Group photos are absolutely part of the story, even in documentary-style photography. The secret? Keep them relaxed, honest, and true to the moment.
Especially when they happen spontaneously – like this natural group wedding portrait taken during a wildflower handfasting in Devon. Sometimes, the unscripted shots are the ones that tell the real story.
This is the story of one photo. Or rather, two.
Somewhere in Devon, during a sun-soaked handfasting ceremony, a small drama unfolded. It involved one little boy, a group of girls, and a very specific photographic vision.
The plan? A beautiful group wedding photo of the bride with her bridesmaids and flower girls under the floral arch, all soft pastels and dreamy countryside light. The vibe was unmistakably feminine – ethereal, delicate, slightly fairy-like.
But just as the group settled into position, a determined young gentleman made his entrance. He wanted to be in the photo too. He walked right up, full of confidence and toddler charm, ready to take his rightful place beside the girls.
And then… he was gently ushered out.
This wasn’t personal. It was just that the composition had been imagined as a “girls only” scene – a fleeting moment of symmetry and sisterhood. And so, slightly crestfallen (and probably a bit confused), he turned and walked away. Cue the shutter.
The result? One perfectly posed group photo – and one unexpectedly brilliant, spontaneous shot of him leaving the frame with a look of quiet devastation. It’s a candid group wedding photo that speaks volumes.
This is what documentary photography is all about. It’s not about ignoring group portraits – far from it. It’s about letting reality sneak in. The humour. The honesty. The moments in between.
So, do candid wedding photographers take group photos?
Absolutely. But they also know that the real magic often happens one second before – or after – the perfect pose.
You can see the full story from that handfasting wedding in Devon – though not this particular photo. That one stayed behind the scenes, just like the best stories sometimes do.
This post is part of my series, The Story Behind One Photo – where I share the real stories behind unplanned, unforgettable moments that didn’t always make it to the final gallery.
