Family & Group Poses

Quick reference for arranging family formals and group shots. Get through the shot list efficiently while creating flattering, balanced compositions.

Essential Family Combinations

Get a shot list from your couple beforehand. These are the must-have combinations for most weddings:

Combination Priority Notes
Couple + Bride's Parents Must Have Then bride alone with parents
Couple + Groom's Parents Must Have Then groom alone with parents
Couple + Both Sets of Parents Must Have Balance by height
Bride + Mother Must Have Often emotional - stay ready
Bride + Father Must Have Often emotional
Groom + Mother Must Have Sweet moment
Groom + Father Must Have Keep it relaxed
Couple + Siblings Important Each side separately, then combined
Couple + Grandparents Must Have Prioritize elderly - do these first
Extended Family by Side As Time Allows Large groups - need coordination
Pro Tip: Shoot grandparents and elderly relatives first. They may need to sit down, and you don't want to keep them standing in the sun.

Group Arrangement Strategies

3-5 People: The Arc

        [ P ]   [ P ]
    [ BRIDE ] [ GROOM ]
        [ P ]   [ P ]
  • Slight arc formation, not a straight line
  • Couple in center, slightly forward
  • Parents angled toward couple
  • Tallest toward outside edges

6-10 People: Two Rows

    Back Row:  [P] [P] [P] [P] [P]

    Front Row:    [B] [G]
                  (couple)
  • Couple in front, centered
  • Back row staggered between front heads
  • Taller people in back row
  • Close together - shoulders touching or overlapping

10-20 People: Three Tiers

    Back Row (standing):    [P] [P] [P] [P] [P] [P]

    Middle Row (standing):    [P] [P] [P] [P]

    Front Row (seated/low):      [B] [G]
  • Use stairs, benches, or levels if available
  • Front row can kneel or sit
  • Stagger heads for visibility
  • Consider a wider angle lens

Large Groups (20+): The V Formation

                [P][P][P][P][P]
              [P]           [P]
            [P]               [P]
          [P]                   [P]
        [P]    [BRIDE][GROOM]     [P]
  • V shape with couple at point
  • Members line up along the V arms
  • Works well outdoors with space
  • Shoot from elevated position if possible

Quick Positioning Guide

Height Differences

  • Tall people toward back and edges
  • Shorter people in front center
  • Kids in front, kneeling or sitting
  • Use stairs/steps when available
  • Have very tall people spread their feet slightly

Body Positioning

  • Slight angle to camera (not square)
  • Weight on back foot
  • Shoulders toward center of group
  • Close together - no gaps!
  • Chin forward and slightly down

Hands & Arms

  • Arms around waists/backs
  • Hands visible, not in pockets (or just thumb)
  • Bouquets at waist height
  • No crossed arms
  • Hands relaxed, not rigid

Eye Lines

  • Everyone looking at same lens
  • Call out "look at me" before clicking
  • Watch for blinkers - take multiple shots
  • Shoot through talking/laughing for candid option

Efficiency System

Start Big, Work Down

Start with largest group, then release people as you work to smaller combinations. "We got everyone, now just parents please stay."

Have a Wrangler

Ask coordinator or family member to help gather people. You focus on camera and posing.

Know Names

"Sarah, switch with John" is faster than pointing. Ask for names if you don't know.

Be Decisive

Don't ask "where should you stand?" Tell them. Confidence speeds things up.

Special Situations

Divorced/Separated Parents

  • Get couple's guidance beforehand - they know the dynamics
  • May need separate photos (Dad's side, Mom's side)
  • Never put exes next to each other unless couple confirms it's okay
  • New partners: check if they should be included
  • Keep it smooth - don't draw attention to the arrangement

Blended Families

  • Include step-parents and step-siblings as family
  • Multiple combinations may be needed
  • Ask couple for specific groupings they want
  • Be inclusive - these relationships matter

Missing Family Members

  • Some couples want to acknowledge missing loved ones
  • Empty chair with photo is common
  • Be sensitive - don't push if they're not ready
  • Capture any memorial items (photos, flowers, charms)
Hawaii Family Photo Tips
  • Sun position: Position group with sun behind or to side - no squinting faces
  • Beach sand: Harder to balance - wider stances help
  • Wind: Hair and ties will blow - embrace it or find shelter
  • Heat: Move quickly - don't keep large groups standing in sun
  • Destination guests: Some family may be jet-lagged - be patient
  • Leis: If wearing leis, arrange them nicely before shooting