How to Photograph an Indian Wedding
With the variety of rituals and ceremonies that are part of the Indian Wedding ceremony, the photography task of a wedding photographer is more complex and uncertain. The diversity of traditions and ceremonies that vary from one wedding ceremony to another makes it necessary to become familiar with the rules that are involved in the marriage ceremony so that you do not be left out of the most critical aspects.
How different is the Indian Wedding ceremony? It’s pretty different when it’s not a church ceremony. It’s a Hindu wedding ceremony that could be a couple of days long or be compressed into a number of hours.
Here are a few suggestions to consider when planning to take pictures of the event. Indian ceremony.
If you can, if possible, you can meet the couple.
It might seem absurd, but in the majority of cases at Indian weddings, you may be able to meet the couple you love for the initial time, on the exact day of the wedding. A short meeting prior to the wedding can assist in establishing the goals, planning the photos with the couple, and help make the couple comfortable taking pictures with you. This can help you when it comes time to perform the wedding ceremony and ensure that you don’t miss that crucial moment the couple would like to be captured!
Posed Shots vs. candid shots
It’s not easy to get private time with the groom and bridesmaids at the wedding reception for photographs, so you’ll need to capture most of your photos when the wedding ceremony is taking place. Through the years, I’ve found that if you plan it properly, you’ll be able to get a time that is around 30 minutes with your couple for the photos you have planned. Make sure you make the best use of it! It is essential to plan your photos before the ceremony. After the bustle of the Indian wedding ceremony, the couple won’t be thrilled to pose for photos.
Designate a Photography Coordinator
A few minutes prior to the ceremony, you can ask the couple to select someone from their family to assist. Even at a small Indian ceremony, it is possible that you may be surrounded by a lot of close family members who want to remain close to the couple, which can result in an impossible frame. You’ll definitely want the photographer to introduce you to family members who are included in the photographs and help you get to the couple during the moment of the wedding ceremony. The coordinator can be very helpful in managing the crowd when you’re busy taking photos.
Know the Wedding Process
As we have said before, every Indian wedding is unique in its own manner. Discuss the wedding with your partner and their family prior to the wedding and get a clear understanding of the ceremonies, rituals, and the significance of each. In Indian marriage ceremonies, a professional photographer will be expected to capture specific moments of the wedding ceremony. If you’re not aware, it is possible that you will end up omitting crucial moments.
A Partner Photographer
Most often, the bride and groom in Indian weddings will have their own rituals prior to their appearance at the wedding venue. Sometimes, these activities coincide, and the photographer for the wedding definitely cannot be at two locations at the same time. This is why a companion or a second photographer could be able to assist. If you’re not careful, you’ll miss your photos of quality or be exhausted running from the place spot trying to take the entire thing yourself.
Who should be included in your Family Photo?
It’s surprising that you need to be aware of family pictures during Indian weddings. Everyone among the thousands who attend the wedding ceremony could be thinking of themselves as close to the groom and bride and maybe hoping to take a photo with their couple. Make plans in advance with the groom and bride in photo shoots with the entire family and ask an individual friend to help in this. In the event that you fail, you will be capturing vast amounts of images. Also, it may be better to recommend the standard photographer for group photos, whereas you remain exclusive to the most memorable moments of your wedding.
Plan your Lights
When you are looking around the location, make sure you examine the lighting which will be used to create light for the stage. There are many occasions when Indian weddings are intensely warm with incandescent lighting, which highlights the stage. This can put the balance of the lighting plan. Be sure to have sufficient portable lighting. Studio lighting can be a logistical nightmare when you have large crowds. It’s much simpler to take pictures using just a few light bulbs that are activated.
Don’t be afraid of taking the shot!
Indian weddings are like an enormous show; therefore, do not hesitate to change location to get the best photo. Be mindful but firm with guests that block the view by using millions of mobile phones that are suspended high above the ground. Indian wedding ceremonies are incredibly colorful, and it’s a good idea to splash your frame in vibrant colors.