From local charm to global glamour, Kol couples take pre-wedding shoots to new heights
Times of India | 13 December 2024
Kolkata: From aerial shots to action cameras, from foreign locales to historic backdrops, pre-wedding shoots have transformed into an industry with Kolkata couples splurging to capture their "candid moments" before they tie the knot.
Until a few years ago, a pre-wedding shoot meant posing in different Kolkata pockets, like the flower market or Bow Barracks, or hopping on to a hand-pulled rickshaw or the iconic yellow cab. However, couples are now taking it several notches higher by travelling to weekend destinations or flying to other states, or even different countries, with the whole entourage just for the pre-wedding shoot.
Previously limited to urban settings, couples are now venturing beyond city boundaries for their photo shoots. "Even until a few years ago, a pre-wedding shoot meant clicking couples in different areas of the city. Many times, we even had to coax the couple to come closer or put their arms around each other to pose. But that has changed. Couples are now keen on exploring locations outside Kolkata, from a ‘baganbari' on the outskirts to places like Darjeeling or Gangtok. Those with a higher budget travel to Rajasthan, Goa, or Puducherry for the pre-wedding shoot. Then there is a small section that travels to Turkey, Maldives, and Thailand for their pre-wedding shoots," said Prakash Dugar of Paint Me a Story, who specialises in wedding and pre-wedding photography.
The budget for a pre-wedding shoot ranges between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 4 lakh, depending on the location, the agency, and the equipment used. "There is a separate budget for pre-wedding shoots, and couples book their photographer well in advance," said Arghya Sen, a wedding photographer in Kolkata. The budget for destinations like Darjeeling or Gangtok is anywhere near Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, while travelling to Rajasthan, Goa, or Puducherry can set one back by Rs 2 lakh-Rs 2.5 lakh.
The changes in pre-wedding shoots also reflect broader societal changes. The shift from shy, formal poses to intimate, expressive frames aligns with a growing emphasis on individuality and self-expression. Social media has also played a significant role, influencing trends and creating a desire for visually appealing and shareable content.
Ayushi and Mayank, both from Kolkata, met in Mumbai in 2021 while working there. Earlier this month, they travelled to Mumbai for their pre-wedding shoot. "Pre-wedding shoots offer an opportunity to capture unique moments and stories that reflect the couple's personality and relationship. We chose Mumbai because we met there for the first time, and the place means a lot to us," said Mayank.
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