Wedding Photographers Share What’s Going on Behind the Scenes  

They say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and we couldn’t agree more. There is an undeniable beauty in sitting for hours with your close ones, browsing through photographs. Whether they are digital or physical prints, it almost makes you relive the moment. 

A wedding is full of emotions, traditions, and personal stories woven together into an unforgettable experience. And the magicians post a wedding are truly the photographers who have the monumental responsibility of encapsulating these fleeting moments. From the tender glances exchanged between the bride and groom to in-the-moment expressions, customary rituals and the grand décor of the wedding, photographers weave a narrative. A good photographer turns a wedding into a fairytale, weaving the story through their eyes. Post the wedding, each photograph serves as a timeless memento, allowing couples to relive their special day long after the D-day. 

“It’s all about storytelling” 

As the wedding season of 2024 approaches in India, couples are increasingly seeking innovative ways to make their special day through photography. The wedding photography scene in India is buzzing with fresh trends that cater to both the traditional and contemporary tastes of brides and grooms. This year, photography trends are embracing a fusion of tradition and modernity, capturing not only the grandeur of the occasion but also the subtle nuances that make each wedding unique. From candid shots that capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of the day to innovative techniques that add a fresh perspective to classic moments, the trends for 2024 are set to redefine how we view and experience wedding photography.  This year, the focus is not just on grand, posed photos, but also on the little moments that make each wedding truly unique. Candid photography, which captures raw, real emotions, continues to be a top choice.  

“Couples now want natural, unscripted moments – whether it’s a stolen glance, a tear of joy, or a burst of laughter,” said Plush Affairs co-founders Apoorv Mohan Srivastav and Sanyogita Sao. “It’s all about storytelling, with photographers acting as observers, documenting those real interactions that make a wedding special.” Interestingly, perfection is no longer the goal. Couples are embracing what could be seen as ‘artistic imperfections.’ “Motion blur, off-centre compositions, and abstract framing add an avant-garde touch to wedding albums,” Plush Affairs added.  

Anand Rathi, founder of Reels and Frames, forsees the move toward customisation. “The days of replicating themes are over. Couples now seek bespoke and tailored experiences—whether it’s a ‘church of sin’ themed baraat or an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ styled mehendi. Often, these themes are inspired by the couple’s own stories, favourite movies, or dream destinations.”  

Patel, Rathi and Plush Affairs agree that documentary-style photography is gaining popularity. Here, each photo tells a story, creating a more authentic reflection of the wedding day. “Cinematic wedding videos are like short films, with drone shots, slow motion, and soundtracks,” explains Mohan and Sao. Rathi adds, “Couples want photographers who blend into the background and capture real, unposed moments that truly reflect their personalities and the day’s atmosphere.”  

Himanshu Patel, Founder of Epic Stories also notes the resurgence of certain vintage techniques combined with modern flair. This includes the use of direct flash lighting, which harks back to the classic style of early wedding photography but is now being employed with a more editorial, high-fashion approach to wedding shoots. The use of mist filters, which lends a nostalgic, dreamy quality to photos reminiscent of cinematic visuals is gaining popularity.”  

The Tech Revolution   

With the boom in tech, technological advancements are playing a significant role in shaping wedding photography trends. From drone shots that offer breathtaking aerial views to 360-degree captures that allow for an immersive experience, the tools available to photographers are expanding the creative possibilities. By incorporating the latest technology, from high-resolution cameras to drones and AI editing software, photographers today can create more detailed and creative wedding albums than ever before. 

 Drones, for instance, have become a game-changer, allowing photographers to capture everything from sweeping aerial shots to intimate overhead portraits. “Photographers can now play with patterns, depth, and symmetry in ways that weren’t possible before. The ability to shoot from high, low, and everywhere in between adds versatility and creativity to every wedding shoot,” says Plush Affairs. Aerial shots captured by drones offer sweeping panoramic views to intimate aerial portraits of the couple, adding a cinematic touch to wedding albums. Drones have gone from being a novelty to a must-have at weddings, believes Rathi.  “High-end drones have become affordable, and their quality is coming close to that of high-quality, premium ground cameras. This means access to a vantage point from the sky is a must at every wedding.”  

It is also interesting to note that couples are moving away from the notion of perfect beauty lighting, “Documentary style lighting is back! Couples are no longer fussing about the perfect beauty lighting. Instead, they are embracing more reportage style edgy lighting that makes for very realistic images.” But adding some more fun to the photography style is coloured lighting, achieved through gels or LED lights.  “These coloured lights can be used to set specific moods”, opinion Mohan and Roa. Whether it’s a soft pink glow for romantic moments or a cool blue hue for an evening reception. Using colours allows for creative storytelling, as different tones evoke different emotions and help capture the vibe of the event. In agreement, Patel says, “Compact LED lights can now emulate a range of environments, from a chic disco ambience to a romantic candlelit dinner.” He goes on to say that these versatile lights enable photographers to transform ordinary settings into high-fashion, cinematic experiences, enhancing the overall narrative of the wedding day.” Another key trend is The Godox TL60 RGB Tube Lights.

“These RGB lights allow us to easily switch between different colours, creating vibrant, mood-driven backdrops. For example, we use these lights to enhance dance floor scenes or to add a touch of colour during reception shots, blending hues like soft pinks or cool blues to match the event’s theme,” highlight the expert magicians of Plush Affairs. Adding to the realistic charm of such captures is the increasing popularity of night-time photography. As wedding festivities extend into the late hours, capturing the ambience of evening events has become a focal point for many photographers. Night-time photography, with its unique challenges and opportunities, allows for a dramatic portrayal of the wedding atmosphere. Photographers are now employing sophisticated lighting techniques and advanced camera settings to capture the magic of the night, producing images that exude romance and elegance. From capturing the soft glow of candle-lit tables to the vibrant energy of a moonlit dance floor, each shot is carefully composed to enhance the overall narrative of the wedding day. The result is a series of evocative images that not only document the event but also convey the mood and atmosphere of the night.   

Destination Weddings: A Photographer’s Dream  

In recent years, the allure of destination weddings has swept across India. From the sun-kissed beaches of Goa to the regal palaces of Rajasthan, couples are increasingly choosing to tie the knot in enchanting destinations far from their hometowns. One of the most notable changes is the integration of destination-specific elements into wedding photography. Photographers now meticulously plan their shoots to incorporate the distinctive features of each location. Whether it’s the intricate architecture of a historic fort or the beach.  This shift is not just about the venue; it’s reshaping the very essence of wedding photography. “Destination weddings require photographers to adapt to different environments. From lighting to weather conditions, everything must be carefully considered.” Plush Affairs agrees, stating, “Photographers need to incorporate the location’s natural beauty into the shots to truly capture the essence of the event.”  

But as the trend of exchanging vows in idyllic destinations grows, so does the demand for photography that can capture the magic of these unique settings. “Destination weddings require photographers to adapt and evolve in all ways possible. The location, lighting, and weather conditions all need to be kept in mind when approaching the destination,” accurately says Rathi. But he also highlights the challenge and says, “Destinations are generally tougher to work with physically and shoot days are longer, hence making photography a marathon, not a sprint.”

The Fast Track Impact of Social Media    

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have had a profound impact on wedding photography trends worldwide. Instagram has become the go-to platform for wedding inspiration and has significantly influenced photography trends in both Western countries and India. Reels have become a dominant feature on Instagram, encouraging photographers to create short, engaging videos highlighting key moments. Mohan and Rao said, “In India, we’re seeing a rise in requests for quick turnaround Reels, with couples sharing these snippets in real-time during or immediately after the wedding day. There is a growing demand for Instagram-ready photos, focusing on curated moments that fit the platform’s visual aesthetics—soft pastel tones, candid shots, and trendy filters.”

While trends are getting more elaborate and detailed, the pitfall is that couples want the final images to be sent to them instantly. Yes, every photographer is now competing against the latest high-end camera phone which delivers instantly. “In the age of Instagram, reels sometimes go live before the wedding has even ended. This has sped up the demand for quick turnaround on images,” says Rathi. On the flip side, Plush Affairs has noticed a shift toward quality over quantity. “Couples now prefer a curated selection of high-quality images rather than thousands of photos. They want meaningful content that aligns with their personal vision.”  In the end, wedding photography in 2024 is all about balance – combining new technology and trends with the timeless art of storytelling.