Hey friends! One of the most challenging days I’ve heard about from a lot of photographers is groomsmen photos (or even the full bridal party!). Sometimes the guys can be super chill, but also just want to hang out and have a good time with their buddies (I mean, who doesn’t on a wedding day?!).

I can honestly say I haven’t had a wedding where the guys didn’t pay attention and listen to me- and I don’t think that’s because I’m way too bossy, haha! :) I think there is a GOOD way to command authority on a wedding day that gets them to listen up, in a way that isn’t demeaning or bossy at all!

Groomsmen photos are something I’m able to fly through at every wedding! I’ve figured ways to get the guys to listen well (and this all applies to the whole bridal party, for that matter!) and get through all the photos quickly, in a way that makes them EXCITED to listen and go quickly!! So today, I’m here to share them with you all! :)

1. Have confidence. I know this goes without saying, but if you approach these photos with confidence, you’re going to have a lot easier time getting them to listen! Speak in a way that is directional and exudes confidence! Even if you’re not sure what you’re doing at times or how a pose will turn out, talk like you know *exactly* what’s going down! :)
2. Introduce yourself to each groomsmen. This either happens during the getting ready or during bridal party portraits, whenever you have a chance to meet them first! Shake each of their hands and get their names. Not only introduce yourself, but try to remember their names and use them! Pro tip: I’ve also started memorizing bridal party names before a wedding, so all I have to do is associate the face with the names! Super easy thing to do in the car as you’re driving to a wedding! :)
3. Don’t leave them wondering. I rarely leave more than 2-3 seconds of silence while I’m posing! It might sound like a lot, but when you are constantly talking, directing, and reassuring them that they’re doing great, there’s not much room for them to not listen! :)
4. Have a pep talk. What I mean by this is to let them know basically this: We are going to fly through these, and the faster we get these done, the sooner they can head out (to cocktail hour, inside, whatever you can say here). This reassures them you’re on their side, and that you want to fly through these as fast as they do! You can even give them an incentive and tell them they can do ANY pose they want at the end if they go fast enough!!
5. Follow through and fly through your shots! I have a flow I typically stick to with groomsmen. I will do a standard stand-in-a-line (a few combinations of this), a flying V, and some walking shots. I already have these in mind so I can be thinking ahead and follow through to get them done quickly, and not have a lot of awkward pauses in between shots!
6. Let them have fun! A lot of times they’ll want to do something fun, so let them do it!! This gives them the freedom to do what they want. I’ve had anything from drinking beer to jumping in the air… these aren’t necessarily my style but they LOVE them! :) Even if these aren’t your favorite shots, be super enthusiastic about taking them!! They will react well to your enthusiasm and work with you on the shots you want. Remember, your number one priority is serving the couple + their friends and family on their wedding day! :)