The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Wedding Photographer and Videographer in India

The Importance of Wedding Photography and Videography

Photographers and videographers are an eminent part of every Indian wedding. It is prevalent to a point where, as attendees, you might not even pay much attention to the camera recording nearby. But let’s take a moment to consider the importance of wedding videography services and how they benefit us in the long term. 

The Role of a Wedding Photographer and Videographer

Long after the last morsel of ghevar is savoured and the final notes of the shehnai fade away, what remains are memories...and photographs. 

Knowing how to choose a wedding photographer is crucial—look for someone who understands your vision, has a strong portfolio, and communicates well. A skilled wedding photographer has mastered the wedding photography tips to adeptly capture the myriad moods and emotions of your special day, from the glimmer of happy tears in your mother's eyes to your little nephew's mischievous antics. Treasured albums and videos allow you to relive the romance, laughter, and love that made your wedding magical.



But wedding photography is more than just pictures—it's an art. A seasoned photographer uses creative angles, lighting, and composition to not just document but narrate your unique love story. They showcase your vibrant bridal lehenga, dapper sherwani, and glowing smiles in the best possible light. Additionally, a master videographer weaves together dreamy clips of fluttering dupattas and stolen glances into a spellbinding wedding film that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

How to choose a wedding photographer who understands your exact vision? With so many wedding photographers out there, it could get a bit tricky to find someone perfect. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Portfolio: Carefully review each photographer's portfolio to get a sense of their style. Do their images speak to you? Are they bright and airy, moody and dramatic, or classically elegant? Choose someone whose work gives you the warm fuzzies.
• Experience: While there are many talented newcomers, it's generally wise to opt for a seasoned pro who has shot many weddings before. Experienced photographers have mastered the wedding photography tips and thus will be better equipped to handle challenging lighting situations, corral rambunctious baraatis, and go with the flow if plans change.
• Personality: You'll be spending a LOT of time with your photographer on the big day. Make sure you click with them on a personal level too. Schedule a meeting (in person, if possible) to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease in their presence.
• Services: Get clear on what's included in each photographer's packages. How many hours of coverage do you get? Will there be a second shooter? What about an engagement shoot, prints, or albums? Don't be shy about asking for a detailed breakdown of their services and prices.
• Testimonials: Read reviews from past clients to gain insight into what it's really like to work with a particular photographer. You can also ask around in your circle for word-of-mouth recommendations.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Videographer

Much of the above applies when hiring wedding videography services too. Additionally, here are some video-specific factors to consider:

• Cinematography style: Wedding videos range from short, snappy highlight reels of your wedding gown and groom’s outfit set to peppy music, to dreamy, cinematic films with a more wistful vibe. Think about what style of storytelling resonates with you most.
• Audio quality: Crisp, clear audio can make or break a wedding video. Make sure your videographer uses high-quality microphones to capture the vows, speeches, and ambient sounds cleanly.
• Turnaround time: How soon after the wedding will you receive your video? Some videographers deliver a quick 'teaser' clip within a few days, while the full-length film may take a couple of months. Manage your expectations accordingly.
• Raw footage: Will your videographer provide you with the raw, unedited footage in addition to the final cut? An unfiltered clip of the bride in her bridal saree or the groom in his wedding outfit can be quite momentous. This can be nice to have as an archival keepsake.

Wedding Photography Tips for Couples

While thinking about how to choose a wedding photographer is an important task, there are some ways you and your partner can help achieve dreamy wedding photos. Here are some wedding photography tips to keep in mind:

• Schedule an engagement shoot: An engagement session is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and develop a rapport with your photographer before the big day. Plus, you'll end up with some sweet snaps to use on your wedding website or save the dates!
• Make a shot list: Jot down a list of specific shots, groupings, and moments you definitely want captured. Share this with your photographer ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.
• Timeline planning: Factor in ample time for photos when mapping out your wedding day timeline. A rushed photoshoot is a surefire recipe for stress. Ideally, allocate at least an hour for couple portraits and 30 minutes per group shot.
• Communicate your vision: Share your Pinterest boards, favourite celebrity wedding photos, and overall aesthetic vision with your photographer. The more they understand your preferences, the better they can tailor their approach to match.
• Trust their creativity: Once you've communicated your must-haves, give your photographer the freedom to work their magic. Some of the most breathtaking shots happen spontaneously, so embrace the unplanned moments!