How to Photograph an Indian Wedding

Surrounded with the myriad of ceremonies and traditions which mark an Indian Wedding ceremony, the task of a Wedding photographer becomes far more demanding and unpredictable. The variety with customs and events from one marriage ceremony to another creates a need to get familiar with the procedures of the wedding ceremony, so that you won't miss out on the key activities.

Exactly how distinct is an Indian Wedding ceremony? Well, very different if it's not a Church ceremony. The Hindu wedding ceremony can last a few days or perhaps compacted into a several hours.

Here are a number of tips to take into account when intending to photograph an Indian ceremony.

If at all possible meet the couple.

This may seem silly, however in many instances at Indian weddings you might find yourself getting together with the happy couple for the very first time on the same day as the wedding. A brief meeting proceeding the event can help established the objectives, plan the pictures with the couple and get them comfortable with being photographed by you. This certainly will make your job easier on the day of the ceremony and you'll be certain not to overlook that extremely important moment the couple want captured!

Posed Shots verses Candid Shots

It can be really hard to find private time with the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony for photos therefore you would need to obtain the majority of your shots as the event happens. Through the years I've discovered that when prepared properly you can get a window of about 30 minutes together with the couple to take your planned shots. Be sure to make good usage of it! Make certain to schedule the posed pictures prior to the wedding ceremony. Following the bustle of the Indian marriage ceremony, the happy couple won't be tremendously amused to pose for photographs.

Designate a Photography Coordinator

Sometime before the ceremony, ask the couple to appoint a member of family to assist you. Even in a modest Indian wedding, you can find yourself with countless close family members clinging to stay in proximity of the couple, consequently making a framing catastrophe. You certainly would want the photo coordinator introducing you to close members of the family who should be included in the photographs as well as assist in getting you to the couple at the time of the wedding ceremony. A coordinator is incredibly handy in managing the crowd while you will be occupied taking pictures.

Know the Wedding Process

As stated previously, each Indian wedding is different in its own way. Talk with the couple as well as the family far ahead of time and understand the ceremony, the activities, as well as their significance. With Indian wedding ceremonies, the professional photographer is expected to seize specific moments from the event. If caught uninformed, you could possibly wind up missing the important moments.

A Partner Photographer

Oftentimes the bride and groom in Indian marriages have their own activities before they appear at the wedding location. Occasionally, these functions will overlap and the wedding photographer certainly cannot be in two places at one time. This is when a partner, or second photographer, can assist. Otherwise you could potentially lose out on quality photos or you'll be exhausted running from place to place trying to capture it all yourself.

Who to include in the Family Photo?

Surprisingly, you should be mindful with family photos at Indian weddings. Everybody among the hundreds which make it to the ceremony may consider themselves close to the bride and groom and might anticipate a picture together with the couple. Plan far in advance with the bride and groom on family group photos and make utilization of a relative to assist you here. Otherwise, you can find yourself shooting gigabytes of pictures. In addition, it might be better to advise a standard photographer form ordinary group photos, whilst you stay exclusive for the wedding's special moments.

Plan your Lights

While surveying the venue, check the lights that will be used to provide light for the stage. In many instances Indian weddings have extremely warm incandescent lighting highlighting the stage and may throw a wrench in your lighting plans. Also, be sure to carry enough portable lights. Studio lighting is a logistical nightmare with big crowds. It is much easier to photograph with just a few lights on a trigger.

Don't be afraid to take the shot!

Indian weddings are similar to a huge circus; consequently don't be reluctant to change position to get the right shot. Be considerate but firm with the invitees who block your view using a million mobile phone cameras held high in the air. Indian wedding ceremonies are incredibly vibrant and it is good to bathe your frame with colors.