Maybe you’re a wedding photographer who’s just new in Hindu cultures and looking to improve your couple shoots? Or perhaps you just enjoy spending time with people who are in love? Then this blog post is for you!

Taking photos of couples can be a great way to gain confidence in posing and directing your subjects, all of which you can put into practice with your wedding photography, may it be a wedding in Arab cultures or Sikh cultures.

One thing to consider, however, is that this might be the first time for a couple to have their photos professionally taken. If you’re more familiar with photographing models, then you’ll be used to them knowing what to do in front of the lens. A couple, on the other hand, might be awkward and not as aware of how they’re coming across on camera.

Below are some tricks of the trade that we at Saiaf Films have learnt over the years in photographing Sikh cultures engagements and weddings. Producing images that both you and your client love should be the ultimate goal and it isn’t that difficult once you know how.

Plan Plan Plan

As with almost all forms of photography, having a solid plan in place is the key to success.

While spontaneity can be great for photos during the shoot, you should have an idea of where you’re going and what you’re going to do in a particular location.

Your planning should also consider the time of the day in relation to your location. This will ensure you make the most of the available light. Obviously, you can’t guarantee this especially if you’re shooting outdoors. However, choosing a location with nice shaded areas or colourful backdrops will mean you’re prepared for almost anything.

Brief Them About What To Wear

A common mistake with engagement shoots is when your couple shows up in completely contrasting outfits.
When you photograph a wedding, you can pretty much guarantee that men will be wearing suits and women will be in a white dress. There are obviously exceptions to this but generally, they will be well matched on their wedding day.

However, an engagement shoot is completely different, unless you brief them about what does and doesn’t work ahead of time. Try to avoid bright contrasting colours as these will dominate your photographs and distract from the couples lovely interactions. We also suggest advising your couples to avoid wearing big logos which can also be distracting and problematic.
Instead, you should think about getting your couples to choose more neutral looking outfits. Show them examples of your previous shoots which have really worked and inform them that this will produce the best results for their photo session.

The Poses

When you hear the word pose you might think of a rigid, robotic looking photo but it doesn’t have to be that way.
A certain pose or suggestion to your couple can just be the starting point which eventually leads up to that natural interaction between your couple.

• Walking
• Kissing
• Whispering
• Cuddling

In order to get a natural look and feel to the images, you want the couple to forget that they’re being photographed. May your engagement sessions be in Arab cultures or Sikh cultures, make your couple feel at ease by being warm, personal and fun towards them.