If there is one part of the wedding day that gets a bad reputation, it is the family formal session. We have all been to weddings where the couple stands frozen at the altar for an hour while a disorganized photographer shouts names, searching for a missing uncle who wandered off to the bar. It feels chaotic, tedious, and boring.
However, these photos are often the most valuable heirlooms you will have. They are the historical record of your family at a specific moment in time. The question isn’t if we should take them, but how we take them. A common question I get is: Do you take group photos of family and friends? The answer is Yes. But I do it with a strategy that prioritizes speed and efficiency. This post explains how Adrian Bonet Photography manages group shots so you can get the photos Grandma wants without missing your own party.
Do not let logistics stress you out. Secure a photographer who knows the area inside and out. Contact Adrian Bonet Photography to check availability for your venue today.
Index
Why Formal Photos Matter
The Strategy: Speed & Organization
The Mandatory Shot List
Friend Groups: Formal vs. Candid
Final Thoughts
Why Formal Photos Matter
History in a Frame
While my style is primarily candid and storytelling-focused, I recognize the immense value of the traditional portrait. Weddings are often the only time extended families are gathered in one place. Capturing a clean, well-lit photo of you with your parents, grandparents, and siblings is a service to your family history. These are the photos that end up framed on mantlepieces for decades.
Lighting and Composition
Even though these are “posed” photos, they don’t have to be stiff. I ensure everyone looks their best by choosing a location with flattering lighting—usually open shade or a soft-lit backdrop. I arrange the group so that heads aren’t blocked, jackets are buttoned, and everyone looks composed and dignified.
The Strategy: Speed & Organization
Timing is Everything
The best time to do these photos is immediately following the ceremony. Everyone is already gathered, looking their best, and before they have dispersed to the cocktail hour. By capturing them right away, we minimize the “herding cats” effect of trying to find people later.
The “VIP” Approach
I prioritize the oldest family members and the youngest children first. We get the shots with grandparents done immediately so they can go sit down and relax. Then we work our way through the immediate family, and finally the wedding party. This system respects everyone’s time and keeps the energy high.
The Mandatory Shot List
Preparation Prevents Chaos
I cannot stress this enough: We need a list. Before the wedding, I ask you to provide a typed list of the specific family groupings you want (e.g., “Couple + Parents,” “Couple + Siblings + Grandparents”).
Designated Helper
On the day of the wedding, I recommend assigning a family member or the wedding planner to help gather the people on the list. While I know how to light the photo, I don’t know that “Uncle Bob” is the man in the blue tie. Having a helper who knows the faces ensures we move through the list rapidly, usually finishing all family photos in 20-30 minutes.
Friend Groups: Formal vs. Candid
Wedding Party
We typically photograph the wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen) separately, either before the ceremony or during the cocktail hour. I keep these fun and dynamic, encouraging movement and interaction rather than stiff lines.
Reception Groups
For other groups of friends (like your college crew or work colleagues), the reception is the perfect setting. Instead of dragging them away from the party for a formal photo, I can grab a great group shot on the dance floor or while you are enjoying drinks. These photos capture the energy and joy of the friendship much better than a formal lineup.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between having great family portraits and enjoying your wedding. You can have both.
When you book Adrian Bonet Photography, you are hiring a professional who knows how to command a room politely and efficiently. My goal is to get those essential family shots done perfectly and quickly, so you can high-five your dad and get back to the champagne.