Quick & Easy Group Shots
June 2nd, 2008 @ 12:30 pm by Mrs. Tulip
Immediately after our ceremony and bubble exit, we took group photos. Punam Bean has a documentary style, and we weren’t interested in a ton of traditional shots anyway. But you’ve got to have a few, just to be sure you get everyone together in one photo.
I loved Punam’s style for the wedding party shots. She basically lined us up and said, “Talk amongst yourselves.” I think the results are much more fun than photos with everyone smiling stiffly at the camera, yet more genuine than elaborate poses that aim to show “fun.” It was also quick — about 20 minutes for the wedding party plus 3 families.
This style might not be for everyone — e.g., someone who’d be bothered by the best man scratching his eyebrow in a shot. But we enjoy them for their energy.
(Mr T’s beautiful sister)
(Something more traditional)
The family shots are funny because Mr T and I couldn’t stop smooching. We were so excited to be married!
(With my mother … and showing off the basketball injury by Mr T’s right eye)
(With my father, stepmother, and grandparents)
Luckily, we do have at least one with each family where we ARE looking (mostly) at the camera….
(With Mr T’s family)
However, we forgot to take any photos with all families together. My mother informed me later that it’s standard, but it just never occurred to us. Guess we’re not used to “combined” thinking yet…. (Oh well, that’s why they invented photo collages!)
How do you plan to approach the group shots?
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11 Responses to “Quick & Easy Group Shots”
Man! your husband’s hot! and your dress is super cute! Great pictures.
What cracks me up is a lot of people like the photojournalistic approach but then ask for 3545668 group shots. I’m so glad Punam Bean and you guys worked well together and got less traditional group shots. Most traditional group shots look like a shooting line up 
Less is more when it comes to group shots so you can get on with enjoying your day!
Hope you don’t mind, but I’ve just saved these pics to my ‘ideas for photography’ file. They’re just the inspiration I need … I do want pics of everyone together, but I still want us to look like normal people!
You two are so ridiculously cute - sneaking smooches in front of the cam and fam! 
I love your pics and it definitely just captures the energy of the day. An added benefit is that posing for the staged photos can sometimes just take so much energy from you - this way you get to just keep riding on the same energy high without any interruptions.
I love your wedding photos! Lovely use of red umbrellas. Are they Japanese? Would you be interested in telling me a little more about your wedding? I’m writing a story for AsianWeek on unique weddings. Please e-mail me. Thanks.
Soyon Im
soyon_im@hotmail.com
That second shot is straight out of (and should go into) a magazine. Loooooove the red parasols. I’m a big fan of non-posed. I’ll take eye-scratching from one of my guests if it means a cute, candid photo any day!
cute!! i love these candid group shots. they’re so natural , authentic, and fun!
I love, love, love the exotic, colorful feel of your group shots. And thank you for the cupcake link– we loved that
I love the “talk amongst yourselves” idea. I must discuss that with our photographer!
The more relaxed photos definitely bring out the personalities of those in the photos the best. And seem to work particularly well for the bridal party; they highlight the relationships that are most special. And the more formal look works well for the families. Although I must admit that I love that you couldn’t stop smooching- how cute is that! A huge congrats on your wedding!
Mrs. Tulip, DC
Age and Occupation: 36, Retired
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Counsel/DOO for Small Gov't Contractor
Engagement Date: August 8, 2007
Wedding Date: March, 2008
Venue: Still Looking!
About Me: In all my dreams of the man I'd someday marry, I never pictured anyone as perfect for me as Mr. Tulip. So now we just have to make it through the craziness of the wedding and the moving in together! I love crafts, sewing, jewelry making, and photography, so am looking forward to this chance for DIY fun. When not wedding planning, I'm playing with our dog and 4 cats, Ebay shopping, or watching too much TV (often simultaneously!).
We are doing a group shot INCLUDING everyone - guests and all!! We went to a friends wedding that did this, and while the photo didnt turn out great - it was a GREAT feeling to be included in a group picture. Then we’ll do our families and wedding party shots. We’ll get set up, goof off for some shots that really capture “us” and then straighten up and smile for some traditional ones.
While I am not a fan of the traditional shots, there is something to the fact that its a photo documentation of the generations and the linking of families… even if a bit cheesy or posed.