Wedding Photography Techniques - Bride, Groom and Groups

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Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front

Remember, the Bride and Groom should be most prominently portrayed in every shot. When posing groups you should try to avoid placing anyone directly in front of or behind the Bride and Groom. The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very large groups.

Height Difference

Another potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

You can however often use height difference to your advantage, use it by carefully positioning subjects so that their faces, when viewed together run in a smooth flowing composition. Do not be afraid to use the ground as a starting point for posing Bridal party group shots.

Bridesmaids are often asked to pose on the ground in front of the rest of the group. You can then build up the composition by placing any smaller children next to the Bridesmaids and eventually working upwards using smooth flowing lines toward adults in a standing position.

Some photographers will always position taller people near the center and taper off to smaller people at the ends. I prefer to work on a flexible basis and treat each situation independently sometimes using smaller people near the Bride and Groom and working towards the edges with taller people. This approach can give more emphasis and prominence to the Bride and Groom.

Positioning the smaller of the two nearest the camera can compensate for height difference between the Bride and Groom. This technique, in the Brides case, will not be required too often; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males. However you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her husband on a step!

The Bride

Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.

Visit my site for more information Wedding and Group Photography Guide

Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.

Engagement Party Etiquette

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Having an engagement party is a great way to announce you are to be married to all your friends and family. You can have an engagement party that is simple as a brunch with a few friends and family, or you can make it a grand event, giving your guests a taste of what is to come when it is time for the wedding and reception.

Who is Expected to Host the Party?

In the past, the engagement party was planned and paid for by the parents of the bride. Often it was an informal affair, cocktails, or cake and dessert and it was held at the bride's home. Nowadays, anyone can plan the engagement party if they so desire, and it is socially acceptable for anyone to foot the bill.

What Is Expected at an Engagement Party?

The father of the bride usually makes a toast, formally announcing the engagement of his daughter. It is proper for her fiancé to stand along with his parents in front of all the assembled guests as an introduction at this time. If the announcement isn't a surprise, you may opt to introduce the groom and his parents as the guests arrive instead.

Who Gets Invited?

Typically close friends and relatives are invited, but you can invite anyone that you want to celebrate such a happy occasion along with you. The only thing you need to remember is that whoever you invite to the engagement party must be invited to the wedding and the reception. To do otherwise is a serious breach of etiquette.

If money is a consideration, don't be embarrassed to just invite those people who are top priority in the life of the happy couple. Remember, though you have to invite all the guests at the engagement party to the wedding, you don't have to invite all the wedding guests to the engagement party.

What about Gifts?

Gifts are not expected from people who are merely casual acquaintances. Giving a present for an engagement party is not an obligation and you should not feel disappointed if you don't receive a gift from a particular guest. They will be expected to attend a few more events associated with your wedding such as the bridal shower and the wedding, so you will get your gifts then.

An engagement party shouldn't be about gifts anyway. It should be about sharing the joyous news of your impending marriage with people who know and love you. It should be a happy celebration where the bride and groom invite their attendants to join them when they are ready to exchange their vows and the maid of honor and the best man are introduced as well.

If you are looking for some wedding favors such as unique favors, candle wedding favors, beach favors we got you covered.

We also have many different wedding gifts that will be great for your wedding party.

Wedding Photography Techniques - Bride, Groom and Groups

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front

Remember, the Bride and Groom should be most prominently portrayed in every shot. When posing groups you should try to avoid placing anyone directly in front of or behind the Bride and Groom. The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very large groups.

Height Difference

Another potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

You can however often use height difference to your advantage, use it by carefully positioning subjects so that their faces, when viewed together run in a smooth flowing composition. Do not be afraid to use the ground as a starting point for posing Bridal party group shots.

Bridesmaids are often asked to pose on the ground in front of the rest of the group. You can then build up the composition by placing any smaller children next to the Bridesmaids and eventually working upwards using smooth flowing lines toward adults in a standing position.

Some photographers will always position taller people near the center and taper off to smaller people at the ends. I prefer to work on a flexible basis and treat each situation independently sometimes using smaller people near the Bride and Groom and working towards the edges with taller people. This approach can give more emphasis and prominence to the Bride and Groom.

Positioning the smaller of the two nearest the camera can compensate for height difference between the Bride and Groom. This technique, in the Brides case, will not be required too often; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males. However you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her husband on a step!

The Bride

Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.

Visit my site for more information Wedding and Group Photography Guide

Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.