuals may be overlooked in the wedding photography. This article aims to highlight those often-forgotten individuals and groups that should be included in your wedding photos, and how to ensure they are not missed.
In my four decades of experience as a wedding photographer, I've noticed that the parents of the bride and groom often get overlooked. Sure, they are included in the group photos with the newlyweds, but individual photos with their own siblings are often missed. This is a golden opportunity to capture the core family group, including any present grandparents, in a rare gathering.
A wedding is an ideal setting for these photos, as family members often travel from far and wide to attend. It might be the first time in years that the siblings have reunited, and it could be years before they gather again. These photos often turn out to be the most cherished, yet they are frequently overlooked.
Unfortunately, less than 10% of wedding photographers will think to capture these moments without being asked. Therefore, it's crucial to provide your photographer with a written photo request list. This list should include other important individuals and groups such as godparents, co-workers, high school friends, youth camp friends, fraternity and sorority members, and sports team members.
Remember, your photographer can't read your mind. They won't know who is important to you unless you tell them. I've learned this the hard way, and now I always request this information from the bride before the wedding to ensure no one important is missed.
To make the process smoother, inform those who will be included in these special group photos to be available either before or immediately after the ceremony. Trying to gather these groups during the reception can be challenging and time-consuming.
Ensure everyone knows to stay in the room until all the group photos are done. If someone leaves prematurely, it can delay the process and cut into your reception time.
Many churches have services scheduled shortly after the wedding, which can rush the photography process. To avoid this, I always ask the bride if there is a service planned after the wedding and how soon it will begin. This way, we can plan accordingly and ensure all the important photos are taken without rushing.
In conclusion, your wedding photos should capture all the important people and moments of your special day. By providing your photographer with a detailed photo request list and coordinating the timing, you can ensure no one is overlooked.
