Weddings are possibly the only time in our life when we go all out on clicking photos. The professionals are called in, no expenses are spared and everybody looks their best. Below are our top 10 favourite standouts, the photos that perfectly capture the unedited emotion and lifetime impact of the day. Some of these may sound sappy, but believe us -- you'll love the results.
1. D-Day Behind The Scenes
Shots taken at the parlour, at home, with your parents, friends and siblings are absolute must-haves to record the spirit of the day. Consider this your very own candid camera where you can choose a friend or a close relative to act as the cameraperson if you can not afford or don't want a professional. Give them your camera, unlimited film and ask them to click away. Taking some black and white pictures might be a good idea. When you create your wedding album, the black and white pictures can act as the prelude to the burst of colourful wedding photos.
2. The Friends
Forget getting a picture of you all standing in line like you've been punished. Get some fun pictures taken instead. Get out with your friends for a night of partying in the week preceding the wedding. This could also be the bridal shower or the bachelor party. And click away. Make sure you get some photos while you're all a little tipsy... it will make for great gossip in the years to come!
3. Mehendi Art
As corny as it sounds, the bride's mehendi is a work of art. This is the most elaborate and beautiful mehendi that will ever adorn your hands so take a photo for memory. It would be a good idea to film just your hands, just your feet and then your hands and feet together. If you have any special motifs or patterns you want to show off, feel free to zoom in.
4. Mom And Dad
No shot captures the conflicting feelings of parents on your wedding day better than one taken of them watching the ceremony. While you're focusing on your husband, they're focusing on you, feeling proud, happy, and sad. Be sure your photographer knows what each parent looks like and ask him to take a shot of each of them during the ceremony. You can't watch them during the proceedings, but you'll get the full tidal force of their emotions when you see the photographs.
5. Bridal Glory
Once you are fully dressed in all your wedding finery, take a deep breath and say 'action'. This is your big day. But it has just begun. As the day proceeds, you are going to start feeling more and more tired and if yours is a typical Indian wedding, by the end of the ceremony you will be feeling positively drained out. You want some photographs of you looking your best, before your nose starts shining, your eyes start drooping and your smile starts slipping. Pose for the camera darling like you've never before and smile!
6. Knight In Shining Armour
When ever are you going to get another chance to see your handsome husband-to-be looking like a dashing knight in armour? The white sherwani, the royal turban and the white horse - its all there. Your fairytale is coming true and there's no excuse for not capturing it on film!
7. A Moment Of Promises
No other moment during the entire wedding will be as poignant as when your parents give you away. They've spent their life raising their little darling and to give her away is no easy thing. Similarly the groom is taking upon his shoulders the responsibility of caring for and cherishing you forever. You are promising to take care of and be the centre of a whole new family. The Kanyadaan is a moment in time full of promises. Get your photographer to freeze this moment and the promises being made.
8. Paise Do Joote Lo
Some fun to lighten the mood. Pose for this one. We agree that you'll feel a little silly doing it, but the results will be worth your embarrassment. Promise. The key to giving this admittedly staged shot a spontaneous feel is to get into the mood and let the negotiation carry on for at least fifteen minutes. That should give the photographer plenty of time to get in a few good shots. Make sure that the focus is the groom and his 'saalis'.
9. The Family
Sounds like a shot for the mob, but it's not. This one is for the empty wall in the living room. Everyone in their best gear, a joyous occasion and a new member in the family. A befitting welcome and celebration - let the young and the old alike say cheese!
10. For Eternity
Take away a room full of guests watching your every move and the din of cheers, and you just have each other. Married. Finally. Make space for yourselves in a quiet corner with a simple backdrop and get the photographer to do a few shots of the two of you together. This is the beginning of your new life together, and you want a few memories to carry you through the tough times. Hold hands, put your arms around each other and share a kiss even... if you are worried about conservative elders in the family, have a word with the photographer and ask him to courier the photos to you personally. Some memories are worth the extra effort just like your marriage will be!
