Blended families — step-parents, half-siblings, children from different relationships, step-grandparents — are increasingly common at UK weddings. They don't require special handling, exactly, but they do require intentional planning. The result, when done well, is a photograph portfolio that represents the real shape of your family.
Defining "Family" Before the Day
The most important decision — and one only you can make — is who you consider family for the purposes of your wedding photographs. Biological relation is one framework; emotional relationship is another. A step-parent who raised you and a biological parent who wasn't present are very different inclusions.
Make these decisions before you give your photographer a shot list. They are decisions about your relationships, not about photography logistics. Once made, the logistics are straightforward.
Structuring the Shot List
Think in concentric circles:
- Couple only — the foundation of every portfolio
- Couple + your children (if you have children together, or either of you has children)
- Couple + each side's immediate family in turn
- Couple + specific blended combinations — e.g., couple with all children regardless of whose, or couple with both sets of parents including step-parents
- Full group — all immediate family combined
Half-Siblings and Step-Siblings
If children in your family have complex relationships — half-siblings who don't see each other regularly, step-siblings who met through your relationship — a group shot of "all the kids" often works better than trying to label and separate. Children are often more flexible about these arrangements than adults expect.
If there is genuine estrangement or tension between children, separate shots are cleaner. Do not use a formal photograph as an opportunity to force togetherness that doesn't exist.
What to Tell Your Photographer
Write a brief that includes: each person's name and their relationship to you. Note anyone who should not appear in the same frame. Note anyone who the other partner specifically wants included in shots that might not traditionally include them — e.g., "Jake's step-father David should be included in all shots with Jake's parents."
This brief takes 10 minutes to write and saves everyone time and discomfort on the day.
Blended families have the most interesting photographs.
I work through your shot list in advance and execute it efficiently on the day. Talk to me about your family.
