When we talk about wedding photography, the bride and bridesmaids often get a lot of attention. They are the people who make the celebration unique, but what about the groomsmen? Taking their photos is just as important for telling the romantic story of the wedding as those of the bride and her party. So are the small details and the sincere moments. And before we start to debate whether to capture the groom prep or not, let us stop you right there. The answer is yes! Girls are not the only ones who should have fun. There are many moments of the groom’s preparation that deserve to be documented. However, the bottom line is that it’s up to you—your wedding day is yours to design. But, if you would like to learn more, join us for our top tips for catching striking groomsmen photos that show the group’s personality, style, and spirit.
10 Ideas To Achieve Striking Groomsmen Photos
Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos
Yes, we can mostly agree that groomsmen don’t need much time to get into their wedding attire. However, this doesn’t mean that there are no moments that photographers can capture. The activities and preparations are more fun than posing, so encourage the groom to plan pre-ceremony events. This can be anything, like shooting pool, playing board games while waiting for the bride or having a karaoke show.
How about groomsmen figuring out how to put on their cufflinks and pin the flowers? These are always interesting shots, but the ones that make us laugh the most are definitely tying the tie or ironing their shirt. In the end, it’s not about what they do but witnessing and capturing the emotions and personality of the group.
Group Shots
Then, there are the classic group wedding photos, which allow everyone to loosen up in front of the camera. It is also used to establish the look and feel of the groomsmen as a collective. To add character and set the mood for the photos, use a rustic barn, a scenic garden, or an elegant hallway setting.
Encourage the groomsmen to interact naturally to create a relaxed environment. Regardless of what they are doing—sharing a joke, adjusting each other’s ties, or simply walking together—these moments result in genuine and striking groomsmen photos.
Individual Personalities
Each person brings their own personality to the group, and this is a dash of that heartwarming moment that can make a captivating photo. You should take the time to shoot portraits of each groomsman. Let them pose in ways that feel most natural to them. Another idea is to ask each member of the group to show off a pose or expression that mirrors their personality. This can result in timeless and fabulous pictures like the groomsmen getting ready photos.
Candid Moments
You don’t have to be a photographer to know that some of the best photos happen when people get caught off guard—the one-of-a-kind groomsmen candid pictures. They are also the favourites because they capture the group’s genuine emotions and dynamics. During a wedding, there are plenty of opportunities to snap unplanned moments. It’s the photographer’s job to watch for laughter during a light-hearted speech. The cheers during a toast make great striking groomsmen photos, just like the laughter shared while getting ready.
Effectively capturing these moments requires photographers to stay in the background and use a longer lens. That way, they can capture the scene without disrupting the natural flow of the moment.
Encourage Movement
Try to avoid static and posed photos. They sometimes lack the energy and excitement you may be looking for in a wedding photo. Movement brings life to the pictures, making them memorable and contemporary. Use a faster shutter speed to freeze their walk or jump or a slower one to create a sense of motion for their fun run down the aisle.
Capture Details
While the focus may be on the group wedding photos, details always matter. Whether it’s a pair of personalised cufflinks, the detailed stitching on a waistcoat, or the groom’s boutonniere, capturing smaller details adds to the overall story. Detail shots provide a more complete picture of the wedding day with context and depth.
Playing with Angles and Perspectives
Try getting low to the ground for a more dramatic look and a different perspective. Include the surrounding scenery by shooting from a higher vantage angle. Catching reflections in mirrors or windows will create striking groomsmen photos. Experimenting with these techniques will make the groom and his party appear fresh and will give a creative perspective.
Incorporating the Wedding Theme
Groomsmen photos won’t be very special if you don’t incorporate the wedding theme to create a cohesive look across the entire album. For example, if you are shooting a beach wedding, go for relaxed poses with the ocean as the backdrop. But ensure to inform the party members to bring more casual attire.
Use the Natural Lighting
Even the most ordinary photos can become stunning when using the transformative power of natural light. When capturing the groomsmen’s photos, find a spot where the natural light is soft and flattering. This could be a spot near a window or somewhere outside during the golden hour.
Play with the direction of the light when shooting outside. Side lighting can add depth and dimension to the photo. Meanwhile, backlighting can create a beautiful halo effect around the group.
Black and White Photography
Black and white are boring but timeless colours, which is why it’s often used in wedding photography. It adds a classic feel to the photos and makes the groomsmen stand out in the crowd of people. It’s particularly effective for close-up portraits and groomsmen’s candid pictures that highlight the expression and atmosphere. The absence of colour draws attention to the raw emotions, flawless textures, and authentic lighting within the shot. But don’t overdo it. Incorporating just a few B&W photos can add variety and depth to the wedding album.
Conclusion
Capturing any type of striking groomsmen photos involves a keen eye for detail, creativity, and technical skill. Experiment with techniques and lighting to create a collection of images that will highlight the groom and his friends. It will also tell a deeper story of friendship, laughter, and celebration.
If you’d like to learn more about our professional UK wedding photography services, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your wedding memories as beautiful as they are unforgettable.
