Wedding photos with Family are a staple for a wedding day and with a bit of preparation, they can be a breeze. Here I help you create a perfect family photo list.

We don't want to miss anyone so make a list and allocate someone from each side to run the family photos for you. It could be a member of your bridal party or a relative.

In terms of combinations, the majority are:

Both families together.

Each family on its own.

Siblings from each side.

Whole immediate family from each side.

You and your grandparents from each side.

When you’re writing a list, use everyone’s first names and avoid using ‘mum’ or ‘dad’. 

For example:

Jack, Lisa, Jenny, Mike,

Jack, Lisa, Jenny, Mike, Ruby, Luke,

Jack, Lisa, Jenny, Mike, Sam, Luke, Harry, Kailah,

Jack, Lisa, Andrew, Fiona, Lynn, Jim, 

If you want to be super organised (I’m an organising freak), you could tell everyone on that list that they will be required for photos after the ceremony so please stay close. Another tip is to ask anyone that wears glasses to avoid wearing transitions lenses. In most cases, we shoot these photos outdoors so they end up looking like sunglasses.

Start with the biggest group and work your way down. If you have any elderly relatives, put them at the top of the list.

I will always try to position everyone so that they are in a flat line to the camera and I use what I call the skyscraper technique where I have peoples heights spread out to avoid a curve or ramp effect. I've purposely used the photo above to demonstrate this. This effect is not always achievable because there are instances where important people need to be in the centre such as parents and grandparents.

Please, please, please, don’t ask me on the day what family photos you should do. This is a minefield and I stay out of it. There could be divorces, family no longer with us or Aunty Betty doesn't talk to Uncle Dean and doesn’t want to be in a photo with him (Yep, that happens).

So to avoid me putting my foot in it and upsetting you or your family, I stay out of it on the day. 

Once you have your list finalised though, send me a copy. I’ll be able to see what your biggest group size is and plan for where to take your family photos to achieve the best outcome. I’ll also have a copy with me on the day if other copies go missing.

Without trying to scare you, if there’s time lost between the ceremony and reception, it’s your portrait photography time that ends up being squeezed. 

With a bit of preparation, your family photos can run really smoothly.