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Memory. It is the first word becoming an important thing in pre-wedding photography. Started by a simple wish of a couple of man and woman to have a series of memorable photos before they are married, pre-wedding photography trend starts booming in photography business market. This chance, of course, becomes a great moment for photographers who are willing to learn commercial photography, especially wedding photography. Beside its less risk, it obviously does not need a lot of capital and it needs a very flexible time. In this digital era, everyone can hold a camera and claim him/herself as a photographer. Admittedly, the smallest risk will be taken, for the sake of a new hobby which is slowly grading into a weekend side jobs.

Small Risk A photographer who wants to start a business on pre-wedding photography measures that this kind of photography is less risky because of its simple packaging – from its preparation to its final product packaging; to simply choose and pick a client, for example. A photographer can freely choose everyone to be his/her clients: his/her colleagues, partners, ex-classmates, etc.Or in other words, a photographer can pick every couple to be his/her “try-out” to present pre-wedding photos.

With that kind of photographer-client relationship, the risk of failure is smaller and so is the possibility of complaint. Here, pre-wedding photography becomes a stepping-stone, before finally, a photographer moves to a more serious level; not only pre-wedding, but also the other commercial photography. As a matter of fact, is this business so simple? Generally, there is no exact parameter in the success of art, so is in the pre-wedding photography.

There are some important elements need to be paid attention to in the preparation stage of pre-wedding photography so that the result will be (categorized as) successful. Theme Usually the couple expect that the story pictured from the photos will be a never-ending memory. Some couples request an old-fashioned theme, daily activity theme, sports, etc.

The photographer’s creativity or meticulousness becomes a very important factor in transforming those themes, in order not to make his final photos as only an ordinary documentation of a couple of man and woman. Ideally, a theme will be given by the couple, and the photographer will then examine and actualize it into a photo creation. But sometimes, there is no particular request or description from clients. No theme is requested? It should not be a problem. Of course, a photographer can explore deeper into what things can be exposed from the couple.

It will be useful if a photographer asks several questions to be the clues for the theme, e.g. a memorable place for both of them or each of their activity it is to picture both of their personalities. Should a memorable place be far, beautiful and expensive? Absolutely not. A small spot in the edge of town, sidewalk, a crowd on a crossing or a traffic jam all of them are more than enough to be actualized into a theme. In fact, the photographer’s creativity is required here.

Communication The photographer’s skill to communicate with the couple is needed not only when picking up the theme and preparation, but also in the shooting session. Thing to remember is that the subject is not a model or someone accustomed to pose in front of cameras without nervousness. In pre-wedding photography, we  photographers shoot the common people, meaning that we shoot people who might not be accustomed to be photographed, so, if there is clumsiness, nervousness or a non-maximum expression, it is natural.

Direction, instruction and communication from the photographer have a significant role to ease the photographing atmosphere. However, a photographer cannot expect too much that his client will perfectly pose as he wants, without being commanded like a professional model will. Without a clear, interesting, sympathetic and relax communication and direction, the photo result will less than optimal. Wardrobe Costume or wardrobe which is themesupportive is necessary for the couple. It will be awkward if the theme is a daily activity in the office, but the couple wear full Javanese traditional wardrobe and hair-do.

Obviously, there will be no one complaining about the wardrobe and location. But the things to remember are the photographical aesthetics and the soul of pre-wedding photos; they are to picture their memorable events (before married). An idea and suggestion from the photographer about the choice of wardrobe, color and accessories will be very useful, and of course, helpful to solve the client’s confusion in choosing.

Admittedly, a photographer is more masterly about colors combination and wardrobe type-location-theme matching, which will finally affect the beauty of the photo creation. Location Everyone is definitely fond of a beautiful location – beautiful to see and beautiful to be actualized in photography. Nevertheless, is every beautiful place proper, suitable and possible to be actualized in a pre-wedding photography? Undoubtedly, digital imaging can very easily move the couple just in a second in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall.

The question is; does it fit the couple’s personal originality, their background theme and story? Pose & Mannerly Freedom Another important thing is the subjects’ pose. The couple are definitely permitted to pose romantically, e.g. to kiss or hug in front of public. But if this is done without direction, or whatsoever, it will only produce a less qualified photo, and moreover, unworthy.

For me, a romantic photo is not merely a vulgar kissing or hugging pose without exploring a more mannerly photographic art senses to expose. Just remember, those photos, undoubtedly, will not be personal consumptions, but there will be a lot of people with distinct ages and degrees of artwork apprehension watching.
Success Vs the Couple’s Voice Alike artwork, there is no exact standard to be the success parameter of a prewedding photo. Then, how does a photographer know whether his work is successful or not? The couple’s voice is the answer. When our works are satisfying clients; this becomes the parameter of success.

Obviously, pre-wedding photography is not merely capturing objects, setting poses, portraying beauty and carving memories, but also creating an artwork.