By Raghav | |
What I Learned After Photographing 10 Weddings This May
May 2026 was a whirlwind month for me as a wedding photographer based in Chennai. I had the privilege to capture the essence of love and commitment at ten different weddings, each unique in its own right. From the vibrant celebrations in traditional Tamil Nadu style to intimate ceremonies held in serene backdrops, this month taught me invaluable lessons that I want to share with you.
Wedding 1: A Royal Affair in Thanjavur
The first wedding of the month took me to Thanjavur on May 1st. Priya and Arjun had chosen the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple as their venue, and it was nothing short of spectacular. With its intricate architecture and rich history, the temple provided the perfect backdrop for their union.
As I set up my Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm lens, I realized the importance of using a wide aperture to get that dreamy bokeh effect while also capturing the stunning details of the temple. I shot at f/2.8 to ensure the couple stood out against the grandeur of the temple. The couple’s joy shone brightly, and I managed to capture candid moments during the rituals that truly represented their personalities.
One of the lessons I learned here was the significance of scouting the location beforehand. I arrived early to find the best angles and lighting conditions, which paid off immensely during the ceremony.
Wedding 2: A Beachside Celebration in Mahabalipuram
Just a week later, on May 8th, I found myself at a beachside wedding in Mahabalipuram. Riya and Vivek decided to tie the knot with the sound of waves crashing in the background. The golden hour lighting was ideal for photography, and I made sure to take advantage of it.
I had my trusty Canon EOS R5 on hand with a 50mm lens, and I set my shutter speed to 1/200s to freeze the dynamic moments of the ceremony while keeping the ISO at 100 for that clean, vibrant look. The wedding took place at the Shore Temple, a stunning backdrop that added to the beauty of this celebration.
During the ceremony, I learned the importance of adaptability. As the sun began to set rapidly, I had to adjust my settings on the fly. I moved from outdoor shots to the reception area, where I had to switch to a higher ISO (800) as the ambient light diminished. This experience reinforced my belief that being flexible is crucial in wedding photography.
Wedding 3: An Intimate Ceremony in Kodaikanal
On May 15th, I traveled to the serene hills of Kodaikanal for an intimate wedding between Nisha and Ravi. This was a small gathering of close family and friends, and they had chosen a quaint resort as their venue. The lush greenery and misty hills added a romantic touch.
For this wedding, I opted for my Canon 70-200mm lens to capture the emotions from a distance. I shot at f/4 to maintain a good depth of field while ensuring the subjects were sharp. One memorable moment was when Nisha walked down a flower-lined path, and I managed to capture the look of awe on Ravi’s face as she approached. This shot became one of their favorites.
However, one mistake I made was underestimating the lighting conditions. The ceremony started later than expected, and I found myself scrambling to find enough light for the portraits. I learned the importance of planning the shooting schedule more thoroughly, especially in locations with natural light constraints.
Lessons Learned from Each Wedding
Through these three weddings, and the seven that followed, I gathered a treasure trove of insights that can benefit both budding photographers and seasoned pros.
1. Scouting Locations is Essential
Whether it’s a grand temple or a cozy resort, knowing your venue inside out can help you make the most of its features. Arriving early allows you to check for the best lighting angles and unique backdrops.
2. Flexibility with Settings
Every wedding has its own set of challenges. The ability to adapt your camera settings to changing light conditions is crucial. A solid understanding of your gear can make these transitions seamless.
3. Building Rapport with Clients
Getting to know the couple and their families can lead to more genuine moments. I often spend time chatting with them before the ceremony, which helps me capture their authentic emotions during the day.
Mistakes I Made
Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that mistakes are just stepping stones to improvement. Here are a few key errors I made this month and what I learned from them:
1. Overlooking Battery Life
During the Mahabalipuram wedding, I didn’t charge my backup batteries. As the day went on, I found myself constantly checking my battery levels, which added unnecessary stress. Now, I ensure all my batteries are fully charged and pack extras for peace of mind.
2. Not Communicating with the Wedding Planner
At one wedding, I assumed the timeline would be followed without checking in with the planner. This led to missing some crucial moments. I learned the importance of clear communication with the wedding planner to stay on track throughout the day.
3. Forgetting to Backup
After one wedding, I neglected to back up the images immediately. Fortunately, nothing went wrong, but I now have a strict protocol to back up files on-site and again once I return home.
Location Tips for Chennai Weddings
As someone who has photographed numerous weddings in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu, here are my top tips for choosing wedding locations:
1. Kottivakkam Beach
For beach weddings, Kottivakkam offers a stunning view with fewer crowds compared to other beaches. I recommend the early morning or late evening for the best light. Parking is available nearby, but arrive early to secure a spot.
2. Theosophical Society
This serene location in Adyar is perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The lush greenery and historical buildings create a beautiful backdrop. Make sure to get prior permission from the management, as they require it for photography sessions.
3. Traditional Venues
For couples looking for authentic South Indian weddings, consider venues like Rani Meyyammai Hall or the Valluvar Kottam. These places often have large spaces and beautiful architecture, ideal for both ceremonies and receptions.
Conclusion
Photographing ten weddings in a month was no small feat, but the experiences and lessons learned were invaluable. It’s an industry that demands adaptability, creativity, and a deep connection with the subjects. As I continue to navigate through my photography journey, I carry these lessons with me, ready to embrace new challenges and capture more love stories in the future.
What camera gear do you recommend for wedding photography?
I recommend a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera for the best quality. Lenses like a 24-70mm for versatility and a 70-200mm for candid shots are essential. Always carry backup batteries and memory cards.
How do you handle low light situations during weddings?
I adjust my ISO settings to a higher value, typically between 800 and 1600, and use wide-aperture lenses like f/2.8 or even f/1.8. This allows for better exposure during dimly lit events.
Do you have any tips for capturing candid moments?
Building rapport with the couple and their family is crucial. I often observe interactions and wait for genuine emotions to unfold, rather than posing them. Being unobtrusive can yield the best candid shots.
How important is post-processing in wedding photography?
Post-processing is vital for enhancing the final images. I use Adobe Lightroom for color correction and Photoshop for retouching. It allows me to create a consistent style that matches the couple’s personality.
With over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I am dedicated to capturing the moments that matter. Based in Chennai, I take pride in my ability to tell unique love stories through my lens.
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