Anna K. Photography

Family portraits are not something that I normally showcase in my work. Not because I don’t love them, but if I show one of the bride with her parents then I feel like I need to show one of the bride with her siblings and then I need to show one of the groom and his family, the list could go on and on! A blog post full of family portraits probably wouldn’t be terribly interesting, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important!

When Daniel and I got married I printed ALL of our family portraits. Okay, I did print a ton of other photos too! But our family portraits are the ones that are displayed most often at our parents houses and our siblings. That just seems to be the natural way of things and I’m sure it’s like that for most of my couples too. Wedding are the perfect time to get family photos, because really when will your entire family be in one place looking super spiffy again? Probably not until another family wedding!

I used to have the idea that family portraits should always be taken at the alter of the church. I thought it was the norm because that is what I saw at all of my friends houses, their parents standing behind the cake and at the alter. It seemed to be the only two wedding photos that were ever out of display. It’s not to say that those photos aren’t important, if you have your heart set on family photos at the alter that is fine!!! I’m just here to make a recommendation for all of those brides out there that are looking for something with a bit more pizazz! 

When you have the opportunity to take family portraits outside I recommend that you take advantage of it! They so much fun! When people are outside they feel so much more relaxed, they are much more likely to grab each other for hugs and kisses and really be themselves. Not to mention the light is pretty nice too! There is also more space to move around making it a relaxed environment.

I had to include this one because it is so much fun! Rachel’s been doing a “dog pile” photo with her siblings since they were kids so it was only appropriate that they do it at her wedding!

I hope that someone finds this helpful! Don’t ever feel like you have to stick to something just because it is the “norm”. Do what works best for you and your handsome groom!