Family formals are an important component of your wedding day. It’s your chance to have photos taken in a situation that presents a true opportunity, one which possibly may not happen again for quite some time, or potentially not ever again! It probably won’t be your favorite part of the day, but you will be grateful that you’ve set aside this time to ensure that the people who mean the most to you are well documented.
Tip #1: Set expectations. It’s helpful to let wedding party and family members know the details of the time and location that your formal portraits will be held, especially if the site is at a place that is separate from your reception locale. However, even if your portraits will be shot where your reception is, this tip still applies. Your guest are probably as anxious to start the party as you are, and may get lost in the shuffle of cocktail hour. Nothing holds up the formal portrait session more than a wedding party or family member that can’t be found. [Helpful piece of advice: share this information at the Rehearsal Dinner, and that way everyone has been notified when and where to be in advance of the wedding day!]
Tip #2: Allot plenty of time. Oh, the timeline. From the hair and makeup people at the start of the day, to your caterer come reception time, each and every wedding day vendor is abiding by a (hopefully) well planned and strategic timeline. We all need to work together to ensure that this timeline does not become inherently compromised and subsequently rendered ineffective. It’s beneficial to earmark a little (or a lot of!) extra time for photos, just in case some other unexpected wedding related matters pop up. (Hey, you never know!) Take time to consult with your photographer (and any other vendor that has a stake in the efficiency of the timeline). When the day runs smoothly, and without major incident, you are left with a stress free environment and a joyful experience.
Tip #3: Let your photographer choose “the spot.” More often than not, she has scoped out the place a little bit, and has determined what area is best for formal portraits based on background, spaciousness, and most importantly, the best light. While you may think that having the ocean behind you in your photos will be breathtaking, the direct sunlight causing deep black shadows under your eyes certainly won’t be. Sometimes the venue coordinator insists that photos should be taken in a certain area as well. It may be the dedicated spot that is commonly used on each wedding day, but it may not be suitable in all scenarios. A polite and respectful photographer should have no problems requesting a different location, provided there are no fixed limitations in place at the venue (such as a country club where most venues limit access to the golf course).
Tip #4: Know that it’s ok to have fun and relax. Many of my favorite images derive from the moments that happen in between, when people think I’m not shooting. Someone tells a joke or somehow makes everyone laugh and that will result in some great, natural expressions that make an image special. Yes, we will nail that standard, look-at-the-camera shot for posterity, but it will be the in between stuff that will really make you smile.
