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Find that perfect location, seal the theme and make a splash online as Camlition Productions share their handy tips for an insta-worthy pre-wedding photoshoot!
Wedding Planning - Jun 14, 2021
A blank canvas to freely express your personalities while capturing the precious moments right before you tie the knot, a professional pre-wedding photoshoot presents memories for you to cherish for life.
However, orchestrating a perfect pre-wedding photoshoot is by no means an easy task! Fortunately the wedding industry has some extremely skilled experts to guide and support you through this process. Ashish Senger, Founder and Director of Camlition Productions which is an award-winning wedding photography and film production company based in New Delhi, gives us an exclusive insight into their creative process as they go about crafting one stunning photoshoot after the other. So if you’re a couple looking to capture some beautiful memories right before the big day but are on the fence about the location or the theme, this might be just the answer you’re looking for!
Why do you think it’s important for couples to have a professional pre-wedding shoot?
Trendy and widely popular amongst all modern couples, a pre-wedding shoot lets you narrate your love story to your loved ones in a more nuanced manner. Moreover, pre-wedding shoots also help couples explore and acquaint better with each other besides finding their comfort factor in front of the camera not to mention familiarizing with the photographer.
A professional photographer and videographer ensures that every shoot is unique. Right from researching on what makes the couple tick to understanding their story and choosing the perfect location to give an apt look and feel to the shoot, they do all the required homework and swing into action.
How do you think a location influences a pre-wedding photoshoot?
The location has the biggest impact on a pre-wedding shoot. To begin with, it is the backdrop which is 50 percent of the frame. A location should never be picked randomly as it sets the tone for the shoot, and a good one leads to stunning end results!
What factors do you take into consideration when choosing the perfect location for the pre-wedding photoshoot?
Since many things are interconnected, every detail needs to be taken into consideration to make an impactful result. We call it ‘web decision making’. From the personalities of the partners, their personal travel tastes, weather conditions of the shooting period to the travel costs every little thing is taken into account while picking the location. It’s all about paying attention to these little details.
What kind of change has the pandemic caused in the process of choosing pre-wedding shoot locations? Are local destinations a new favorite amongst couples?
Needless to say, the pandemic has been very challenging for everyone in the wedding industry. It wasn’t just the weddings that were postponed abruptly but pre-wedding photoshoots also bore the brunt as they were rescheduled countless times. While international travel closed down, the exotic locations within the country had their own set of stringent rules which resulted in couples, more often than not, choosing shoot locations within the limits of their own cities or nearby.
What are the most common themes that couples favour for their pre-wedding photoshoot? Also, can you tell us the locations that complement them?
Contrary to previous trends, couples these days want to avoid appearing cheesy in their pre-wedding shoot at all costs! Instead, they prefer their shoots to be as natural, candid and casual as possible. Modern couples understand themselves better and hence, they want shoots that complement their nature. This is where we step in and suggest locations that echo their individuality. From our experience, here’s what we’ve figured out-
If the couple wants their shoot to look royal and traditional, we suggest earthy Indian locales like Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
If a couple is looking for something that’s calming or serene, we suggest Kashmir, Manali, Ladakh, and Mussoorie.
Lastly, if they want their fun-loving side to be reflected in the shoot, they can always opt for gorgeous beachy facades like those of Goa and Kerala!
A strong theme that reflects the couple’s personalities is essential for a successful pre-wedding shoot. Can you give us a breakdown of your creative process when it comes to deciding the theme for the shoot?
First off and most importantly, we begin with meeting the couple personally and have a detailed discussion with them to understand their personalities. Booking online over a small telephonic conversation or directly meeting them on the day of the shoot often leads to unpleasant surprises. We delve into their story, the kind of music they like, fashion preferences etc.
After getting better acquainted, we then move on to finalizing the overall theme. For example, if the couple loves beaches, then they are most certainly romantics and would love a destination like Goa.
Once the location has been zeroed upon, our team does a quick recce of the venue which is also called ‘pre-filming’. If we’re shooting at the place for the first time, we use this recce to comb through the locality to find prime spots, figure out lighting situations and calculate travel times. An itinerary is then crafted and shared with the couple prior to the shoot.
Styling is another important aspect! It is absolutely necessary to style the couple’s costumes, makeup, and accessories well to blend with the mood of the films or pictures. We also suggest reaching the location a day prior to the shoot as it helps the team get acquainted with the couple and develop a rapport. Each arrangement is made well in advance at the location to avoid wasting time on the field. To make this process smoother in international locations, we sometimes arrange for a local guide who comprehends the language and can show us around to freeze the prime spots.
Once the shoot is done, the footage is checked right away which allows us to improvise and come up with better shots if required. Additionally, we also take the precautionary measure of backing up our data twice on-site and for the third time in the studio. At the end, it’s straight to the editor’s table where the concept of every shot is discussed with the editor.
Couples often experience camera shyness during pre-wedding photoshoots. As photographers, how do you overcome this challenge?
Yes, we often face this challenge which is why it’s always good to meet the couple at least once before the shoot. Additionally, we also keep having detailed discussions with them over calls or texts. The more involved we are, the more comfortable they get with us. One usually tends to be shy while communicating with strangers. With this in mind, we develop a rapport with them which helps them loosen up. Another proven method to avoid camera consciousness is asking the subjects not to look at the camera. However, it’s essential to create a fun and lively environment as photographers where the couple can just be themselves and forget that they are being captured on camera. Candid shots are so much better than heavily staged ones.
What advice would you give couples planning their pre-wedding shoot in the coming year?
Do not replicate others. Have a detailed discussion with your photography team, give them your time, meet with them and let them understand your personalities so as to suggest the right options. Take care of your safety and hygiene while traveling and staying in hotels. Follow all travel guidelines and ensure that you avoid crowded places at all costs!
Tell us your top five domestic pre-wedding shoot locations.
Our favorite five locations in India are Ladakh, Jaisalmer, Goa, Kashmir, and Kerala.
To book Camlition Productions for your Pre Wedding and Wedding Click here
