How do you handle directing guests for group photos?
Generally, the wedding photographer wants to largely blend into the background. However, there will be opportunities to take family photos, wedding party photos, and more. You might receive a shot list in advance that will include desired group photos, and you might get a group photo request during the event, itself. Consider how you plan to incorporate planned and unplanned group photos over the course of the event, the timeliness of your photos (guests tend to prefer photos prior to eating and drinking much), and how you verify that all relevant people are present. You might also consider fun ways to engage the crowd and have fun. The better planned you are in advance, the more prepared you appear to conduct group photos well and in a timely manner.
"I like to make group photos a fun and fairly quick experience for everyone, so I try to engage everyone as quickly as possible without needing to shout or draw too much attention. When it is close to time to take group photos, my team and I will casually weave through the crowd and inform those involved that we will be meeting in a specific location in a certain number of minutes and to please meet us there. I always estimate an additional 2 to 3 minutes for guests to trickle in, so I give them a timeframe that is a bit before the scheduled time. Once we are all together, I will stay back with the camera while one or both of my team members will stand by the crowd and support them in arranging appropriately. I'll signal to them when it looks good, and we shoot!"