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Capturing Group Shots at Shaw House, Berkshire

Updated: Apr 23

When it comes to capturing those all-important group photos, finding the right spot is everything. You want a location that looks beautiful, feels natural, and gives everyone enough space to relax while still keeping things quick and effortless. That’s why Shaw House in Berkshire is such a dream wedding venue—it has so many stunning backdrops, including a gorgeous leafy space on the lawns, which is perfect for those classic yet relaxed family and friendship shots.


Bride in white gown holding bouquet, standing between two older people in formal attire in a sunlit garden, displaying joyful expressions. Shaw House, Newbury


Why This Spot at Shaw House Works So Well for Group Photos

I always like to find a setting that gives us plenty of soft, natural light (no one wants harsh shadows or squinty eyes in their wedding photos!). The lawns at Shaw House offer that ideal mix of open space and dappled shade. You can see in some of the images below that the brides hair is lit from behind offering a lovely contrast.




The greenery acts as a natural, timeless backdrop, keeping the focus on you and your guests while still adding a little depth and texture to the images. Whether it’s a big family portrait, a few quick snaps with your closest friends, or those all-important generational photos, this spot works beautifully without feeling too staged or formal.


Smiling woman in a white dress and man in a suit stand outdoors in a garden. Green trees and a brick building are in the background. Shaw House, Newbury


Keeping It Quick & Fun – No Stiff Poses Here!

I know that group photos can sometimes feel like a bit of a wedding-day chore (especially when everyone’s keen to get back to the celebrations!). That’s why I keep my group photo sessions efficient, relaxed, and under 15 minutes. With the right prompts, we can get a mix of classic, candid, and personality-filled shots without it feeling like a long photoshoot.


Bride in white dress holds bouquet, standing beside a woman in navy dress. They smile in a garden with a manor in the background. Shaw House, Newbury

A few of my go-to tricks for getting natural, joyful group photos

✔ Encouraging movement – little shifts in weight, turning towards each other, and natural interactions always look better than stiff poses.

✔ Keeping it fun – a quick joke or a prompt like “look at the person who’s most likely to steal cake later” always gets real smiles!

✔ Mixing up the angles – I love getting a variety of shots, from classic straight-on portraits to wider, more relaxed moments.


Wedding scene with a bride in a white dress holding flowers and four men in suits. They're smiling outdoors with trees and a brick building. Shaw House, Newbury


A Venue That Makes Photography Effortless

The more I shoot at Shaw House Registry Office, the more I appreciate how versatile it is for photography. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, the venue offers a mix of historic charm and open green spaces, meaning your photos will have both character and variety.


I love a registry office wedding, here's Jackie & Alex's wedding & Tiff & Lou's wedding


If you’re getting married at Shaw House in Berkshire and want your wedding photos to feel natural, fun, and beautifully timeless, I’d love to chat!





Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer
(and a little bit of a photography geek!)
 
I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.  
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I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

 

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

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aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.
 
Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.
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Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

 

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?

  • Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?

  • Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.

  • Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?

  • How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.

  • What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?

  • How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?

  • Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?

  • How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

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By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.

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