From exquisite couture to Pinterest-perfect décor, an array of aspects go into planning that dream wedding. But beyond the grandeur of the ceremony and the joy of celebrations, what makes a couple’s big day big isn’t the details; it is the moments and memories. And no memory is as tangible, enduring or endlessly revisited as the wedding pictures. Among all wedding photography genres, couple portraits hold a special significance, and for obvious reasons. They are intimate treasures that couples will cherish for generations. These images become family heirlooms, telling the story of love, commitment and the beginning of a shared journey.
But acing couples portraits doesn’t mean capturing a pose. It’s an art that requires technical skill along with an understanding of human emotion, connection and the ability to make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. Mohsin Ali Photography is a name that resonates in the world of editorial-style wedding photography. With a career spanning shoots across the UK, Middle East and South Asia, Mohsin Ali’s portfolio reads like a global atlas of love stories. Known for blending fashion-forward aesthetics with raw emotion, he moves fluidly between structured editorial shots and spontaneous candids.
We got in touch with the sought-after expert for invaluable tips to help you achieve Instagram-worthy couple portraits.
Break The Ice With A Pre-Wedding Shoot
“Most couples I work with are not models,” says Mohsin. “So it’s important to direct and make sure they feel comfortable. When they are enjoying the shoot, the images will look much better.” His go-to strategy? A pre-wedding session. Think of it as a rehearsal dinner for the camera to help build trust, shake off awkwardness and let the couple see how their chemistry translates into photographs. “It is also a great ice-breaker between the couple and the photographer. During these sessions, couples learn to trust their photographer’s direction while discovering poses and expressions that feel authentic to them.”
Create Mood Boards
Mohsin’s planning process begins with collaborative mood board creation to establish colour palettes, styling preferences and the overall tone the couple wants to convey. “I encourage couples to add as many pictures / screenshots as they can that align with their style and aesthetic to this vision board.” This approach ensures that the final portraits reflect the couple’s personal taste and maintains the photographer’s artistic vision. “It serves as a roadmap for everything, from wardrobe selection to location choices, to create intentional portraits.”
Balance Editorial With Authentic Snaps
While Mohsin is celebrated for his editorial-style frames, he refuses to limit himself. “I do like to mix things up,” he admits. “There’s a lot more authenticity in candid photographs. You capture emotions and personalities in their truest form.” His signature style balances styled portraits worthy of magazine covers with raw snaps of laughter, whispered secrets or the unplanned kiss that defines the couple’s essence. It ensures that couples receive a diverse portfolio that includes both artistic pieces that can be framed and emotionally resonant images that reflect their connection.
Time It For Optimal Results
Timing is everything. Mohsin emphasizes, “I always plan portraits way before the ceremony. This gives us the venue before the guests arrive when it can get crowded and the couple gets conscious.” Pre-ceremony portrait sessions offer numerous advantages: natural lighting is often at its best, the couple’s energy is excited rather than exhausted and the absence of guests allows for more intimate and focused shooting. His golden rule? “Earmark at least an hour for portrait sessions to capture various poses, locations and lighting scenarios without feeling rushed.”
Skip The Checklist
Not every couple fits into the same box, so Mohsin makes it a point not to treat them that way. “I don’t work from a checklist of ‘must-take’ shots,” he says. Instead, he customises each shoot to the couple’s personality and dynamic. The takeaway? The best portraits aren’t about replicating a Pinterest board but reflecting who the couple truly is.
Ensure Unobtrusive Documentation
Portraits amidst the rituals demand a delicate technique. Mohsin’s strategy involves “not being intrusive so I don’t interrupt the intimate moments. When couples are unaware they are being photographed they are likely to be more natural and relaxed.” This style captures authentic relationships and emotions that posed shots often miss. “The key is positioning myself strategically to capture meaningful interactions and also remaining invisible enough not to alter the natural flow of events and emotions.”
Celebrate Every Exquisite Detail
Mohsin understands that “couples spend a lot of time, effort and money on the wedding look of their dreams.” That said, celebrations are a sensory overload and details can easily be lost in the moment. Mohsin makes it a priority to document not just the outfit, but also the embroidery on the bride’s dupatta, the groom’s buttons, the way jewellery catches light and even the accessories like shoes. “These are details couples spend months planning,” he notes. “They deserve to be remembered as much as the big picture.”
Incorporate Dynamic Elements
Viral images often have elements that stand out from the sea of straight-on shots. Think beyond stillness. Encourage couples to walk, dance, spin or even run together. Whether it’s a windswept veil, a twirling lehenga, or the groom dipping the bride mid-laugh, these action shots create visual interest that makes someone stop scrolling. Or create portraits that tell multiple stories within a single frame by including personal props. “I would also suggest embracing unconventional perspectives with unique angles and unexpected compositions. Think overhead shots, through architectural or décor elements, or using natural frames like tree branches or doorways can create visually striking images.”
For more information:
Mohsin Ali Photography
www.MohsinAliPhotography.com
