Photoshoot SESSION: TAPU & AMRITA
When you meet a couple as enchanting as Tapu and Amrita, who have cherished each other for a decade, you know their prewedding photoshoot is going to be something special. Originating from Bangladesh, this duo has been intertwined in love's journey for ten years, marking each moment with an affection that is palpable. They decided to have their photoshoot in Darwin, capturing their love before they venture into married life with not one, but two weddings—one in Australia and a traditional, weeks-long celebration back in their hometown.
The Setting and the Sweethearts
Tapu and Amrita wanted a relaxed photoshoot, nothing too fancy with props or elaborate setups—just a simple session to commemorate their ten-year anniversary. They believed this approach would save them time and energy, especially considering the grand wedding awaiting them in Bangladesh.
Finding the Perfect Location
The couple wanted an outdoor photoshoot with a casual and natural vibe. I suggested a picnic-style shoot, either in nature or at the beach. To help them decide, I scouted two locations: East Point Reserve, which offers both ocean views and a large green lawn, and the Botanic Gardens, with its stunning banyan trees, a fountain lake, and an open grassy area.
East Point Reserve
I visited both spots, took some reference photos, and shared them with the couple so they could visualize the setting and choose outfits accordingly.
In the end, they fell in love with big trees, nice shades and the picturesque lake of the Botanic Gardens, and that’s where we decided to shoot.
Planning the Shoot
To make the photos more engaging, the couple asked if I had any props. I told them I had a ukulele and some picnic items, which fit perfectly with the relaxed, outdoor theme. I also looked up different posing ideas online, and together, we curated a selection that suited their style and personality. I created a folder with some suggestive poses.
The Unexpected Twist
Everything seemed to be going smoothly—until shoot day. After a full week of clear skies, it poured rain right when we were supposed to start. We had already rescheduled a few times due to the couple’s busy work schedule, so instead of postponing again, we decided to go ahead with the shoot.
Because the rain had just stopped, the lighting conditions were tricky—some areas were too dark, while others were too bright. Also, this is the first time I did a photoshoot session during dry season in Darwin; and let me tell you, the heat was real 😅 . Tapu, with his glasses persistently sliding down his nose due to sweat, and Amrita, struggling with her long hair which felt stifling and looked less than ideal on camera, highlighted some unexpected hurdles. As a result, I had to delve into some serious Photoshop work to ensure their hair and makeup looked just right in the final images.
Their pictures still turned out very cute though 😊
Tips for a better photoshoot session
Seeing Tapu and Amrita's struggles, I've gathered some handy tips for couples planning a photoshoot in similar conditions:
Bring an Extra Towel: Keeping an extra towel helps manage sweat and keep you looking fresh.
Consider Your Makeup: Ladies, think about using a translucent loose setting powder. It helps touch up your face without smudging your makeup.
Choose Your Hairstyle Wisely: A cute updo might be more practical than letting your hair down, especially in the heat. If you prefer having your hair down, bring a comb to regularly brush it out and consider rolling it up when moving between locations to avoid tangles mixed with sweat.
This photoshoot, despite its challenges, was a beautiful reminder of Tapu and Amrita's love. It underscored the importance of preparation and adaptability—two key ingredients in both a successful photoshoot and a marriage. And for me, capturing their story was not just about taking pictures, but about witnessing love in its most resilient form.
