So…there’s no point denying it…groups shots are my LEAST favourite part of any wedding day. To be fair, I think most people would agree – couples, family and friends alike. But I totally get why people want them… and even those people who say they DON’T want them are usually glad that I snap shots of them hugging their besties or their mum anyway. The thing is…a big formal looking group shot IS tedious. They can take ages to set up (there’s always someone who’s buggered off to the loo and someone else hiding at the back because they don’t really want to be in it in the first place) and when people start to look bored, well, they’re rubbish. So I think it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you get the groups shots right. You don’t want loads of them as they eat into time that you should be spending necking bubbly and having a catch up with your nearest and dearest… but at the same time, I don’t want to shoot any with tons of people in because that’s when it starts turning into hard work and people stop having fun (which tends to show in the piccies). Solution? Think about who you want to hug most in the world…and have huggy pics instead of formal ones. Make sure the groups are small enough that you can chat to each person there while I’m shooting. Ensure everyone has a drink in their hand and a smile on their face. And rope in some muscle (the ushers or a gobby bridesmaid…I’d be perfect at it if only I knew who everyone was) to gather together the relevant people so that we can blast through them efficiently and let everyone (especially you – the couple) get back to enjoying themselves. This year I am going to work on being a bit more creative with my group shots. But my focus will always be on making sure everyone is having fun and ultimately looking like it. Nobody wants mopey, rigid stand in a line and look at the camera piccies.. .they want shots of their awesome friends and family having a bloody brilliant time at their wedding, dressed in the finery and quaffing something tasty. So let’s make that happen, eh, you lot? *nods* Here are some shots form the past year or so that haven’t been miserable or tedious to inspire you.

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