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Indian Express

How cinematic wedding photography is redefining the modern shaadi album

The lens has shifted – quite literally – in how weddings are being captured today. Gone are the days of stiff poses, staged smiles, and cookie-cutter albums. A growing number of couples are embracing cinematic wedding photography, a style that weaves together emotion, movement, and mood to create visuals that look and feel straight out of a film. From sweeping wide-angle shots that echo romantic dramas to intimate, candid frames lit like scenes from a love story, this approach values authenticity over perfection. It's not just about recording an event, it's about narrating a journey. But what's behind this shift, and what does it really take to turn real-life moments into cinematic magic? 'Unlike traditional wedding photography, which often focuses on posed portraits and formal documentation, cinematic photography is all about candid moments, atmospheric visuals, and creating a timeless visual story,' explained Ketan Sharma, a wedding photographer. 'It combines artistry, movement, and emotion — offering a cinematic experience that transports viewers into the heart of the celebration.' Sourasish Dutta, a Kolkata-based wedding photographer, said, 'Indian weddings now spotlight the to-be-weds more than anything else. For us as visual artists, it's an opportunity to share the story of their journey through visuals, where photos take the place of words.' He also said, 'We understand their individual stories from the deep, and recreate the same through our lenses. This creates a storytelling effect that is comparable to films only.' Jatin and Yashita from Unscripted Co. echoed this sentiment: 'The cinematic approach is rooted in the authenticity of the day. It's about creating frames that evoke intimacy and nostalgia, the kind of visuals that transport you back to that exact feeling. That's the difference.' According to Sharma, it's a mix of intentional lighting, thoughtful composition, and post-production artistry. 'Dramatic lighting – like soft diffused light or strong backlighting – can help evoke mood. Composition techniques such as leading lines, framing, and depth of field guide the eye. And cinematic editing through colour grading adds richness and atmosphere. Movement, slow-motion shots, and creative angles also play a huge role in making everything feel immersive,' he said. But for Jatin and Yashita, it's not just about technique. 'Connection is everything. Our superpower is empathy; we try to understand each couple's energy and blend into the background to capture natural moments. We always tell them to have fun. The best visuals happen when couples are genuinely enjoying themselves,' they said. 'Absolutely,' said Dutta. 'Wedding photography has become a breeding ground for innovation and originality. Most couples come to us with a clear idea of what they want, and it's rarely something they've already seen. They're always chasing uniqueness. It keeps us on our toes.' 'Honestly, as a Gen Z couple ourselves, we strongly relate to the to-be-weds we speak to when they say they would want to enjoy their wedding day and would want moments captured in a way that feels spontaneous, intimate, and timeless. That's what the cinematic approach is all about. More and more couples are gravitating towards this, and we love it,' said Yashita. 'Shooting with a cinematic approach at weddings presents challenges like unpredictable lighting, fast-paced moments, and limited time for setups. Because everything is live we can't ask anyone to repeat anything,' said Sharma. For Dutta, it depends on the uniqueness of the project. 'For instance, locations can become a challenge if far away, as the journey often leads to misplacement of something important to the bride and groom,' he said. Balancing authenticity with cinematic flair is another challenge Jatin and Yashita mentioned. 'It's easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect shot, but we must remember we're telling someone's real story. The key is to enhance the natural moments with artistry, without making the day feel staged. When done right, these challenges lead to a deeper, more meaningful storytelling experience that creates lasting memories,' they said. Swarupa is a Senior Sub Editor for the lifestyle desk at The Indian Express. With a passion for storytelling, she delves into the realms of art & culture, fitness, health, nutrition, psychology, and relationships, empowering her readers with valuable insights. ... Read More