Dos | Don'ts | Album Tips | Preserving Photos
• Let's concede it - most of us are unadulterated narcissists. So portrait shots are most crucial to a wedding album. Use imagination, dollops of it, particularly when it concerns the bride and the groom. The same backdrop, the same pose , the same tight grin make most wedding albums a big yawn. Simply put, this means attempting variations with portrait shots.
• Get the jewellery in (normally seen in photos as one solid lump!), the intricate mehndi patterns, even the jootis - after all so much planning goes into every accessory.
• Experiment with different angles. Shift the couple around so they get picturised against different backdrops (this is also an excellent way of catching the mandap decorations and the general excitement for posterity), so that the whole shot looks as good as a song-and-dance routine in Hum Apke Hain Kaun!
• Maul the monotony by attempting different combinations. Shots of the bride politely grinning with the groom's family, and the groom outdoing the bride's politeness by posing obligingly with her family are expected. But try trickier stunts - like getting the two families together for one shot. This would be a rare shot, will be much appreciated by every family member while also happily providing room for those special fun-filled moments. Such opportunities may never arise again. Bunch all the kids for a 'Only Children' shot. Get the grey-haired, family-heads together. Tether all the teenagers to provide a burst of colour and chuckles.
• Keep eye open for rare shots. Shoot ladies gossiping away at the kitchen. Click at the table - before the guests attack the food so that the lavish spread shows off the healthy menu, get the guests gorging. This captures all the masti-maaza at the marriage.
• It is important to capture the myriad moods. Sneak in on the in-laws chatting, family members in a relaxed moment, kids playing - such moments actually bind the album. The wedding photographer must not be staid. Tell him firmly to go for the unusual shots.
• Better still, have a well-wisher nag the photographer, follow him around. This is, after all, D-day.
• The photographer needs to find out if he will be given absolute freedom with the number of rolls. Since most photographers ask for per-exposure payment it would be wise to fix up such minutiae before to avoid unnecessary expenditure or squabbles later on.
• It is great if the photographer is carrying lights. But otherwise use the flash (seek a local camera shop for advice, tips), especially to give highlights and cutlights. Interesting lighting may be tried with a two-flash and one reflector.
Top | Don'ts | Album tips | Preserving Photos
• Make-up should actually be made down! Brides, bridesmaids, maajis, aajis, aunties and all the rest of those who are most likely to be clicked often need to be told to tone down their make-up. It should not be heavy duty stuff, unless they want to look washed out.
• Avoid shooting the same frame again and again. Photographers, if they are given a free hand with the number of rolls, may do this; make it clear to them before hand that you won't part with money if them attempts such stunts to make easy money.
• Fret, fuss and get fastidious about group pictures (the soul of albums). Get ready, really, to grapple with group shots. Be careful not to allow too much space between people. Loose groups are a strict no-no. These will make faces look Lilliputian, tiny.
• Avoid, with a capital A, wide-angle lens. Normal lens are ideal. But if you don't have much choice opt for a 35 mm lens.
• The photographer has to have a grasp of the rituals. He can't simply afford to let significant moments slip. He has to anticipate the next step in each ritual. Unless he knows the rituals he will not know how and where to position himself. He may be focussing on the priest when the bride and groom are exchanging garlands!
• Don't miss the wood for the trees. While focussing, ensure you get everyone.
Top | Dos | Album tips | Preserving Photos
• Album selection is as important as display of photos in it. Be dandy by being different.
• Agonise over the arrangement of the photos - that will be the best way to tell the story of the most important day of your life.
• Select pictures carefully. Don't lump all the pictures. It is okay to have few fabulous shots. This is preferable to many monotonous ones. Not all your post-wedding guests will want to drool over the do like you would! One well-designed album will be more engrossing than ten boring ones.
• Display depends on developing. While developing, avoid post-card size photographs. They look bad since small pictures really don't contribute color or chutzpah to the contents of an album. Don't be mingy. Go for a minimum size of 4 x 6, or 5 x 7.
• And ultimately, lay-out says it all. You can cut and paste photographs, add your own captions and everything that makes it different from the run-of-the-mill mela. Aim for an album so good that others copy your style!
Top | Dos | Don'ts | Preserving Photos
• Pen down as many details as possible on the back of the photo - who's who, where it was taken, and the date of the snap.
• Avoid using a ballpoint pen to label photos.
• Handle photos sparingly. When you have to do so, do not touch the image side.
• Store photos properly. Do not put them in photo albums which consist of cardboard covered with adhesive and a plastic cover. These may cause deterioration of snaps, and result in the photographs fading and sticking to the plastic.
• Frame photos with care. Use acid-free mats and backboards.
• Temperature, humidity and light are the three greatest spoilers of photographic materials. Make sure you store them in a place that is not too hot, cold, wet or dry.
Top | Dos | Dont's | Album Tips