Capturing the Emotions Galore at Weddings

An experienced photographer knows when and where to expect the most poignant moments. Photograph/Sanjay Austa

Joy, laughter, happiness and apprehension… Can you imagine a wedding album without these precious moments?

Moods and emotions are in abundance at a wedding. Every emotion that human beings can experience can be seen at a wedding. From frayed nerves and flying tempers, to extreme joy, sorrow, relief and finally exhaustion and a deep sense of satisfaction after the wedding is over. In fact, good wedding photography is all about capturing these emotions.

The subtlest of expressions are the most telling ones, but the most difficult to capture. Photograph/Sanjay Gohil

Document like a Photojournalist
A photojournalist looks for a story. When a whole story can be told in a single photograph, including all the emotional drama, you have a great picture. While composition is important when you shoot, capturing just the right expression is essential too. Beautiful moments like the family animatedly discussing the bridal attire, or the bride and groom passing a meaningful glance at each other, can be captured only if you are paying close attention to them. Of course, like a photojournalist, you need to be discreet to avoid making your subjects feel shy.

The easiest way to make a person look good is to photograph them while they are laughing. Photograph/Sathish Kumar Purushothaman

Show the Cause-Effect Relationship
A person’s smile can tell you what the person is probably like. But it is nice to also show why someone is smiling as well. It completes the story and brings about a new dimension to your photographic work.

Look out for moments where a strong bond between the couple is shown. Photograph/Neelesh Jethwa

Patience is a Virtue
One emotion usually begets another. A laugh can be infectious. Sorrow invariably is shared at a wedding. Capture these moments, and be ready to capture the moments that follow. If you are lucky, you may get a better shot.

Certain rituals can often evoke lighthearted reactions that make for hilarious captures. Photograph/Sanjay Austa

Anticipating Moments
Good photographers are able to predict what is about to happen. Moments are fleeting and you must be ready to capture them as they occur. Once you learn to predict, you will be able to be at the right place, at the right time.

Wedding Photography is a sublime art and photographers are the center of it. Participate in India’s biggest wedding photography awards, Better Photography Photographer of the Year Awards 2014-2015 and win the recognition you deserve. Plus, you stand a chance to win prizes worth Rs. 8 lakhs!

This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of Better Photography.