Pre-parations for a Pre Wedding Shoot

This is my attempt to answer some basic but critical questions and clear common misconceptions about the much debated topic of the Pre Wedding Shoot. All of the following is based on my first hand experiences; most very good, but some, not so much.

Why waste money on pre-wedding photos?

Till about few years back, it was rather rare for a couple to go out to a location, with a professional photographer and have their pictures clicked. Pictures, the way the couple want. It was probably a novel idea of a Date or perhaps a way to relive moments of their first Date. All this before they legally and traditionally unite. It was a “Western” way of things back in the day. But we live in the age of social media and it doesnt take long for ideas to travel across the globe and get accepted by young couples looking for something; different. To justify it, I personally believe, there is nothing more “different” than taking great pictures of you and your special one in an environment of your choosing. You are only limited by your imagination in choosing the theme, the clothing, the props, the location etc. Everything you do that day is just as unique as you yourself.

By the way, if you are planning a shoot but are feeling lazy to read on, you can always contact me here and I will be happy to walk you through the process.

The Budget Pre Wedding shoot:

If you believe the cheapest photographer is the best photographer, you may skip everything henceforth and navigate back to google because it does not apply to you.

If you are reading this, I believe you are interested and appreciate good photography. For now, its perfectly OK if you are unable to associate a specific monetary value with a photograph or a photographer. It will hopefully clear up as you read on.

Choosing the photographer:

I am being honest and I agree that this is probably the most difficult step. Here’s what you may do to make the process more systematic and objective and not leave it to chance.

Step 1: The Search begins

The first and foremost is to begin well ahead of your planned date. I suggest atleast 2 months ahead. More is better. Google search is where most couples start and thats good. If your location can be read by google, the search will give you more focused results. The general instinct is to look for the first 1-2 pages of the search result and skip the rest. But thats misleading. Photographers are trying to sell their work and its not necessary that the first 2 pages will have the best. So, rather than using usual search keywords like “best pre wedding photographer”, look for the most usual locations in and around the city and search stuff like “pre wedding photos lalbagh” or “outdoor pre-wedding photos bangalore” in the “images” section. I am based in Bangalore so I am a bit biased :). This throws at you a ton of images. And images are something you can instantly quantify, as per your taste, as being ‘good’. Take your time in going over several pages. Once you have images you like, look for the photographer who clicked them.

Step 2: Pictures lead to the photographer

Look for these photographer’s profiles on Facebook/Instagram/their blog etc and ensure you see the pictures that google returned. Make a note of their contact details.

Step 3: Picking the odd ones out

There are many folks with a camera who are desperate to make some quick money and wont hesitate to steal good photos of others and call them their own. Its very important to tell the real from the fakes. If you like a picture and in the process of searching, you come across it being owned by two different people, you know one of them is a fake. The only way is to, first talk to the photographers you short-listed and get a comfort level and then setup a face to face meeting. When you meet them, you may as questions like “I really like that photo, can you tell me where it was shot and how you did it?” or “We see this picture of yours is also listed with another photographer; do you know him/her?”. A genuine photographer will tell you the truth whereas a fake will get uncomfortable and try to make a story. If a photographer shows you a collection of photos on their phone or PDA and if those are not present in their portfolio on the web, its a red flag. Ask them why. Also hear about their experiences in general about their years as photographers. You can easily pick on the subtle signs of nervousness if they are faking.

Step 4: Seal the deal

If the photographer passes the above steps, they quality for the final round. Check the terms and conditions for the pre wedding shoot. Know the pricing and payment schedules; shoot timings. Date can location may be decided later if you already havent finalized them. (Please read the section below “Know your location” before you lock your location.). Let the photographer know clearly about these. Ask them if there are any hidden costs. Its also a good time to ask the photographer if you would like them to get some props on the day. If you have specific pictures/poses in mind that you want to do, let the photographer know about them. Share them with the photographer and ask them if these can be done. Not all poses are possible or look good with every location. Most couples feel the pictures they loved on pinterest just happened candidly. Incorrect!. Couple shoots are mostly posed. The poses arent too styled and made to look natural. Its good to ask the photographer their style and methods of going about it as well as tell them your taste. All in all, it should be a fun experience and you should not stress about getting photos at all.

As for me, I pre-discuss a lot of details like their ideas or themes, their poses, dressing etc, over the days leading up to the pre wedding shoot. I start easy, judging the comfort level of the couple with the camera, me and my assistants, and gradually work towards the more ‘difficult’ poses. I direct my couples to get in the pose and let them get comfortable for a few moments. My lighting and exposure are pre-established and once all is in place, we go from there.

Know thy location:

This applies to outdoor pre wedding shoots only – which are the most popular.
Can we pick one from “weekend attractions within Bangalore” and show up on the day? Well, NO..!

Why? Because we are in India and India is a photography unfriendly country. The “photography not allowed” sign is becoming increasingly commonplace. More so in cities. So location selection is very critical. It can make the difference between a great photo shoot and no shoot at all. Trust me! I have been through it ..

Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. If you have chosen a location its your responsibility to know its details and not the photographer’s. The photographer can provide feedback on your selection from their experience. But expecting the photographer to know every location is unrealistic. So do your own research. What research you may ask.. Find about the terrain, the weather, the safety, reachability, photography permits, camera tickets, visit timings, availability of food, rest rooms etc.
2. If you are blank about the location or if you cant dig its details, ask the photographer to suggest their favourites. The photographer has far better experience of their locations greatly reducing the chance of a goof up. But inspite of all this, things may not go as expected. In such cases an experienced photographer can make a huge difference. They look for backup locations to shoot. I usually lookup google maps before the shoot and check for alternate locations. While on the way, I am on the look out for alternate locations if the primary doesnt work out.
3. A location may have very different rules for an average person with a phone or point-and-shoot camera against a photographer with 2 DSLRs, large lenses, lighting gear, an assistant, and above all a beautiful, well dressed couple waiting to be photographed. Bottom-line – if possible, visit the location a few weeks in advance and explain the authority your intent and get the necessary permissions in writing. Also remember that rules change within days in India and what was a good place last month may not allow cameras today. So please check the most up to date info. I have spent a great deal of time location scouting and checking for all the necessary things several weeks before the actual shoot. But thats me. Dont expect the photographer to location scout for you.
4. Avoid religious places like temples, places of archaeological importance, national parks, zoos, railway stations, power stations, private buildings, software parks etc. Places like cafes and resorts allow photography for a fee which can range from 5,000 to 20,000/- for a few hours. I was not allowed to shoot at a cafe and was asked to first seek a written permission from their head office. No one in the staff was sure about who deals with ‘ permissions’ though 🙂
5. You may have finalized a date well in advance and booked the photographer’s time as well, but remember that everything can be overridden by mother nature. Be sure to check the weather forecast atleast 4-5 days in advance. Also while booking your photographer, ensure the agreement has a ‘weather’ clause – which basically allows the shoot to be rescheduled to another day if the weather is not permitting.
6. You have done the location research, all seemed good, but on the day the location doesnt turn out quite like you expected. There was a huge crowd, or the rules changed overnight and photography isnt allowed any more.. things may go wrong. Go with the photographer’s instinct for the alternate location. But if you are in total disagreement with the photographer’s suggestion, then the only resort is to ask for a re-schedule of the pre wedding shoot to another day/location. Ofcourse dont expect this for free. There will always be a re-schedule fee because a photographer’s schedule and resources/time are accounted for that day. Like in my case, my assistant still gets paid, I have paid my cab charges and equipment rentals if any.. So a different day means, there will be a charge.

The price of a picture:

This is very interesting. I was once asked by a client if I can provide them 400 pictures in 3 different locations for a day long pre wedding shoot for a budget of 2000/-. 🙂

If you have been with me so far, reading this, I believe you are certainly not one of the above 🙂
Even though most couples dont know why, they still gravitate towards some pictures more than others. The “why” varies with person to person. But there are certain common factors which are a mix of emphasis on the subjects, posing, lighting, colors and location. A good photographer goes to great lengths to create a picture that you end up liking. The actual picture may take a few 100 milliseconds, but its their thought process and technical ability which is learnt and honed over many years and with hundreds of hours of work, for which, they are charging you.
The more tangible parts of the cost breakup include camera equipment, lighting gear, assistant’s charges, transportation, computer software and hardware costs, electricity and equipment costs, and also the time and effort spend in giving you a signature processed image – something unique to the photographer. If you think processing means converting from raw to jpg, resizing and copying to a DVD/usb, you cant be more wrong..! Post processing takes anywhere from 500 to 1000 percent more time than the actual pre wedding shoot, depending on the expected final output. For example, skin retouching (something your makeup artist does in a few hours for good money) itself can take about half hour a picture at the least. Adding complementing text message to the picture may take hours depending on how many fonts the system has and what combination of text and colors looks best with the theme.
I hope now you would better appreciate the work that a photographer puts in behind the scenes as well 🙂

Think of it this way. On an average, a couple would spend about Rs. 2,500/- on a weekend on vanity like clothing, restaurants and cinema. Thats Rs. 10,000/- in a month. All this buys them are things that arent going to be used for more than an year – in case of clothing. If its cinema and food, well it lasts much less. If you save some of that for a month you could get yourself memories that last a lifetime.

On D-Day:

All worked well so far and you are rearing to go. A few last ones for a happy ending .. I mean beginning.. 🙂
Make sure your GPS works. Charge your phones. Car charger/power banks come in handy. Carry a mini makeup kit and mirror with you. A pair of walking/sports shoes comes in handy when navigating rough terrain. A small firstaid box, sun screen bug spray etc. Umbrellas for rain/sun which can also double as props. Titbits like biscuits, water and other stuff to fill you up when nothing else is available. Dont forget that prop which you so meticulously made.

Beware of these locations:

– Hesaraghatta grassland is mostly ruined by drunkards and bikers who go there to race. These days, police are present stop people from entering the grassland area. Even if they arent there, the local population may create unnecessary trouble during a shoot. So best avoided. Unless you go in a large group and have your way with both the locals and the police.
– Rs 4,000/- is the charge for Nandi Hills pre wedding shoot as of February 2019. For the payment, you get a room to relax, change and keep your luggage etc. The room is for a full day basis – there is no half-day options. During my shoots, I reach early, about 5:45am – 6:00am and directly make the payment at the Horticulture office there and get the room. I have not tried to book online or in advance as i dont know how that works.
– Bhoga Nandishwara temple near Nandi Hills. Photography is not allowed inside Bhoga Nandishwara temple as on 11th December 2016. I was told Archaeological Survey of India needs to issue a written permit. I was also told this was not the case just 2 months back.
– Skandagiri. Go only if you want a good 4km trek up the hill. I dont recommend it. Bookings are online with a fee of 250/person.
– Thurahalli Forest is such a gem of a location off Kanakapura road. I have shot here over 4 times but the last time we were there in Jan Feb 2017, we were stopped from shooting by the police because of some criminal incidences. I guess it still is open and safe on Sunday mornings.
– Resorts of all shapes and sizes charge a fee for pre wedding shoots. Anywhere between 5,000-20,000. Its not fixed. You can negotiate with them.
– Cafes dont like photographers with large lenses. They may allow you in if you act as tourists with one camera and a usual lens (not the 70-200 f2.8 for sure). Cafe Coffee Day expects you to get an approval from their head office. Not sure whom to approach though. I think this may apply to other cafes also. If anyone shot at a cafe without permission, please let me know too 🙂
– ITC Gardenia had stopped me from filming inside the couple’s room quoting security reasons. The couple finally talked it through with the authorities and I was allowed for half hour with a security guard standing outside the room all the time.

These are just my experiences. Other’s may may have been different and I dont deny that.
I will try to keep adding to this list. If anyone of you come across more, please put them in the comments section below.

I know it was a long one but I couldnt think of a way to cut it short without compromising on the message.
I guess thats all folks.. Many thanks for your patience and wish you a happy one.. 🙂

Again, if you are planning a pre wedding shoot, you can reach me here and I will be happy to hear from you and help you out.