6 Tips for Planning an Epic Indian Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
If you're planning a South Asian wedding, don't overlook the power of a pre-wedding shoot. These sessions are one of our favorite ways to capture a couple's personality before the big day. They're fun, relaxed, and honestly one of the best ways to get comfortable in front of the camera.
Whether you're dreaming of romantic portraits, save-the-date images, or something bold and cinematic, here are our top tips to make your pre-wedding session feel effortless and editorial.
1. Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Pre-wedding shoots are more than just pretty pictures. They help you build a real connection with your photography team and with each other. You’ll learn how we pose and guide you, and you’ll start to feel more confident in front of the lens. That way, when the wedding day comes around, you already feel like pros.
2. Pick a Location That Feels Like You
Think beyond traditional backdrops. Maybe it’s the bar where you had your first date, a scenic overlook, or a cozy café in downtown Leesburg. Choose a spot that tells a part of your story. From urban streets to quiet gardens, the best locations are the ones that feel personal and reflect your energy as a couple.
3. Dress for the Vibe You Want
Your outfits help set the tone. Are you going for modern and dramatic? Soft and romantic? Traditional but with a twist? Pick looks that complement the location and each other without being too matchy. We always recommend a coordinated color palette and textures that photograph beautifully. Need help? We’ve got you.
4. Props Can Add Personality, But Keep It Simple
We love when couples bring something meaningful to their shoot. Champagne sprays, vintage cars, smoke bombs, flowers, signs—it all works when it feels true to you. Think of props as an extension of your vibe, not the main focus.
5. Those “Candid” Moments? We Plan Them
Some of your favorite photos might look like they just happened in the moment, but trust us—there’s always some guidance behind them. We’ll give you prompts, movement suggestions, and real things to do or say so your connection shines through naturally. You’ll be laughing, spinning, or lost in the moment without even realizing it.
6. Use These Photos for More Than Just the Gram
Your pre-wedding photos are perfect for your save-the-dates, wedding website, reception slideshow, welcome sign, or even a printed guest book. You’re investing in your story—why not share it throughout your wedding experience?
Let’s Make It Happen
If you’re dreaming of an editorial, timeless pre-wedding shoot that shows off your real connection and your best angles, we’d love to help. We shoot across Virginia, DC, Maryland, and beyond, and we specialize in capturing the energy and elegance of modern South Asian couples.
Reach out and let’s start planning something beautiful
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A: We believe it's one of the best investments you can make. A pre-wedding shoot serves two key purposes. First, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to connect and for you to get comfortable in front of the camera, so you feel like pros on your wedding day. Second, you get a stunning gallery of personal, creative images that you can use for everything from save-the-dates and your wedding website to reception slideshows and printed decor.
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A: We recommend scheduling your session at least 3-6 months before your wedding. This timeline gives us plenty of time for planning, shooting, and editing. It also ensures you’ll have your beautiful photos back in time to use them for your save-the-dates or other wedding-related stationery and websites.
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A: Props can be a great way to add personality, as long as they feel true to you. We've seen it all work beautifully from vintage cars and champagne sprays to smoke bombs and meaningful signs. The key is to keep it simple and think of the prop as an extension of your vibe, not the main event.
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A: So many things! Our clients use their pre-wedding photos for their wedding website, save-the-date cards, a slideshow during the reception, a large welcome sign at the venue entrance, or even a custom-printed guest book for people to sign. It’s a beautiful way to weave your love story throughout your entire wedding experience
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A: The best location is one that feels like you. Think beyond a generic park and consider a place that tells a piece of your story, the cozy café where you had your first date, a dramatic city street you both love, or a scenic overlook. We absolutely help with this process and can suggest unique spots in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and beyond that match the personal and editorial vibe you're going for.
It all begins with an idea.