Planning a wedding in Chandigarh is basically a high-stakes marathon. You’ll spend months obsessing over the exact shade of your lehenga or tasting five different versions of the same dal makhani, but then? Many couples treat the photography team like a last-minute line item on a spreadsheet.
That’s a mistake. When the lights go down and the marigolds start to wilt, those photos are the only bridge back to the madness. If you want a gallery that actually feels like you, you’ve got to sidestep these common pitfalls.
The “Vibe” Check is Non-Negotiable
You can have the most expensive lens in the world, but if you don’t like the person behind it, it’s going to show in your face. Remember, you’re spending fourteen hours with these people on the most stressful day of your life. If your Wedding Photographer feels like a pushy stranger, you’re going to look stiff.
A great pro should feel more like a trusted friend who knows how to make you laugh when the uncle-to-guest ratio gets overwhelming. Before you sign anything, hop on a Zoom call or grab a coffee. If the conversation doesn’t flow, the photos won’t either.
Don’t Get Catfished by Instagram
We’ve all seen it: the “highlights” reel. A photographer posts ten breathtaking, heavily filtered shots from a three-day gala, and they look like a god. But can they handle a dimly lit reception hall or a chaotic morning prep?
Ask to see at least two full galleries—from the first makeup stroke to the 2 AM dancing. You aren’t hiring them for ten good photos; you’re hiring them for a consistent, professional record of the whole event. Transparency is the only way to know what you’re actually paying for.
The “Budget” Trap
Look, weddings are expensive. I get it. But extreme bargain hunting in photography is a recipe for heartbreak. Usually, those “too good to be true” packages mean the person is cutting corners on backup gear, insurance, or editing time.
Think of it this way: you’re paying for a decade of experience and the ability to save a shot when the lighting goes sideways. Saving a few thousand rupees today isn’t worth a blurry, missed moment you can never recreate. It’s a family heirloom, not a commodity.
Style Mismatches
Every artist has a “flavor.” If you hire a traditional, old-school studio but secretly want that raw, moody, documentary-style look, everyone is going to end up frustrated. Do you want someone to direct the action like a movie set, or someone who stays in the shadows to catch the real tears? Figure out your aesthetic before you start Googling. If you want “candid,” make sure their portfolio actually proves they can work without a tripod and a script.
The Fine Print Fatigue
I know, nobody wants to read a ten-page contract when there’s cake to be tasted. But you need to know the basics. How many shooters are showing up? What’s the actual deadline for the digital gallery? Are there hidden fees for travel or those extra two hours when the party inevitably runs late? A clear contract isn’t just “business”—it’s your peace of mind.
Light is Everything
You can have the most stunning mandap in Punjab, but if the lighting is harsh or misplaced, you’re going to look washed out. Most couples ignore the “lighting plan” during venue visits, but your Photographer won’t.
Talk to them about the timing of your pheras. A small tweak to the stage placement or catching that “golden hour” sun for portraits can transform a standard shot into a cinematic masterpiece. Trust their eye—they’re literally trained to see the world in shadows and highlights.