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The Quiet Magic Behind Pre-Wedding Shoots:

There’s something really special about the time right before a wedding. It’s quiet, it’s personal, and honestly—it’s when a lot of the real, unscripted moments happen. That’s why I love pre-wedding photography. It’s not about the perfect shot or the most scenic spot. It’s about catching those little glances, the inside jokes, the calm before the celebration. Just two people, being themselves—no pressure, no posing, just real connection. And to me, that’s what makes the memories last.

There’s something about pre-wedding shoots I never get tired of. It’s not just the beautiful locations or the outfits (though those are always fun). It’s the chance to catch a couple just as they are—before everything gets formal, before the stage lights turn on. No stress. No pressure. Just two people in love, being themselves.

Listening First, Always

Before we shoot anything, I usually ask to chat. A coffee, a call, or just a walk. I ask how they met, what they love about each other, and how this whole journey started. People open up more than you’d expect. And what they say—how they say it—helps me understand them. One couple told me they fell for each other over shared playlists. Another bonded over late-night dosa runs. These little details shape the way I see them, and eventually, how I photograph them.

Not Everyone Feels Natural on Camera

Most people are awkward in front of the lens at first. That’s normal. I’ve seen it more times than I can count. But I never start with, “Okay, now pose like this.” We just hang out. I keep the mood light. Joke a little. Maybe walk around the location. They slowly stop noticing the camera. That’s when I start clicking—when they’re not performing anymore. Those in-between moments? That’s where the real stuff lives.

Places With Meaning Always Win

Sure, I love shooting in dreamy locations. But when couples choose a spot that’s personal, that’s when things get interesting. One pair wanted their shoot at a train station—where they first said goodbye before doing long-distance for years. Another chose a bookshop café. That place meant something to them. And when they were there, it showed. They weren’t posing. They were remembering. That made all the difference.

Time to Breathe

I don’t like rushing shoots. We go slow. There’s no countdown. No checklist. Just time. We talk. Sometimes, we just sit and wait for the light to change. And when something genuine happens—a glance, a laugh, a hand reaching out—I catch it. That’s what I love. Not the perfect pose, but the imperfect moment that actually means something.

Don’t Dress for Me

I always tell couples: wear what makes you feel like you. Don’t dress for the lens. Dress for each other. Some go formal. Some keep it simple. I’ve even had someone show up barefoot, and you know what? It worked. If you feel good, you move naturally. You relax. And the photos will reflect you, not a version of you trying too hard.

One Session I Still Think About

There was this couple—quiet, gentle, no big gestures. We met in a park near their home. Nothing fancy. We walked. They held hands. At one point, she leaned into his arm and he looked at her like she was the only person in the world. No direction. No pose. Just real affection. That photo still feels like a warm breath when I look at it.

Why These Photos Matter

The wedding day flies by. It’s busy, structured, full of people. But a pre-wedding shoot? It’s slower. It’s just the couple and their story. I want them to look back at these images years later and remember how it all felt—not just how it looked. That pause before everything changed. That comfort. That closeness.

No Templates Here

There’s no formula. No perfect shot list. Each shoot is different, because each couple is. I don’t try to force moments. I wait for them. And I believe that when people are given the space to just be, they give you something real.

Final Thoughts

This kind of photography isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about tiny ones—the hand squeeze, the knowing smile, the breath they take when words aren’t needed. If you ask me, that’s where love lives. And if I can catch even one second of that on camera, then I’ve done something worth remembering.