Quickly Shoot Family Formals with ZERO Stress!

[@TheFilmCouple_]

As wedding film/photographers on 5th year (14 years total photography) I can say this video is on point and so true! I feel lucky that my wife and I have won over the families since day one with amazing feedback from so many family members and the couples right there on the day and after. We soon realised how much you are literally marketing yourself on the day without realising. Luckily we naturally lead and direct the couples and families kindly and respecfully without thinking about it. You get better and more direct with time but being kind and respectful is something they all comment on and remember. We had 1-2 new weddings for every wedding we covered just from them and families loving us and recommending to others.

[@kennypringle4580]

You are one of my favorite weddings photographers to get advice from.

[@KatelynJames]

So sweet Kenny!! Thanks for watching!!

[@vkmccable]

I was a wedding photographer for 12 years, back in the day of film with my hubby as a second, back-up. This sounds SO familiar. It works slick as butter. This saves a bunch of time. I went so far as to take family photos before the ceremony as long as the bride and groom didn't mind seeing each other before the ceremony. Many, many couples loved this idea, when explained the families could go to the reception right after the ceremony, and they would have my undevided attention after the ceremony and we could create magical moments.

[@KatelynJames]

So true!

By far this is the best advice I ever heard from a photographer. I get lots of compliments for the way I deal with the family, especially the elderly during a wedding. You are absolutely right about this portion of the event and that it cannot be wasted. They keep sending me referrals after referrals, they love that we love the bride, groom and treat family kindly! They really really do!

[@KatelynJames]

Love that!

[@jowheelerphotographer3519]

When you talk about being in control, for me this is a must as I've found family members wander around, knowing they will probably be in a picture, but they don't know when or where, so they move around like sheep waiting for the sheepdog... I consider myself the sheepdog!

[@KatelynJames]

I totally understand! It can be frustrating.

[@robsgirl7778]

Yes!!! This is wonderful! I have been told several times," wow family photos went so smoothly! I've never seen them done so quickly" As a guest I hate waiting an hour for the bride and groom to finally enter the reception, so as a photographer I try to keep it organized, and make it quick. I also could not get them done without my husband.

[@KatelynJames]

This is awesome! The husband is the secret trick!

[@pembridgehouse]

Great video Katelyn. As a retired wedding photographer this is spot on.It's one thing to be an accomplished photographer but this content is so important. Thanks Geoff

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching Geoff!

[@caroleslagsvol1004]

What a great idea to do this post/video! Family formals are actually incredibly important because they document. My daughter loves to look through my wedding album, but mostly family formals. For some reason they transcend time when some of my artistic portraits do not.

[@KatelynJames]

So true!!

[@MegaDreads1]

You are absolutely amazing! I love your teaching style, great videos, I’m shooting my first wedding on Saturday & after watching your very informative videos, I’m not nervous (maybe a tad) anymore but very excited. Thank-you so much 😊

[@nicolelav9007]

This year I finally took the leap to photograph weddings on my own, this was just SUPER helpful I want my clients to have the most amazing experience and these tips I will continue to keep in the back of my mind thanks!!!

[@kellireynolds478]

This was perfect timing. So my strategy has always been start with large groups but I always tell the loudest person in the bridal party to make an announcement to have all family stay, so far it's worked great BUT this past wedding I just had this thought after years that I just wasn't loving the flow and thought it could be better and more organized. I always keep them under 30 minutes but felt something needed to be improved. While not the most exciting, it should still be a fun part of the day and all of these people are obviously people the bride and groom care about so SUPER important! LOVE all of these tips, especially having them written down. Love that Jasmine was your photographer! Her courses were the ones that got me into wedding photography! Also, you're a super human! I'm not sure how you do everything you do, but you seem to do it all so joyfully and from the heart!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!

[@Bycloux.]

This is all so helpful, I’m currently learning about photography to change my career path 👌🏼

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brookemurray]

This video came at the perfect time! Shooting my first wedding soon and I am soaking up every bit of your educational recourses! In your wedding party portrait video you did you asked everyone to close their eyes and then smile at you. Why? Does this get a more natural smile from people with this method 😊 thank you so much for all you do! You’re making me a better photographer and I’m so grateful

[@KatelynJames]

It was so bright! It helps with squinting

[@kathydubois2206]

Great tips for doing groups! I have a party to photograph this weekend and they want family shots included. Once again, your video came at just the right time! Thank you.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@HollyWood14711]

Awesome video Kaitlyn! My partner & I are shooting a wedding this weekend and this was such a pleasant refresher! What I loved most was that you emphasized that a positive experience is first and foremost 😊 Great content overall!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@gerihenry2261]

Just found you, thank God, wedding photo shoot today,! But thankful that I now have a new favorite KZbinr. I will definitely be watching more of your videos, thank you for the content I also believe that it is very important to be kind and someone’s most special their lives.

[@joannanowacka2723]

I don't shoot weddings but i love to listen when you speak about it, and this was one of the most enjoyable videos in this topic. Love your attitude!

[@melanieberkheimer5605]

Totally of topic but...that is so cool that Jasmine & JD shot your wedding. Love her and have been following her for years also!

[@KatelynJames]

Yes! I was (and still am) a fan girl!!

[@carlosread5887]

Thank you so much for this video! I live in the Dominican Republic, and I have wedding scheduled for January 28th in Tampa, FL. It makes me a little anxious to do the family formals, because I usually don't get many opportunities to practice my English. But you have given me the tips I just needed. I am going to implement the list that you mentioned, and I will try not to sound angry, nor be perceived as a dictator. You have given me some confidence that I needed! Thanks!

[@katelyngray4335]

Awesome video with so many great tips!! I love everything you’re doing to help others better their businesses!! Thanks so much Katelyn!

[@KatelynJames]

You’re welcome!!

[@Dionisio0408]

Thank you Katelyn James.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelseypennington4350]

Perfect timing!!!! I was just telling my Aunt about your system for Family Formals!!! Thank you! 😁👏🏼

[@KatelynJames]

You are so welcome!

[@kristyadams5633]

Wow. This makes so much sense. I absolutely downplayed and winged my first 2 wedding family formal time. I did have lists but that’s about as far as my planning went. The experience went ok but those pictures and experience could have been better. The more you know!!!! Thanks Katelyn!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@felicityannchen]

Whaaat Jasmine was your wedding photographer?? So cool!! Amazing tips btw- about to shoot my first wedding as a first shooter on Saturday!!! I’m so excited!!!!

[@KatelynJames]

You can do it!

[@TaylorMcCoy-r2l]

my favorite.

[@melindabernhard6795]

Shoot my first wedding on Saturday! Thank you!!!! This has been so helpful and you are so easy to follow / listen too. :)

[@dassi87]

Thank you for this quote!!! "You gotta establish authority. You are in control." I am talking about "communication with clients before, during and after weddings" for an event (for wedding photographers) and will quote you as a headline. =)

[@KatelynJames]

Love that!

[@saranamath9896]

Great video. Thank you. Would love to see more photos or behind the scenes.

[@KatelynJames]

You should try the all access free trial!

[@clutchingpearls22]

I’m so glad I found this. The family is the worst part of the day for me 😵‍💫

[@katywolffis7678]

Thanks for another great video! Definitely an area I need to work on. I can so easily get very snappy when going into family formal mode.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dominicvideograph6426]

Thank you very much! This honestly is a big help. Greetings from Germany!

[@aqsaalvi7737]

THANK YOU for all this information!

[@KatelynJames]

You are so welcome!

[@djrease7354]

Love your advice…great quality work…all your videos have a great look… keep them coming…😊

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!

[@rachellehasslen1933]

This is really helpful advice! Thanks for sharing!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AmirKaljikovic]

This is absolutly big-kudos great info! Love it.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RenaDeane]

I’m shooting my cousin’s wedding in two days and your videos have been a real help. Thank you heaps 😁

[@KatelynJames]

So good to hear!!

[@saltier.s]

wowzers I swear I thought "Katelyn James", opened youtube to search and you posted a video 45s ago hehehe we're in sync!

[@KatelynJames]

Haha it’s meant to be!

[@abigailzavala3556]

This video is gold!!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@Theasaurous]

Thank you soooo much for making this video!!!! I was stressing so hard about a few upcoming weddings that has got out of hand not sticking to my suggested max of 10-15 formals. Like 27+, there’s not enough time aahhhh.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@teresaw9693]

Awesome advise, thank you!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HannahTaylor0811]

Loved this video so much I would love to see a behind the scenes!

[@KatelynJames]

Sign up for the free trial of all access and let us know what you think!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!!!

[@jeffersonpichinte3910]

Great stuff!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@bethechange671]

This was so very helpful!! THANK YOU!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@QuangNguyen-dw9je]

Wow great tips for photographers. I just recently got into wedding videography. Do you have tips for the videographer during family formals?

[@KatelynJames]

I wish I did

[@alirehmani1764]

Very well explained. 👍

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks!!

[@TraceyBeard]

Great info as always! Can I please ask what lens you tend to use for your family shots?

[@KatelynJames]

We LOVE the rf 28-70 2.0

[@anto8239]

this is amazing! thanks!!!

[@klausschuster2855]

thx for the free download of the questionnaire

[@KatelynJames]

You're welcome!! I hope it's helpful!

[@lorim2000]

This is 100% right, anyone who's done it knows how right you are. My second shooter would take over the family formals - gathering, checking off names, reordering, etc. Without her I would've been a tyrant, I mean, I probably was a little anyway, but she always saved the day. I'm pretty sure she ended up doing this with lipstick or a lip pencil too LOL.

[@KatelynJames]

Love it!

[@ReinaHogen-nh3pj]

What’s your first and second lens choice for group photos on the R6? Thank you!

[@line13sh]

Great video!!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@karinaparry9716]

So helpful!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@donovanj8840]

I fly every week for work and I wish the flight attendants had your beautiful voice. I am so ready to quit my job and just take photos but who’s going to pay for all the gears I buy every week.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@dasariraju7218]

Good Evening madam. Your Photography classes are nice and easy to understand, Thanks a lot Madam.. Dayananda Raju Dasari.Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@calliewynne2525]

Do you often have the brides parents pay you? I have never encountered this ! Maybe it’s more of an American thing (I’m in Canada ). It is always the couple that pays me.

[@wishesnwanderlust5281]

I have such a quiet voice it makes it hard to get those shout outs! Everyone just looks at me like aww...you're cute. LOL!

[@KatelynJames]

love it!

[@sandygordon7112]

When shooting family formals and also the wedding party photos what is the role of the second shooter? Are you both taking photos the whole time?

[@davidbailey1689]

That list of client questions would be so useful but, being outside the US, I cannot place the “order” on your website.

[@KatelynJames]

hmm shoot us an email [e-mail] and we can figure something out!

[@caitlinbulman5541]

Katelyn, where was the sun located in the photo you showed as an example and is the cover photo for the video? Everyone is so lit and I notice you’re not in shade! Thanks! 😊

[@KatelynJames]

It was overcast the sun was slightly behind them.

[@notallaboutmeministry3285]

This is helpful

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PocketDelicious]

OMG, you had Jasmine Star as your photographer?! Ugh! She's amazing lol.

[@Czarina888777]

I tried downloading the questionnaire and it wouldn’t allow me. It said I couldn’t add “another” to my cart even though I didn’t have anything else nor had I dled it before. :/ Great video, nonetheless.

[@KatelynJames]

Shoot us an email and we will get it to you... [e-mail]

[@brucemacneil]

Have the caterers serve food at the location. Have a supply of alcoholic beverages at the location. Have your helpers create the set beforehand.

[@KatelynJames]

haha!! all valid point!

[@brucemacneil]

@@KatelynJames Also - do not use the word "formals." They are light hearted editorial family portraits.

[@sustaitacuhh]

I couldn't find the free client questionnaire link help please

[@KatelynJames]

You can find the Bride & Groom Questionnaire here! shop.katelynjames.com/shop/bride-and-groom-questionnaire-product/

[@JamesPaulGomez]

"Talent Wrangler" - use that term.

[@KatelynJames]

I like it!

[@jacquelinejackson5191]

Hey, it all sounds great........but on the wedding day with AA its a whole new situation

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrookeHalvie]

Same day slideshow?

[@KatelynJames]

We edit ~15 images during the reception to show the couple! We have a video about the process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWGohIihbbeihNE

[@lizzydalizard]

I think the whole straight line thing is hilarious, they curve because the earth is round lol not flat thats what i think anyway haha

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@jirivesely441]

I need subtitles :( I hardly understand spoken english but if I can read I understand well.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@lawlessjff]

What’s the polite way of telling Aunt Bessie to stop holding up photo rotations so she can get her cell photo pic during formals 😒

[@KatelynJames]

haha! We say we will send the bride a link to all the photos to share with everyone.... normally then the bride chimes in and says Bessie, put your phone away!

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

Limit???😂😂😂 Doesn't work with Indian Weddings

[@KatelynJames]

haha! The struggle is real! Thanks for sharing!

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

@@KatelynJames Oh yeah. Most of the wedding photographers I have seen here on KZbin only discusses about Western kind of wedding. Indian weddings are like 3 days and flow of ceremony is really different.

[@photoslideshowvideos8937]

😍😘☝

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!!

[@marienj.malloy2582]

I have a situation where the bride and groom don’t have first look! And the mom (the ones is planning everything) she has a list of 23 family portraits!!! Trying to figure it out the way to bring it down to 10…because they will have 0 bride and groom pictures if goes like that! 😞🥸 Any advice? Katelyn! I really will appreciate it!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!