Does the Group Photo Need to Go?

Oooh controversial. Many of my couples in the past have done them and many plan to do them but I’m going to throw it out there and say honestly- I’m not a fan of the group photo in any way. I will always help organise it if that’s what my couples want but let me drop a few insider points before you decide.

**Full disclosure- my vested interest is that they are an epic pain in the ass and it often falls to me to do the rounding up.

I just think they’re a lot of work for little gain. Personally I’d rather my photographer capture everyone in their natural states throughout the day- chatting, drinking, dancing, laughing etc.

Four quick reasons for my anti group photo stance:

1.   You can FEEL how unimpressed guests are when you’re rounding them up for it. Trying to help sighing elderly people down to the chosen grassy knoll, trying to engage the introverted photo haters, calling people back from their beeline to the bar etc.

2.   No one wants to have a photo taken after the ceremony. They want a drink. The end.

3.   It’s never a good photo of everyone. Because 100 odd people yanno.

4.   It’s not in our nature to squish up with 99 other people for a photo after the last two years. Social distancing has been beaten into us and early in the day- it’s very hard to get people to do what they’ve learnt not to. (later in the evening, several wines in too easy but 4.30pm nah. Plenty of cross, squinty faces for your troubles. Amazing photo, whack it in a frame yeh?

I’m so keen to hear the opinions of others. I recently worked with a photographer who said they refuse to do them and I respect the hell out of that. Furthermore I’ve exchanged many pained looks with togs wobbling about on a freaking step ladder whilst I beg everyone to move in closer.

Did you do it at your wedding? What’s the photo like? Worthy of a frame? Ever look at it? What about as a guest at a wedding? How do you feel about being rounded up with a microphone and forced into a photo?

 Is it a photo you really want or is it just something you think you should do?

Gimme all your thoughts!