formals...

I thought I'd write a bit of a post on something that you don't tend to see often on wedding blogs... the formals. Most couples nowadays tend to do that squirmy face and then mumble that they really aren't bothered but Mums and Dads really want them. This might be true.. who wants to stand around for two hours, fake smiling in every family combination possible? But it doesn't have to be like that...
Most couples that come to me think I don't do formals and almost apologise when they ask about them. Of course I do them! But I'd rather call them 'family shots'. I want them to be a relaxed part of the day, not too long.. and definitely not formal! They are an important part of the day and what I tend to say to couples is that you can't go back, once the day is over... and no photographer can guarantee getting a photo of every member of your family through the day so even tho formals have got themselves a bit of a bad reputation, for a photographer.. they're very comforting.. as you know you're definitely not missing out Auntie Pat or Uncle Bob (if he's not on your shoulder trying to take pictures of the formals with you of course).
For me it's a really nice time in the day where I get to interact with family too... I tend to take family shots quite close (I know some photographers can stand quite far back).. but I really enjoy the banter and seeing the family dynamics, the jokes, who gets picked on for being in the toilet and holding everyone up... and it's nice to think that these photographs will be on mantelpieces for years to come.. your children will laugh at the outfits and how young Mummy and Daddy look... sometimes I think we forget how precious they are...
So I thought I'd give you a bit of a taste of some family shots from different weddings as they don't usually go in the blog post.. and if I shoot your wedding and suggest 'formals'.. I promise I will never ask anyone to kneel down at the front and I will never shout 'Say cheeeeese!'. Scouts honour.






The other day a photographer emailed asking if I did formal shots and if so, how did I do them... (I warn you now, this could be completely different from how other photographers do it)...
Firstly I look for a good spot.. and when I'm talking about a good spot, I mean... good light. Sometimes in the Summer this can feel impossible when the sun is out so I try to find even shade and if not, I try to have the sun behind them. I will have a pre prepared list of any shots they might want and then get the Best man, an Usher or Bride and Groom to help organise. I always use my 35mm and always stand in talking distance so that I can chat to people, keep it light and relaxed.. I normally take one landscape of the whole party (head to feet) and then with close family such as parents I usually go in closer for another (waist up) shot. I try to keep it to around 20 mins at the most and have been known to 'pow' some families.. but I think that was only once...