Group shots at weddings - how long to take?

Rooster

Rooster

Suspended / Banned
Messages
685
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi, I've got a wedding coming up and I would like to keep the number of group shots down to a reasonable level. I've had weddings where he couple have expected every combination imaginable in quite a short time and it just grows out of control as people go to the bar, go the loo or just wander off vaguely. So now I'm trying to manage their expectations a bit. Is there a generally accepted time limit for shots, ie if I say to allow four minutes per shot is that reasonable? It does take time to pose people properly, move them close together, fasten jackets, tighten ties, cuffs showing, dress arranged just so, demonstrate how to pose and check no-one was blinking etc. I'd rather do the essential shots and get them looking good than do a load of rushed, amateurish shots with distant relatives. Then I could do a full crowd shot so no-one is missed out. Of course if there's loads of time then they can have as many as they like but this time I think the schedule is quite tight.
 
I advise EVERY couple to give me a list of 10 to 12 shots. I tell them they are time consuming and people (guests and the couple) will get bored. It works for me :)
 
How many shots have you agreed to? I always point out prior to booking that group shots are not my 'thing' and I usually spend no longer than 20 mins doing them.
 
Phil - telling a couple that it's 'not your thing' will leave them thinking 'tough ****, it's our wedding'. Whereas if you make them think they won't enjoy the experience they are more likely to give you a small list and thank you for thinking of THEM.
 
ryanyboy said:
Phil - telling a couple that it's 'not your thing' will leave them thinking 'tough ****, it's our wedding'. Whereas if you make them think they won't enjoy the experience they are more likely to give you a small list and thank you for thinking of THEM.
Click to expand...
This isn't something I say to booked couples, this is part of my 'what do you want, what I do' chat, and yes I do point out that I believe it's their day to enjoy, not to stand about while I assemble every combination of guests around them.

I might not be the worlds greatest salesman, but I'm not an idiot.;)
 
Phil V said:
How many shots have you agreed to? I always point out prior to booking that group shots are not my 'thing' and I usually spend no longer than 20 mins doing them.
Click to expand...

I haven't agreed to anything yet, I'm going to see them in a week or so and I'm about to email them to start thinking about what group shots they want but I don't want them going mad. I'll send them a suggested list and hope they stick to close family then head for the bar. I'll try and sell them with "group shots are a bit old fashioned - reportage style is what the fashionable people do now!"

I an always do some informal groups at the reception when everyone's loosened up if they want.
 
ryanyboy said:
I advise EVERY couple to give me a list of 10 to 12 shots. I tell them they are time consuming and people (guests and the couple) will get bored. It works for me :)
Click to expand...

Sounds good. They want to be enjoying themselves instead of standing around for ages. A twenty minute window then a crowd shot so no-one is missed out sounds a decent compromise.
 
Rooster said:
Sounds good. They want to be enjoying themselves instead of standing around for ages. A twenty minute window then a crowd shot so no-one is missed out sounds a decent compromise.
Click to expand...
There's 2 schools of thought, but I like to start with the full group, then you can get rid of loads of people within minutes. It's no fun standing about for 20 mins watching other people have their picture taken, and that's when you get people sloping off.

But I'm absolutely serious about having a discussion at booking time, you shouldn't be booking a couple who expect 100 group shots when you expect to do a dozen, or vice versa.
 
group shots start big and work down to the immediate family
 
ryanyboy said:
I advise EVERY couple to give me a list of 10 to 12 shots. I tell them they are time consuming and people (guests and the couple) will get bored. It works for me :)
Click to expand...

You people who don't do Asian weddings always make me laugh ;)

Usually I can keep a "regular" wedding down to 6 groups. Asian weddings I've got into 3 figures. But really, what else would I be doing with my time? Groups are more fun than macros of flowers, napkins, statues of Ganesh.....
 
I normally advise couples 3-4 minutes per photo on average. With that in mind they tend to limit it to 6
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top