The photography Blog

Capturing Group Shots at Shaw House, Berkshire

Mar 42 min read

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.

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.

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!

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