Indian Wedding Photography | Sanji in Harrow
Sanjay Gohil is an established Asian wedding photographer himself, so I was thrilled to be given the privilege of shooting his and Pinki’s Saanji in Harrow, Middlesex.
For the non-Asian/Indian folks, a Saanji is an Indian pre wedding event whereby the bride and groom’s families get together for a good song and dance. The purpose is to break the ice and bring the two families closer together before the main wedding. That’s my overly simple explanation anyway. :-)
This was the first ever Hindu event where I was the lead photographer. And boy was I nervous! But thankfully it all worked out. Pinki, Sanjay and their families were a joy to work with so it made things a little easier and calmed the nerves a bit. On top of that, everyone loved the images! So panic over. :D
A massive thank you to Sanjay for trusting me and giving me an opportunity to experience the amazing culture and atmosphere of an Indian wedding event. The array of rituals, dances and performances that take place are just awesome.
For me, as a documentary wedding photographer, it was heaven! There was so much going on. And to think that this is just one of many pre wedding events too! I’m really looking forward to my journey into the world of Indian wedding photography.
Here is a selection of images of the event. I would love to hear your feedback, so do leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Alexander @ heart of PHOTO says
It is amazing how many cultures there really is out there. All this in different kinds of weddings. It is very interesting to see this. And you manage to capture the photos in a way that makes you feel how intensive these moments must be.
I must say I really love your work and is really looking forward to the new posts you will be posting from now on. Subscribed to your e-mail list and I hope that an email from your website will drop down soon.
Jay says
Thank you for all the compliments everyone.. appreciate it.. :-)
Sanjay, we definitely enjoyed ourselves! Especially as everyone there were so good to us. Would love to be part of your next family event.. :-)
Timothy says
I always love pictures like these, the stories are endless.
Shaun says
Really love your work. Very inspirational and crisp looking images!! Thanks for sharing.
Sanjay and Pinki says
What can we say guys…FABULOUS!
On the day you guys were brilliant, everyone loved you and I could see that you were enjoying yourself too and the results show that…well done for some fantastic work!
Thank so for your hard work :D Can’t wait to see the rest!
Sanj
James Reyes says
The little girl here is so cute. Great framing with keeping the dancers in a U shape around her.
John Fremkaldelse says
Oh wow – those shots are amazing!
Wish weddings in denmark where like that!
Gouri says
Wow, that’s just amazing!
Matt Haines says
What a beautiful “decisive moment” you captured on that first image. You captured the little girl’s body language showing curiosity, and at the same time you caught her as she moved through a thin sliver of light. Are you secretly a ‘street photographer’ a la Henri Cartier-Bresson perhaps? :)
Jay says
Thanks for the compliment Matt.. This shot is actually incomplete.. I saw the little girl wondering around the main dancing area and then she stopped to look around at the pot in the middle.. she actually had more light spilling onto her, but that light was blocked by at the very last minute by 2-3 guests.. the intention was to capture her looking angelic with a strip of light shining on her..
But still, it is one of my favourite shots from the day.. :-)