crowd wrangling

[dragnfly1996]

I am looking for advice, horror stories, what you do to make the transition between the ceremony ending and getting the B&G to the formal shots? this is something I have been struggling with in my weddings that don't have a coordinator (which is most of them) I try to discuss it before hand and point out that the quicker people go to the reception, the more time we will have to get the shots they want. Many times (unless the bride is adamant to get plenty of formals and bosses everyone into giving them time, which has only happened once) we end up running out of time, or by the time we start the formals the group is hungry and anxious to get to the reception. I mean i don't blame them, I just want to give them the shots they are looking for. How do you do it? I am just no good at crowd wrangling, maybe I need a megaphone.

here's what I mean:
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/Lovingeyesweddings/IMG_8894.jpg

[SuzyView]

Easy one for me. I'm very nice, but pushy when I need to be. My B&G's love their group shots when I am done, thankfully. So, when I speak to them, when we are discussing the wedding shoot itself - the formal one - even if it's just friend's kids - I tell them "I have one hour to do the formals between the wedding and reception. Just one hour. It is up to you to get everyone on the same page and if you don't, then I will and it's going to be painful." That usually wakes them up and they know I'm only considering the final outcome. You don't have to have a loud voice, but have a signal of some kind to get everyone's attention, inside, maybe flash your camera a few times in a row or clap. I don't have to do much, everyone knows me and I am very fast on my feet. I have all my gear set up before hand to where I need everyone to be and have already coordinated with the B&G where they have to get to right after the ceremony.

The real answer is preparedness. If everyone knows, by word of mouth, that the photographer needs to have this much time, they will respect it, especially if you add a part that say, "If anyone at the wedding would like to take a few pictures as well, I allow it, only if there is time." That usually gets most people who are interested to move along.

Now, for the very difficult crowds, the ones where everyone loves everyone else and you are just an outsider who is irritating them, I have no answer for you. If you are being paid, the B&G or someone in their party should be assigned to do the gathering. The bride's mother or sister may have much more pull than you at those times. Just make sure someone is assigned if that is a weakness of yours.

[pxl8]

A good tip I heard about and have started using is to see if something can't be arranged to keep the crowd busy while the formals are being done. Strawberries and Cream is a popular choice - needn't be anything fancy but it will help to keep the group in one place and occupied without getting bored.

[tim]

Be assertive.

[LeesaB]

As everyone said...gain control, even before hand let them know...RIGHT AFTER and make a comment like, not after you shake 10 hands, but right after we need to get these group shots done so you an enjoy the rest of the night, the people will still be there.

I also discuss it at out sit down meeting and tell them about the bridal party that left to get a few drinks and we had to wait on them. It really takes away from the brides day...

So..hope that helps some added information...

[howzitboy]

easy, just grab the bride and everyone will follow you. she's the pack leader!!

[tlc]

A good tip I heard about and have started using is to see if something can't be arranged to keep the crowd busy while the formals are being done. Strawberries and Cream is a popular choice - needn't be anything fancy but it will help to keep the group in one place and occupied without getting bored.


huh?

[pxl8]

Surely I didn't explain it that badly?

Everyone leaves the church and outside is a table with strawberries and cream, the guests all tuck in to a light snack while I whisk the B&G away for some shots without distraction. Crowd are happy and in one place and people are called away as and when for the group shots, etc.

[sierra_nova]

After the ceremony we let the bride and groom mingle with guests for 20 mins or so. During this time we grab some awesome candid shots, and stop everyone from running away - because the next thing we do is a big group shots with all the guests. After the group shot, before everyone has moved off, we have a captive audience, so ask for all of the family to remain, and everyone else is free to go. It works well for us.

From what I have figured out, we seem to have more time for formals in Australia than generally in the US, but it all comes down to planning your time with the B+G beforehand. All of our B+G's love the fact we give them time to mingle after the ceremony.

Cheers
Naomi

[Bobster]

same as Naomi, let the B+G + guests grab a drink and chill for 20, grab some candids and then i grab everyones attention and we get stuck into the formals :)

[JJacula]

I'm big and scary and people pay attention to me because they can't help it. :)

[cosworth]

The Photographer literally runs the wedding. You keep everyone on schedule and you deal with ornery and wily people trying to go outside the schedule.

You run the show. To do otherwise you don't get the shots you need.

[SuzyView]

The Photographer literally runs the wedding. You keep everyone on schedule and you deal with ornery and wily people trying to go outside the schedule.

You run the show. To do otherwise you don't get the shots you need.

Isn't that the truth? If there is no coordinator or "heavy" at the wedding, we always get stuck with pushing everyone forward, moving the crowd or the schedule.

[dragnfly1996]

After the ceremony we let the bride and groom mingle with guests for 20 mins or so.

This is what I have been doing, I figured it was "polite" but each time, my politeness bites me (and really the B&G) in A$$ because we end up with no time, or in a rush. I think I really just need to have "the talk" with them before the wedding and be much more stern about it. I try and honor Their Day and not be pushy but this isn't working well for me. As Dr. Phil says "how's that workin for yah?" its not! I was wondering how others handle it and if they get bossy, I guess I just wanted permission. ;)

[Jonny]

Once the service is over i grab shots of the B&G exiting the church, everyone else is still in their seats.
Once outside people naturally follow and this is where you have to take control. I immeadiatly grab the couple and do formal shots with close family (parents etc..) while a usher or anyone responsible is preparing my next groups so i can get them done quickly.
I shout a lot, politely of course, and end my groups on an 'everyone present' shot. Once this is done i, again shouting, tell everyone to move on to the reception venue and we will meet them there after i spend 20-30 mins with the couple grabbing portraits.

[Exit]

It's a good idea to get on the good side of the MOB early on in the day. If you need anything she will be the one who can make it happen. I've been lucky so far and had really great wedding parties who helped me get everything I needed. I guess if that ever fails I'll just use my side to get what I need (of course never being rude or pushy) :)