Group Portrait

Patience can be rewarding in so many different elements of life, but it can be difficult to really commit to within the context of a wedding. You have almost limitless opportunities for photographs throughout the day, and at any one time, there are probably at least two locations you could be in to get the desired photo. You also have the underlying pressure associated with ‘instant’ digital photography, to capture more, and more… delivery sooner, and sooner. Somewhere along the way you have to decide if you’re going to let these elements push you around, or take a step back and work out what you really want to achieve from the day. I simplify, but… are you aiming for quantity or quality? Within this grey area, I believe patience is key.

There are fewer things I find more satisfying than this; a non typical, group portrait. Whilst I do photograph the standard family line ups when required, something like this is far more visually engaging, and personally more challenging. The photo below allows the eye to explore; the subjects are placed out across the frame, and they’re all happily involved in their own moment. The elements of youth, admiration and nostalgia are what give the image the emotional value. Without a certain amount of pre-visualisation and patience for all the elements to fall into place, such a moment wouldn’t be recorded.

a900
iso800
f4.5
1/60th
24mm
Spot + Zone