Before the vows, before the rituals, before the photographs, there is a feeling. Devansh Rangani and Harsh Ajay Mehta of The Photo Lab have built their work around capturing exactly that, the fleeting, unrepeatable emotion that exists beneath the surface of every wedding.
The duo did not set out to become two of India’s most sought-after wedding photographers and co-founders of The Photo Lab. They began as college friends bound by a shared curiosity for people and an eye for the world around them. What started as a passion crystallised into purpose when weddings entered the frame. “We found ourselves drawn to weddings. Not just as events, but as spaces where everything feels heightened and honest,” says Devansh.
Over time, that instinct has taken them across continents, cultures and celebrations, shaping a body of work that is global and traditional. From palatial weddings in Rajasthan to beachside ceremonies in Goa and lavish celebrations abroad, their approach remains rooted in observation. “Through travel and different cultures, and the trust of the couples who’ve welcomed us into their lives, our approach has slowly taken shape into what it is today,” Devansh explains.
The Signature Stamp
Their work sits at the intersection of storytelling and stillness. “Emotion-led and documentary at its core, with a cinematic sensibility,” Harsh explains. But what defines their visual language is what they choose not to do. “We don’t try to create too much. We try to notice more.”
Their process begins with understanding, not aesthetics. “We’re interested in what their everyday looks like, how they are with each other, what their emotional dynamics feel like,” they explain. On the wedding day, presence takes precedence over direction. “We try to stay present and aware, allowing moments to unfold without interrupting them.” Beyond the frames, they place equal importance on experience. “How we show up, how we interact, how present we are, that matters just as much as the work itself.” Over time, these images evolve into something more than documentation. “They become a part of the couple’s personal history.”
The Destination Lens
Working extensively across high-net-worth and destination weddings, The Photo Lab has developed a way of navigating scale, size and style without losing sensitivity. “We respond to the place rather than impose anything on it,” Devanshshares. Whether it is a palatial ceremony in Rajasthan, a beachside ritual in Goa or a garden wedding abroad, they approach unfamiliar locations with curiosity rather than a shot list. From logistics to light, details matter. “Ignoring logistics, timelines, and light can impact everything.”
Preparation plays a critical role. “We collaborate closely with planners and vendors, map out movements, anticipate overlaps, and prepare for parallel moments,” Devansh adds. With guests often spread across venues, teamwork becomes essential. “When everyone works together seamlessly, nothing important gets missed.” Yet, even in the most elaborate settings, their focus remains unchanged. “For the photographs and films to make them feel something, long after the day has passed,” he emphasises.
Tips & Tricks: Presence Over Process
Don’t Over-Structure the Day
The pair emphasises that over-structuring can dilute the experience. “Trying to control every part of the day… the day feels very different when it’s built around experience instead of structure.” Instead, they urge couples to prioritise presence over perfection. “Trust that when the experience is real, the photographs will be too.”
Think Beyond Deliverables
Couples often overlook the experiential aspect of photography. “Most couples focus on what they will receive, but not always on how it will feel. Understanding how a photographer handles emotions, family dynamics, or unexpected situations often makes all the difference, and it’s something worth understanding early on.”
Trust the Unplanned
Weddings rarely follow plan. “We’ve learnt to stay grounded… and trust that something meaningful will always emerge.” Often, it is the unplanned moments that carry the most weight.
The Trend Towards Meaning
From Aesthetic to Experience
“We’re seeing a shift from aesthetic-driven weddings to more experience-led and intentional ones,” they observe. “Couples are slowing things down and focusing on what truly matters.”
Less for Visibility
They remain cautious of trends driven purely by social media. “When decisions are made for how something looks online rather than how it feels, it loses meaning over time.”
More Personal & Intentional
Looking ahead, their vision is clear. “More personal, more intentional, less about volume and more about meaning,” they say.
For more information:
The Photo Lab
www.ThePhotoLab.co.in
