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Ask a wedding photographer: Top tips for stress free group shots

I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 20 years now, and in that time I’ve become something of an expert not just on wedding photography, but on weddings in general! I find that couples often end up asking me for advice, on everything from wedding photography, to general wedding trends, and hints and tips!

Today I‘m answering a question which a lot of couples cite as a concern:

How can we make group shots as stress free as possible?


For many couples, group shots can be a bit of a ‘love or hate’ thing. Couples often tell me that they don’t want their guests to get bored whilst waiting for endless group shots, and they’re also usually looking to create a relaxed, informal feel to their whole wedding day. The good news is that you can still have a relaxed wedding day with natural, candid style photography and some great group shots that you’ll love to look back on in years to come. The trick is striking the right balance.

As a wedding photographer, mastering the art of group shots requires more than just technical skill—it’s about creating a relaxed and organised atmosphere that allows everyone to shine. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for capturing stunning group wedding photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.



Plan ahead

Before the big day, I work closely with the couple to create a list of desired group shots. This list should include essential family portraits, bridal party shots, and any other special groupings. This means that I’m already aware in advance of who needs to be in each shot, which minimises waiting-around time. I also try to do the large group shot first, so that those that aren’t needed for the smaller groups can go to the bar or check in to their rooms if staying at the venue.

Having a plan in place with your wedding photographer ensures that no important shots are missed and helps the day run smoothly.

Assign a helper

Your wedding photographer will make an effort to get to know who everyone is well in advance of the group shots. However, it’s always a good idea to enlist some helpers who can point people out on the day, or help round up people for photographs. Your ushers should be a great help when it comes to this task, or if you’re using a wedding coordinator they should be able to assist with organising group shots too. This person can gather the necessary individuals, help with arranging poses, and keep track of the schedule.


Keep it organised

Organisation is key to efficient group photo sessions. Use the previously prepared shot list to guide the process, starting with larger groupings and gradually working down to smaller ones. Clearly communicate poses and arrangements to ensure everyone knows where to stand and what to do.

It’s also handy to allocate a specific time slot for group photos in the wedding day timeline. Aim to schedule group shots shortly after the ceremony or during a lull in the festivities to avoid disrupting the flow of the day. Communicate the schedule to the wedding party and guests to ensure everyone is ready and available when needed.

 

Encourage natural interaction

 

As a wedding photographer, I like to encourage natural interaction and genuine emotions during group photos. I’ll encourage couples, families, and bridal parties to interact with each other, share laughs, and show affection. Genuine moments of connection make for more compelling and memorable photographs.



Get creative


Gone are the days where group shots have to be a boring, static line-up of your wedding party. A great way to capture stand-out group shots is to get a bit creative. I love being a creative wedding photographer (I’ve even won some awards for it!), and I’m always more than happy to suggest interesting angles, poses, or props to make the shot just a little different.

Creative shots can really capture the personality of your group and make for truly stand-out group shots that you’ll love to look at for years to come.

How to Avoid Too Much “Waiting Around”

I know that a lot of couples are concerned that “too much waiting around” will ruin the relaxed flow of their wedding day, so it’s something that as a wedding photographer I’m really mindful of. In order to avoid excessive waiting around during group photo sessions, follow these tips:

  • Provide clear instructions and expectations to the wedding party and guests ahead of time.
  • Set up group shots efficiently, with minimal downtime between poses.
  • Keep the atmosphere relaxed and upbeat to prevent boredom and frustration.
  • Utilise assistants or coordinators to help gather and organise groups quickly.
  • As a wedding photographer, I’m always mindful of the weather and lighting conditions, and adjust plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays.


Capturing stunning group wedding photos requires careful planning, organisation, and creativity. By following these top tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable group photo session that results in beautiful images. If you have any questions about your wedding photography, I can help. I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and would love to chat about your plans!

The History Behind Your Favourite Wedding Traditions

I’m a professional wedding photographer, so it’s probably no surprise to hear that I love all things ‘wedding’! As part of this, I love hearing about the history behind wedding traditions- I find it really interesting how ancient customs still make up part of our modern weddings today. Many of the weddings where I’m the photographer include some traditions, such as cutting the cake or throwing confetti, but most of the time we don’t even know why we’re doing these things!

Actually, all of these traditions hold their own unique significance and symbolism. Weddings in general are steeped in tradition, and in this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind some of your favourite wedding traditions, shedding light on their origins and meanings… Let’s dive in!

Throwing Confetti


The tradition of throwing confetti dates back centuries and is rooted in ancient fertility rituals. In ancient Rome, guests would shower newlyweds with grains, seeds, or rice as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Over time, this practice evolved into the use of confetti, small pieces of paper or petals, which symbolise blessings and good wishes for the couple’s future together. 

Nowadays, confetti shots are a fabulous opportunity to capture fun, colour, and joy. I don’t just mean a little handful of confetti: if you’re going for a confetti shot, go big! As a wedding photographer, I think the best confetti shots capture the happy couple in a tsunami of colourful confetti: less is certainly not more in this case! I always love the pure happiness that radiates from couples in these shots: it’s the moment after they have just exchanged vows and take their first steps together as newly-weds.



Confetti at Wedding

Cutting the Wedding Cake

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing a cake-cutting shot! The tradition of cutting the wedding cake has its roots in mediaeval England, where a stack of sweet buns would be placed on the bridal table for guests to enjoy. In the 17th century, the tradition evolved into the cutting of a single large cake, symbolising the newlyweds’ unity and shared future. The act of cutting the cake together signifies the couple’s first collaborative task as husband and wife, while feeding each other a slice symbolises their commitment to provide for one another.


Throwing the Bridal Bouquet

The tradition of throwing the bouquet is thought to have originated in mediaeval Europe, where it was believed that obtaining a piece of the bride’s clothing or flowers would bring good luck. To distract eager guests, brides began throwing their bouquets into the crowd, allowing them to escape with their garments intact. Over time, this evolved into the modern tradition of the bride tossing her bouquet to a group of unmarried female guests, symbolising the passing on of happiness and good fortune to the next bride-to-be.

Wedding photographer North Wales

Wedding photographer North Wales

The First Dance

Another of my favourite moments as a wedding photographer– I always love capturing the couple’s first dance! The tradition of the first dance dates back to the 17th century, when European aristocrats would open their wedding receptions with a grand ball. The first dance symbolised the newlyweds’ introduction to society as a married couple and showcased their grace and elegance. Today, the first dance remains a cherished tradition, providing a romantic moment for the newlyweds to share with their guests.

Wedding Favours

The tradition of giving wedding favours can be traced back to ancient Rome, where guests would receive small gifts or tokens of appreciation at the end of a wedding feast. These gifts, known as “bomboniere,” typically consisted of sugared almonds, which symbolised health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. Over time, wedding favours evolved into a way for couples to express their gratitude to guests for sharing in their special day, with a wide variety of gifts now commonly given as tokens of appreciation.

Whether it’s throwing confetti, cutting the wedding cake, or throwing the bouquet, wedding traditions are an integral part of wedding day celebrations. I love capturing these moments which connect couples to the past while creating meaningful moments for the future.

If you’d like to talk more about your wedding photography, I would love to help! I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales. Get in touch today to discuss your plans. 

 

Do I need a second wedding photographer?

As a wedding photographer, this is a question I get asked a lot by couples who are trying to figure out whether they need to budget for a second shooter or not. There isn’t really a ‘yes or no’ answer to this question, as it totally depends on your wedding, and criteria such as numbers, or the type of shots you want to capture.

I’ve worked with second photographers, and I’ve also been a second photographer supporting my colleagues in the wedding photography business. In fact, the photos used in this blog are from a wedding where we had two photographers. But more frequently I work as a solo wedding photographer, usually in venues around Cheshire and North Wales.

In my experience, couples tend to think they might need a second photographer as a way to ensure all the magic of their wedding day is captured. But at the same time, of course everyone is keen to avoid unnecessary expense if possible.

Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why you might want to consider hiring a second wedding photographer to help you decide whether this might be right for you. Also, I am always happy to answer any questions you may have so please do get in touch if you think I could help further.

 

Why would I need a second wedding photographer?



1. Capture Every Angle

One photographer can only be in one place at a time. With a second photographer, you can ensure that every special moment is captured from multiple angles. While your primary photographer is focusing on the couple during the ceremony, a second photographer can capture the reactions of your guests, the intricate details of the venue, and those candid moments that make your wedding unique.

 

2. More Comprehensive Coverage

Weddings are dynamic events with many moving parts. From the getting-ready moments to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between, there’s a lot happening throughout the day. A second photographer can help ensure that no moment goes unnoticed. They can cover different locations simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive documentation of your special day.

3. Different Perspectives

Each photographer brings their own unique style and perspective to the table. By hiring a second photographer, you’ll benefit from a wide range of creative shots and artistic interpretations of your wedding day. This diversity can add depth and richness to your wedding album, giving you a more varied and interesting collection of images to treasure for a lifetime.

 

4. Capture More Moments

With two photographers working together, you’ll be able to capture more moments throughout the day. I’ve noticed that it’s becoming more common for couples to hire a second photographer, especially if they’re having a church wedding. If your ceremony is not at your venue, then the chances are you will each be getting ready in separate locations. In that case, it’s best to have a second photographer who can shoot one group while your main photographer is with the other group.



5. You’re inviting lots of guests

Second shooters are also great for big weddings with lots of guests, or for couples who know that they want lots and lots of images.


Wedding Photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

If you’d like help on whether you need a second wedding photographer or not, I am more than happy to discuss your plans and offer advice. I’m a wedding photographer working in Cheshire, Chester, North Wales and beyond, and have over 20 years experience as a professional photographer. Get in touch today for a chat.