- Colonial Era Beginnings (Mid-1800s – Early 1900s)
Photography came to India in the mid-1800s during British rule.
Early wedding photography was limited to formal portraits of royal families or elite Indian households.
Photographers used large-format cameras, and images were often posed and staged.
Weddings were rarely documented due to the high cost and complexity of photography.
- Studio Portraits & Formal Shoots (1940s – 1960s)
After independence in 1947, portrait studios flourished in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.
Wedding photography meant a single posed photo of the bride and groom, often taken in a studio.
Cameras were still rare; most people hired professional photographers for just a few key shots.
- On-location Wedding Photography (1970s – 1980s)
Technological advancements (like 35mm film cameras) allowed photographers to shoot weddings on location.
Photographers began covering actual ceremonies and rituals, not just portraits.
Wedding albums became more common and included multiple prints showcasing various wedding events.
- Digital Revolution (Late 1990s – 2000s)
With the arrival of digital cameras, wedding photography in India saw a dramatic shift.
Photographers could shoot thousands of images, edit them digitally, and deliver quicker.
Photojournalistic and candid styles emerged, moving away from stiff and posed pictures.
Middle-class families started investing more in photography as part of the wedding budget.
- Contemporary Era – Big Business & Art Form (2010s – Present)
Wedding photography is now a multi-crore industry in India.
Candid photography, cinematic videography, drone shots, pre-wedding shoots, and reels are standard.
Influenced by Bollywood and Instagram, couples now demand high-concept storytelling and luxury visuals.
Specialized professionals and brands like The Wedding Filmer, Stories by Joseph Radhik, and ShaadiSaga have elevated wedding photography into an artistic and commercial enterprise.