by A Telugu Wedding Photography must capture the essence and cultural richness of the wedding as that’s the most vital part of the whole ceremony. Telugu weddings have been renowned since ages for their intricate rituals, colourful attire, and the deep-rooted traditions that celebrate love and family.
Who can benefit from this article? If you are a Wedding photographer, Bride-to-be, Groom-to-be or Indian culture enthusiast then this article is for you.
As a photographer, I really appreciate the significance of these traditions and I always make sure that my photos reflect the elegance and vibrancy of the occasion.
I must admit that though I have not got the opportunity to do a Telugu wedding myself, what I have seen from the work of my photographer friends – A Telugu wedding is a grand affair.
From the intricate garlands exchanged between the bride and groom to the vibrant attire and stunning venues each and every element plays a crucial role in the celebration and makes it an event to remember for life.
Our role as a photographer is to preserve these moments authentically, capturing the joy, emotion, and beauty of the event in a way that the family, couples and their future generations can cherish.
Telugu Wedding Photography – Garlands
If you are about to do a Telugu wedding photography then having an understanding of the flow of events or in a more professional tone – knowing the timeline, is very important. Not only that but you also must know the importance of these events and how they take place, so that you do not miss any important shots.
Just like most traditional Indian weddings, Telugu weddings also have the tradition of exchanging garlands (Mala). It signifies the union of both families and the couple’s commitment to each other.
To understand in detail about the different approach that you need to take depending on your client’s culture you can read my article about Bengali wedding photography, Tamil Wedding photography and Marathi wedding photography, where I go in-depth about what approach you should take when shooting a wedding that has a different culture than yours.
Fresh and fragrant flowers are used for crafting the garlands, it represents purity, beauty and the sweet aroma of love and togetherness. The couple always have an anticipation and excitement during this ritual which can result in some great candid shots – Don’t miss this moment.
When capturing the exchange also focus on the close-ups of the garlands to highlight the intricate patterns and vivid colours.
- Focus on emotions: Get shots of the couple’s expressions as they exchange the garlands—joy, anticipation, and intimacy.
- Use natural light: If the ceremony is outdoors as a good photographer you must take advantage of natural light to enhance the vibrant colours of the flowers.
- Consider the setting: Position yourself strategically to capture the setting around the couple including the crowd’s reactions. If there is someone doing shoot who is not from your team, communicate with them in advance so that they do not mess up your shots.
- Highlight details: Zoom in on the garlands to emphasise the craftsmanship and beauty of the Telugu culture.
If I were in your shoes I would immerse myself in the moment and make sure that I am able to tell the couple’s story through my lens. It’s these moments that bring out the emotional depth and cultural richness of Telugu wedding photography.
Telugu Wedding Attire – Telugu Wedding Dress For Bride and Groom
Oh boy – The Telugu wedding attire, it is but a breathtaking showcase of cultural heritage and tradition. The luxurious silk saree that the brides typically wear are rich, of bold colours and often decorated with intricate gold zari work and ornate patterns – You really have to take close up, detailed shots of the saree.
Well for grooms, you know we men usually like to keep things simple in life, they don a dhoti and kurta or for those who don’t want to keep things simple on their big day may get themselves a sherwani.
Their attire shows elegance with traditional designs and fine fabrics is what I would say.
One of my fellow photographer friends, Vishwas went for a telugu wedding shoot and he told me and I will quote him “The deep red saree with gold motifs and the groom’s regal sherwani complemented each other perfectly.”
To capture the beauty of the attire you must focus on the intricate details and the interplay of colours:
- Close-up shots: These are must – zoom in on the saree’s borders, embroidery, and jewellery to highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Groom’s attire: Capture the groom’s dhoti and kurta or sherwani. When taking the pictures of the groom’s attire, focus on the textures and patterns that add depth to the images.
- Natural light: Utilise natural light to bring out the vibrancy and richness of the fabrics. Take the attire outside, most preferably at golden hour and take those dreamy pictures.
The wedding attire plays a vital role in Telugu wedding photography – it highlights the connection of the couple with their cultural roots.
If you want to add depth to your photography and the story you tell with your photos, you must document the attire authentically. It’ll also allow future generations to appreciate the beauty and heritage of their traditions.
Telugu Wedding Photography – Marriage Ceremony
Indian wedding ceremonies have to be full of rituals and costumes and Telugu marriage ceremonies are no expectation. They are rich with rituals and customs that carry deep cultural significance.
The ceremony typically begins with the bride and groom sitting opposite each other and they are separated by a screen.
One of the key rituals of a Telugu wedding is called Kashi Yatra. During this ritual the groom pretends to leave for Kashi but is stopped by the bride’s brother who convinces him to stay and marry the bride. This is a very lighthearted moment that gives you a lot of candid laughter and playful expressions to capture.
Another important ritual is the Mangalsutra Dharana. Just like the name suggests this is when the groom ties the sacred thread (Mangalsutra) around the bride’s neck.
This moment is a very emotional as well as a symbolic moment that signifies the couple’s union. Always made sure to be close enough to capture the bride’s joyful tears and the groom’s focused expression as he ties the mangalsutra.
When photographing a Telugu marriage ceremony, keep the following points in mind:
- Capture key moments: Make sure that you are present during important rituals like Kanyadaan, Saptapadi, and Mangalsutra Dharana to preserve these pivotal memories.
- Candid emotions: You must never stop looking for candid moments. This could be anything for example the bride and groom sharing a glance or a smile during rituals.
- Family interactions: This is a very important point. Don’t forget to document the family’s reactions during the ceremony as they often convey the love and support surrounding the couple.
If you want your couples to have a cherished memory of their Telugu wedding photography experience and create a visual narrative that tells the story of the couple’s special day with emotional depth then these are the moments you must not miss. Also create a shot list of Telugu wedding photography poses to make sure that you never miss a moment.
Fort Grand Photoshoot
Fort Grand in Hyderabad is one of the best venue choices for Luxury Telugu weddings, you get grand architecture, expansive lawns, and historical charm. If you are a couple with a good wedding budget, you must consider Fort Grand as your venue.
I once had the opportunity to visit the venue and I must admit that I was blown away by the venue’s sprawling beauty and the variety of picturesque spots it offered for memorable photographs (Though it was just a normal visit and not a wedding shoot – I wish I had one).
Anyways, here are some creative photography ideas you can try at Fort Grand:
- Golden hour photos: The soft and warm light of the golden hour further enhances the beauty of the venue and creates a romantic ambiance for the couple’s portraits.
- Grand entrances: If the couple has booked the venue then I promise you, you don’t want to miss the entrance shots. Capture the couple making their entrance through the venue’s grand gates or down the ornate staircases for a regal effect. The couple will love these photos.
- Garden moments: Even the lush gardens of Fort Grand offer serene settings for capturing candid moments of the couple interacting and enjoying their day.
Here’s a table that I have prepared for you detailing some important shots to take, the best time for them, and the equipment you might need:
| Shot Type | Best Time | Equipment Needed |
| Couple’s Golden Hour Shot | Early morning or late afternoon | Wide-angle lens for landscape, 50mm for portraits |
| Grand Entrance | Early in the ceremony | Zoom lens for flexibility and capturing movement |
| Architectural Backdrop | Throughout the day | Wide-angle lens for capturing the scale and beauty |
| Candid Garden Moments | Daytime | Standard zoom lens for capturing intimate moments |
Overall I will say that Fort Grand provides an unparalleled setting that allows for unique and dynamic Telugu wedding photography. By being mindful of the venue’s features and timing, you can produce a series of stunning images that the couple will be happy to see (they’ll be glad that they chose you for their wedding).
You can also check out my top photography books recommendation if you want to take your photography to the next level.
Conclusion
I guess we all can agree that Telugu wedding photography is a celebration of tradition, elegance, and cultural richness and by incorporating the unique customs and rituals of the wedding, creating an unique visual story that captures the essence of the occasion is what we as a photographer should aim for.
From the intricate details of the attire to the deep emotions expressed during the ceremony, capturing every moment for this is what our job is – creating timeless cherishable memories!
For brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, and photographers alike, embracing the cultural heritage of Telugu weddings through photography enhances the experience and creates lasting keepsakes.
A parting message for my fellow photographers reading this article
As you embark on this journey make sure that you immerse yourself in the traditions and always be mindful of the emotions and people around you. Most importantly seek to honour the couple’s love and legacy through your lens. In doing so, you will create a timeless collection of images that celebrates the beauty and richness of Telugu weddings and your couple will always be grateful for your hardwork and dedication.
A parting message for brides-to-be and grooms-to-be
If you are looking for a professional wedding photographer who can capture your special day the way you want it to be captured, You can schedule a meeting with me by calling or messaging on +91 63931 68553. I’ll be more than happy to help you plan your wedding day. You can check out my work by visiting the homepage of this website – mihirsoni.in. You can also check out my Instagram @offbeatmihir.
I’ll take my leave now, see you guys in the next one. Until then, capture the world one frame at a time.
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