Top tips: LARGE bridal parties

A year ago I signed on to shoot a wedding for one of my sister's good friends. I always knew the bridal party was going to be a big one, but I kinda put it out of my mind until this past weekend when I had some time to catch up with the bride and groom (at my sister's wedding, none the less! ). Including the bride and groom, it's going to be 18 people in the wedding party! I'm feeling good about the ceremony; there should be little to throw me off there (other than the fact I might need a wider lens... ), I'm more concerned about the fun pictures between the wedding and the reception.

I've been looking through the site here (and googling and such), and I've got a good idea on a couple shots to take. However, I just was hoping I could get some better, more concise thoughts here.

1) Who out there can show some fun images with that many people (give or take)?

2) Who has any tips on dealing with such large groups, such as typical behavior to look out for, how many photos to shoot in case of blinking eyes, etc?

I was reading Strobist yesterday, and doing some sort of of pano like mentioned in that article (though not necessarily with strobes/lighting) might appeal to me; it would be a great way to let everyone relax until those few moments that I need them to be on their best behavior. However, a technique like that isn't exactly suitable for all of the shots.

Thanks for any and all help!

- One location, moving that many people is a problem and takes ages
- Do a short time with the whole wedding party, then lots of time with just the couple
- Do some symmetrical shots, some random-ish shots with people scattered almost randomly
- Use steps, hills, etc.

Aim for at least three clicks per "shot". Make at least one of those before your countdown ends (without flash, obviously) since some people tend to freeze up when they think the picture is about to be taken.

tim wrote in post #14243365
- One location, moving that many people is a problem and takes ages
- Do a short time with the whole wedding party, then lots of time with just the couple
- Do some symmetrical shots, some random-ish shots with people scattered almost randomly
- Use steps, hills, etc.

That's one thing that has me slightly concerned. The family photos will be at the church, but the bridal party ones are going to be at the beach that's "5 minutes away."

brokensocial wrote in post #14244867
Aim for at least three clicks per "shot". Make at least one of those before your countdown ends (without flash, obviously) since some people tend to freeze up when they think the picture is about to be taken.

Good thinking; I'm hoping not to have to spend much time in PS swapping eyes...

My countdowns never go "1, 2, 3, shoot". They always put on the fake smile at "3" and hold it.

I usually do something like: 1, 2, 37; or 1, 2, 4....these work really well with kids who think it's funny that I can't remember how to count. Then I just keep reciting bigger numbers and shoot throughout the counting... Another "countdown" is "1, click, 3" They respond, "Hey, you didn't shoot on 3." "I never said I was going to...."

There isn't much you can do with such a large group. Just take a couple shots of them and move on to the couple as quickly as possible. And yes, moving them is a super PITA. "5 minutes away" for a group that size is likely about 30+ minutes in reality.

Not my largest wedding party, but this one was pretty big... 27 in total. I think my largest was 38.

picturecrazy wrote in post #14253843
There isn't much you can do with such a large group. Just take a couple shots of them and move on to the couple as quickly as possible. And yes, moving them is a super PITA. "5 minutes away" for a group that size is likely about 30+ minutes in reality.

Not my largest wedding party, but this one was pretty big... 27 in total. I think my largest was 38.

Never understood these large bridal parties. I don' think I even HAVE 28 friends.

You dont need 28 friends - only half of that.

picturecrazy wrote in post #14253843
There isn't much you can do with such a large group. Just take a couple shots of them and move on to the couple as quickly as possible. And yes, moving them is a super PITA. "5 minutes away" for a group that size is likely about 30+ minutes in reality.

I'm just hoping now that the bride's expectations can be OK with only having a couple of the entire group..!

picturecrazy wrote in post #14253843
Never understood these large bridal parties. I don' think I even HAVE 28 friends.

Lol, same basic thought I had when I got married about a year ago.

One thing you have to remember is that you have to actively direct them... when you say, "ok, group photo," they won't just line up on their own, haha. My largest was 26 and it took several minutes to get them all lined up (remember, you'll probably be shooting ages 7-70 in this shot, so getting them all on the same track is fun).

Good luck with the shoot!

bjyoder wrote in post #14259249
I'm just hoping now that the bride's expectations can be OK with only having a couple of the entire group..!



Lol, same basic thought I had when I got married about a year ago.

You can get away with almost anything as long as you properly educate the client. Tell them that with such a large wedding party, it is only realistic to have a couple photos of the whole group, otherwise you'll sacrifice the photos of just the couple, which are definitely the most important. People are quite understanding and flexible as long as they are informed (in a nice way) beforehand!

With a Bridal Party that large I've found that there's always one or two or three deaf people, or rather with selective hearing. Next time I encounter this large BP phenomena I will make sure they have a super clear idea of what's going to happen before the day..