But….we need them, we were told we did by a blog.
Actually no, no you don’t.
So you've just got married, you’re happy, very happy indeed - one of the most anticipated and nerve wrecking parts of your day is done... you're officially married congratulations!!!
You'll want to relax now and more importantly have a well-deserved drink with your family and friends, I call this one of the emotional peaks of your day - where you're all giddy little kippers, there're hugs flying left right and centre, big sloppy kisses from aunts, back slapping and hand shakes from friends, it's a lovely time.
Then up looms the bloody photographer, gotta get the photos done you see, breaking all the celebration up like a right fun sponge, I've been a guest at loads of weddings and it annoys the crap out of everyone. Standing around for ages, waiting for the group photos to be finished, there are always people missing (probably at the bar doing tequilas trying to avoid the ordeal), the rest of us mill around like a pack of bad extras from The Walking Dead, no-one's got a clue what's happening, your face is aching from all those camera smiles.. Jees it's painful, like some sadistic person has invented a game to hack everyone off - yes that'll be the photographer doing what wedding photographers think they should do…well you don’t you see, you really don’t need to spend an hour standing around like a lemon with a sore face and a desperate look in your eyes.
I prefer pictures of groups of people, enjoying their time together - and these pictures will happen naturally throughout your day without any disturbance…if you’ve hired a switched on documentary photographer who knows how to look for these things.
Nobody likes group pictures, no-one likes getting them done, sure the first two are a bit of a giggle, then it just becomes another wedding day chore you have to suffer. Well not in my world!
I hate that whole part of the day, so I don't subject people to it, funnily enough the guests arrange all this stuff themselves during the course of the day, and they make it fun, so you'll get your group shots just without all the torture.
Don't get me wrong, if you absolutely want a big group picture that's fine, I'm not an arsehole about it, quick & painless though. My record is 1 minute 4 seconds for a large group picture, and that's only if you want one.
I say enjoy your day, it’s much more, well, enjoyable without loads of group photos.
Just think, if you’re not having ‘official wedding pictures’ done, you’ve got loads and loads more time for things like playing games, drinking, having a good laugh, seeing who’s the fastest in a wheelbarrow or any number of much more interesting things - but at least you’ll be spending quality time with your loved ones, not me.
Hamps Hall and Barn Wedding Venue Photographer | Peak District
As a side note, the wedding pictures you see here were taken at Hamps Hall & Barn wedding venue in the Peak District, a great place for an outdoor festival / chilled style wedding.