Today, social media has become a window to the world. It has likely happened that you opened your favourite social media app only to be flooded by dreamy couple pictures. A beautiful duo posing at sunset by the Eiffel Tower and another couple strolling the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It is these digital encounters that have given an aspirational quality to chronicling a love story, especially through pre-wedding photography. In a way, couples have started looking at pre wedding photography as an escape from their everyday story to briefly live a dream and treasure it for a lifetime.
If I talk about India, I had the opportunity to observe the growing popularity of pre wedding photography in the country. It was back in the 2000s when Facebook caught the heat. A couple who did a small photoshoot at Hawa Mahal in Jaipur would find their way on the screens of someone scrolling in the South, West, or East. And so, the idea began to spread. Instagram only accelerated the fanfare. And now, pre-wedding photography has become an event every couple looks forward to with hopes of crafting their fairytale.
So, as a budding wedding photographer, how do you stand true to the couples’ expectations and create unique themes for a pre wedding shoot? Here’s insight from someone pursuing the art for over a decade in India and globally.
First things first, when a client approaches you to document their big day, inform them about your pre-wedding photography service and the many creative possibilities that come with it. Tell them about your approach to crafting pre-wedding shoots without assuming that they would already know. Then, understand if they are interested in shooting something elaborate or if they would like to get a few portraits clicked on the wedding day itself. Thus, based on the couple’s comfort, desire, and expectation, you can set the scale of the shoot.
A pre-wedding photography shoot is best done at least a month before the wedding ceremonies begin. This way, you get to prep and plan for the shoot in detail, and the couple can be fully present without worrying about guests pouring in or having to rush for other commitments. So, while discussing the dates for an elaborate pre wedding photography shoot, advise the couple against it, or let them know the limitations of making pre-wedding portraits close to or on the wedding day. Because if the shoot is scheduled a month before the wedding, for example, your clients can participate in it fully without being stressed about a hectic schedule. The same goes for you. A healthy break between pre-wedding and wedding shoots will give you an open playground to create something unique, flavourful, and memorable. And so you will have ample time to experiment with the backdrop, themes, props, costumes, and stories to the couple’s liking.
Tip: I prefer to execute a pre wedding outdoor photoshoot over two days instead of one. This way, I can plan more elaborate shoots with 2-3 themes, locations, and changes. It also leaves room for improvising on the second day for anything that did not fit the schedule or go according to the plan on the first day.
Once you understand the client’s expectations from the shoot, along with its scale and scope, you can work on a detailed shoot plan. Start by creating a mood board of 30-40 beautiful prewedding photos from across the globe. Keep a mix of western, ethnic, casual, and everyday themes within these pictures so that the couple can choose outfits and themes they resonate with the most. In the meantime, request the couple to share a bunch of reference images they like. Through these images, understand the kind of locations, outfits, and moods they are inclined towards.
The mood board exercise will serve as the starting point for finding a common visual language, which is key for client-photographer communication. Once you’re both on the same page, brainstorm a visual language that could work for the pre wedding photography shoot for this couple in particular.
The next step is to understand whether the couple wants their pre-wedding shoot to happen at a dream destination or somewhere close to where they live. Based on the mood board and the couple’s destination preferences, you can start picking out locations. Research the place thoroughly. If possible, go scouting across the location a few days in advance to find unique textures, colours, landscapes, patterns, and frames that would work. For example, you could head to a serene lake with emerald waters, book a picturesque Airbnb with elegant decor, or head to a rustic farmhouse on the city’s outskirts. Ideally, go for 2 to 4 locations, with outfits and themes that could work for each pre-wedding photography location. Take into consideration the timings, photography permits, and any other location-based requirements.
At the same time, the couple can start shortlisting outfits for the shoot.
The outfits of the couple will depend on multiple factors, such as the time of the day, the colours of the location, and the mood you are trying to achieve. For example, if the shoot is happening in a forest, you will want the couple to wear colours that pop, such as yellows, reds, or maroons. Based on all your ideation so far, handhold the couple and guide them towards choosing outfits that would fit well in the frames you have envisioned.
Props and accessories can go a long way in turning a simple pre-wedding photography shoot into a dreamy one. See if adding rings and earrings to the bride’s wardrobe or a cap or cufflinks to the groom’s outfit would amplify their style and confidence. Based on the location, you can choose to carry a bottle of champagne, firecrackers, or vibrant flowers to add colour and sparkle to the frames. Here, you can also involve an activity that the couple likes doing together, keeping a mix of fiction and real-life experiences of the duo.
Alongside, insist the couple that it is crucial to hire a professional makeup and hair team for the big day. A professional look can amp up the shoot multifold, helping you do justice to the visual flavour of the shoot. Ultimately, if they decide against going for an MUA, and that affects the prewedding photos, they would know that you have been thorough and set their expectations accordingly.
Tip: Create a complete story with a rough sketch for each look. Visualise what the couple is wearing, what they are doing, the time you are shooting, and any props that can come into play.
Once all details are finalised, create an itinerary for the couple and your team to follow. Decide when to reach the location, the timings dedicated to make-up and outfit change, lunch breaks, and everything else. This itinerary will serve as a roadmap, making the pre-wedding photography process smoother.
A day before the shoot, make a list and pack the things you must carry for everyone’s comfort and ease. While you will have batteries, chargers, lenses, and other photography gear, there are a few other things you must pay attention to. For example, a few water bottles, wet tissues, fruits, snacks to munch on, and a first-aid kit can keep you covered for emergencies. You can also take a booklet of poses, which you can take out for the couple only if they need inspiration.
And at last, it’s the big day! You have planned this pre-wedding photography shoot for weeks, so when you wake up, immerse yourself in positive thoughts and carry a cheerful spirit within you. Celebrate the fact that you’re chronicling a love story, and don’t let any small ups and downs affect your mood.
On D-day, you can focus on the final few steps so that the shoot unfolds seamlessly. Start by ensuring that you are on the same page with your clients and creating something they will thoroughly enjoy. Then, to make them feel comfortable in your presence, you can prepare a playlist from their favourite songs in advance and play it as the shoot begins. Talking to the couple, inspiring and energising them, giving them breaks, and making them feel heard is an underrated skill. Honing this skill, you can excel in nearly all pre-wedding photography shoots.
I hope these points and tips help you in organising and creating a photoshoot that truly sweeps the couple off their feet. After all, this is an event that they have looked forward to for many months, if not years. So, as a true artist, it is your glorious responsibility to give them what they desire and more. And I hope this guide takes you in that direction of creativity, imagination, and visual finesse.
Get in touch with me here or check out my wedding and pre-wedding work for many beautiful Indian brides here.
