Soniya Dembla Balwani’s journey into photography began as her father’s favourite model, immersed in his passion for capturing moments. Growing up surrounded by his dedication, she unknowingly cultivated her skills in compositions and frames, fostering a genuine love for photography. Inspired by her father’s legacy, she embarked on a mission to elevate the art form to new heights, seamlessly transitioning into the profession with her inherent familiarity with the industry. In 2017, Soniya was drawn to the enchanting world of wedding photography, where she discovered a canvas for creative expression and artistic freedom. Entranced by the privilege of immortalising the most precious moments of a couple’s journey, she embarked on a journey fuelled by love—love for her father, love for the art of capturing weddings, and passion for the profound impact of photography itself.
Here are some tips from her for creating a fantastic wedding album:
Immerse yourself in the moment: When distractions are removed, good images can be created that will allow you to focus entirely on what is happening right now. Don’t lose yourself on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram; focus on capturing real emotions and interactions instead.
Establish a connection: Before you shoot, take the time to get to know the couple. More accurate and personalised photographs will be possible with insight into their personalities, preferences, or dynamics.
Look for unique perspectives: By exploring creative angles, you can push the boundaries of conventional photography. Try to capture a fresh and inventive image by experimenting with various points of view.
Master lighting techniques: In photography, lighting is of the utmost importance. Develop the ability to use light to enhance mood and atmosphere in a scene by creating beautiful, ambient compositions.
Plan: The key to a successful shoot is getting ready. In order to guarantee a pleasant and seamless experience, anticipate potential challenges and opportunities while carefully planning the whole session.
Think of the colour palette: Select colours and tones complementary to a shoot’s visual style. Harmonising the colour scheme can add depth and cohesion to photographs.
Be discreet: When you’re a photographer, try to blend seamlessly into the surroundings so the couple feels comfortable and accessible. A more relaxed and natural posture can be achieved by building rapport and establishing friendly relationships.
Anticipate candid moments: Be aware of the dynamics of the environment and anticipate when genuine, spontaneous moments are likely to occur. Be ready to catch these fleeting moments in a hurry and in a decisive manner.
Use telephoto lenses: To capture candid moments without intruding on the scene, use a telephoto lens when shooting from a distance. This makes it possible to take more intimate and authentic photographs.
Patience is the key to this: Spontaneous moments can happen, and patience may be required when trying to catch them. Do not rush this process; instead, wait patiently and carefully for the perfect moment to arrive.
Optimize the aperture settings: To ensure sharpness and focus throughout the frame, adjust the apertures when taking a group picture. Do not shoot at low ISOs, as this may make subjects out of focus.
Take advantage of natural light: Use natural light to illuminate your subjects whenever possible. The natural light provides a soft and flattering glow, which enhances the mood and atmosphere of photographs, leading to more vivid and atmospheric pictures.
The wedding photographer’s ultimate goal is to transport couples back to cherished memories through her films and photographs, allowing them to relive the magic of their wedding day as if it were unfolding before their eyes once again. By forging genuine connections with them and blending seamlessly into the background, she creates an environment where couples feel at ease, enabling her to capture candid moments of genuine emotion and spontaneity. Her photography philosophy is centered on embracing the beauty of authenticity, harnessing the power of natural light, and weaving together narratives that resonate deeply with each couple’s unique love story. Through every click of the shutter, she aims to create timeless memories that will be cherished for a lifetime—a testament to the enduring power of love and the art of storytelling through photography.
