Creativity Watch: Pre-Wedding Pictures

Hello there and complements of the season! I present to you an IP JOURNAL Creativity Watch special on pre-wedding Pictures.

You may wonder what all the fuss about pre-wedding pictures is. For some, it’s a complete waste of time, especially when you consider the stress that comes with the wedding plans. For the majority of couples and photographers, it is an opportunity for the duo to take their minds off that stress and also to come up with something creative. It is that opportunity to create something fabulous even at such a stressful period that is the focus of the IP Journal’s creativity watch this week. Also, it is worthy of note that as far as Intellectual Property is concerned, the author of a photograph is the person who took the photograph and copyright in that photograph is vested in such photographer.

We have featured a wide selection of creative pre-wedding pictures, acknowledging the copyright asserted by the photographers in them. This post also features brief interviews from some distinguished photographers who have shared their knowledge about the purpose of pre-wedding pictures and their advice on taking the most creative shots. A few photographers were noble enough to share some of their work and their thoughts on the subject with us:

Feature 1: Snaptures Photography- Adesanmi Oguntade

Adesanmi Oguntade is a unique Photographer with an MSc in Psychology which he claims helps him understand his subjects more and thereby come out with even more creative material that also meets his client’s needs.You can reach him here: snaptures@yahoo.com

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
SNAPTURES: About four years now
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
SNAPTURES: Portraits, Adverts and Events
THE IP JOURNAL: Any Notable Works?
SNAPTURES: I've taken pictures of Bovi the comedian, Francis Ojo, Virgin Atlantic (home and abroad), GThomes (architectural photography), UAC foods (food Photography), Landscape Photography(home and abroad) ... to mention a few
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
SNAPTURES: I love being able to express myself through my art.
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
SNAPTURES: With each shot, I try to explore my subject's self esteem; they usually want to feel good about themselves. I love my shots to have an expression of me as well.
THE IP JOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
SNAPTUTRES: I use such pictures to take off the couple's mind from the wedding preparation which usually takes a chunk out of their romance. I also use it to form a bond between myself and the couple to ensure an easy flow between us on the wedding day.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
SNAPTURES: Firstly, you need to have a concept for what you want to shoot e.g. Is it going to be indoors or outdoors? What are the pictures meant to say about the couple? What part of them do you want to express? Secondly, When deciding on the venue, consider the time and weather. I’d rather do a sunset shot at the beach than a daytime shot.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
SNAPTURES: It has to be unique, expressive, and should carry a theme. I leave the rest for critics to decide.

Feature 2: Kushymore PhotoArt: Olalekan Kushimo

Olalekan Kushimo is a classic artist and full time professional photographer whose hubby is creativity and whose motivation is nature. According to him, he loves to express what his mind can create through the lens of his Canon 7D; as it gives him the greatest desire and comfort. You can reach him here: kushymore@icloud.com

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: I have been into general photography for about nine years but about four years professionally.
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: I do wedding photography mostly, property pictures, model shots, product shots and other occasions.
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: I get my inspiration from nature and it's environs. Also, during shoots at occasions, the bliss and colorful ambience sets me ablaze. The fun and excitement, laughter and tears all makes seeing through the camera eye a thrilling fulfillment.
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: Capturing the "moment" is one of a few things I set to achieve whenever I see through the lens of my camera. Every moment is equally as important as the next shot I take. With patience and timing, you can never miss it.
THE IP JOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: Pre-wedding pictures generally help most couples create a bond. It takes them away from selflessness, shyness and reveals the unconscious closure that can't be expressed publicly. Fortunately, it is beginning to make waves in this part of the world because it is not something we are used to which is exciting.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: Creativity is usually born out of natural expression. For a photographer, being creative has to do with preparedness, setting right the state of the mind, creating a world of your own in every image, using nature; and lastly, having a fast finger on the trigger.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
KUSHYMORE PHOTOART: It’s mostly about the composition of such pictures.

Feature 3: Jide Odukoya Photography- Jide Odukoya

Popular photographer, Jide Odukoya has been honoured with such awards as ‘Photography Blog of the Year’ (Nigerian Blog Awards 2012) and ‘Carnet de Voyage’ (Invisible Borders, Biennale Benin, Benin 2012); and has successfully carved a niche for himself in pre-wedding and wedding photography. He was also 2nd Runner-up [2nd Draw] Amateur Photography Competition, Nigeria (2012) and nominated for the Landscape Category of the Nigerian Photography Awards (2012). His style is ‘contemporary, urban, artistic and photojournalistic’, and ‘has been greatly influenced by street photography’. He holds a National diploma in Industrial Maintenance Engineering from the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and a B.Sc. in Systems Engineering from the prestigious University of Lagos.You can reach him here: www.jideodukoya.com
https://www.facebook.com/jideodukoyaphotography?fref=ts

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
JIDE ODUKOYA: Since Oct 2010
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
JIDE ODUKOYA: Jide Odukoya Photography is a fully registered media/Photography outfit based in Lagos. We take care of contemporary photography needs of thousands of Nigerians through carefully telling stories of weddings, events and Portraiture. We also handle documentary projects.
THE IP JOURNAL: Any notable jobs/works?
JIDE ODUKOYA: A lot of them, I would just refer you to my blog and documentary website. Well, one notable experience was a documentary I did in Libreville, Gabon about Nigerian immigrants now living in Libreville. It tells paradoxical stories of how Nigerians have tried to find solace in Gabon.
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
JIDE ODUKOYA: Everything I see inspires me. I tend to be more passionate about the human condition...How the rich and the poor live. I have also been working on social/economic issues in the Nigeria. Amidst all this, I love photographing weddings; they are just so interesting for me.
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
JIDE ODUKOYA: For my wedding works, I want to bring out ‘coherent issues’...something deeper than just the beauty of the images. I want it to inspire some kind of energy in everyone that comes across it. For my documentary works, I basically try to tell stories of everything that I come across on a daily basis.
THE IPJOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
JIDE ODUKOYA: Pre-wedding pictures for me is more important that the wedding pictures. Because of the tensions surrounding weddings, pre-wedding pictures put the couple in a relaxed mood and helps to make them understand each other better; while keeping a lifetime memory of themselves. From a photographer’s point of view, it aids a better relationship between the photographer and the couple on the wedding day; so the photographer already knows the dos and don’ts of the couple.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
JIDE ODUKOYA: A photographer can be more creative with pre-wedding pictures if the pictures are well planned. I have seen some photographers rush into it. It’s not rocket science but photographers needs to first understand their clients. Until the photographer understands this he/ she won’t be creative. Again, you don’t want to make your clients do a pose they don’t like! You need to first understand them...and that’s the key. As a photographer one way to be creative with shooting pre-wedding pictures is to make use of the space; be it a beautiful one or a ghetto street scene. The space would enhance the composition. One other way to be creative is the use of lights and perspective.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
JIDE ODUKOYA: Creativity is relative. I think it’s more of what the photographer is able to add to the overall outcome of the shoot; not in post production, but the overall composition of each shot.

Feature 4: La Royal Studios- Lara Tiamiyu

Lara Tiamiyu is a distinguished and successful photographer who has proven that the art of photography is not for a select few men. She is the founder of La Royal Studios (previously called La Royal Concept) which provides professional photography and make up services and also covers and manages events for individuals and corporate organizations. You can reach her here: http://www.laroyalstudios.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Laroyalstudios?fref=ts

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS : Generally for four years but professionally for two years.
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: Corporate, fashion, Portraits, Lifestyle, weddings and Makeup.
THE IP JOURNAL: Any notable jobs/works?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: I’m currently the official photographer for British Council Nigeria and I’ve worked with TOTAL, UBA, Tush Magazine, Fashion Collection, Oge Okoye, Tiwa Savage, Skales etc.
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: The beautiful creations of God. Most things He created can’t be replicated by humans. Also, the everyday activities of humans, what they do, their feelings, their emotions; their everyday struggles for survival, down to the least neglected person on the street.
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: The expressions of what people feel deep inside of them which I’m able to interpret in one way or the other through photographs. It also has a lot to do about my own feelings because in one way or the other they reflect in the images.
THE IP JOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: It helps to close the bridge between the photographer and the couple. It creates a good relationship between them for better understanding of the photographer’s style, how he/she sees things and how he/she is able to understand and tolerate the couple. With all of this, it makes things easier on the wedding day.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: They can do so by working with different environments for each session, view them with 'the Photographer’s Eye’, playing around with composition, lighting, depths etc. In this case, the couple should be of great help to the photographer, they should be relax, calm and be flexible when directed for a pose because they also help the photographer achieve his/her perfect images.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
LA ROYAL STUDIOS: The use of lighting, composition, depths, expressions, attitude, the ‘unfaked’ expression by the couple, the environment etc.

Feature 5: Eastward Eden Photography- Olanrewaju Asade

Olanrewaju Asade’s career in photography started when he shot his first wedding back in 2010. Since then, he has worked with different organizations and individuals. He is a graduate of history and international studies from Lagos state University. He currently runs a successful photography outfit uniquely called Eastward Eden Photography, where he serves as the creative director/ head photographer. You can reach him here: eastwardeden@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/eastwardedenphotography

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Three years
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Weddings, Fashion, Portraiture
THE IP JOURNAL: Any notable jobs/works?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Pearl Awards 2011, 2012. Lassra Campaign, grand opening of the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, V.I, Lagos.
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Other photographers’ jobs
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Making the client happy
THE IP JOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: I’m certain that very photographer has a different opinion on this topic. However, the basic reason I do pre-wedding pictures is to get to meet and know the couple before their ‘d day’.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: First of all, the couple has to be open and one of them (if not both) has to be what I call a ‘picture freak’ so as to help the other get along. If a photographer has all the great ideas and his client (the couple) are stiff, he/she will hardly get great images.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
EASTWARD EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: Before I set out to do a pre-wedding shoot, I would have done my research on the best ways to be creative with the shots. Though during the session new ideas pop into my head, I find that most of the time I already know what am going to do. Thus, if at the end I can replicate what I have in my head coupled with the new ideas that popped up during the shoot, I will definitely have a creative shot/shots of which I can proudly tell myself ‘well done bro’.

Feature 6: Omoboriowo Michael Adeyemi - D'photopreneur

Omoboriowo Michael Adeyemi or D'photopreneur as he proudly calls himself is a distinct upcoming photographer who graduated from the prestigious University of Lagos. He covers weddings, birthdays, showers and a wide variety of events. Alhough we couldn't access many pre-wedding pictures from this source, he was able to share his views on the subject. You can reach him here:
https://www.facebook.com/omoboriowo.m.adeyemi
http://michaelomoboriowo.blogspot.co.uk/

THE IP JOURNAL: How long have you been a photographer?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: Hmmmmm, (funny) I have being a photographer ever since I was in the womb because I was born into a family of photographers but professionally let’s just say one and half years.
THE IP JOURNAL: What services do you provide?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: Photography- when it comes to weddings, burials, seminar, fashion, birthdays, you name it....Anything that deals with documentation of great, exciting, important and even sad moments.
THE IP JOURNAL: What inspires you as a photographer?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: God, Nature and the beauty behind every soul and face....
THE IP JOURNAL: What do you set out to achieve with each shot?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: Nothing other than the desire to capture the best of every moment and celebrating each stage of life. My ability to bring out originality in every photograph making my clients smile to the bank with every job I get: this is my inspiration.
THE IP JOURNAL: What's your opinion about pre-wedding pictures?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: Being a photographer has taught me to believe there are stories behind every attachment and moment: how the couple crossed paths, and how they are amazed by each other's lifestyles, characters and even flaws. It's not just another story, but a story which carries the details and memories shared by both of them till the end of their lives together; including what makes them happy or sad. I know there are countless things which couples wish they could record or make into a movie, but we usually make the idea of the shoot cover the place the couple first met. Also, we encourage our clients to think about something which makes them feel at ease, something they both share and love doing, or even something fun which they have never had opportunity to try out before the shoot.
THE IP JOURNAL: How can a couple/photographer be creative with pre-wedding pictures?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: For me the first thing to have in mind is this question- What do I wish to capture? What moments and details do I need to gather? And at what points? When I have this sorted and both love birds are committed to each other on a beautiful day: that is worth capturing. The happiness that radiates when they both hold each other close, promising each other that from this moment on they shall hold each other forever- all these make the photo-album worth flipping through! Then friends and family will be able to see the meaningful side of their story and their commitment to love each other forever. I believe these are truly the original and important moments which need to be captured.
THE IP JOURNAL: How does one measure creativity in such pictures?
D'PHOTOPRENEUR: : As a photographer, I encourage the couple to choose activities they both are into, doing a shoot at the place they both first met, taking it to the crowd or shooting it privately, and bringing along their collection of accessories. Their best moments spent together, the thrills and twists, what makes them tick etc, needs to be portrayed in such exciting and love-filled captured moments. They need to explore those times and never be shy to be different or to flaunt their love stories! Exploring these ideas, capturing the best of the couple's moments, putting in efforts to celebrate this new stage of their lives; you will be amazed with how superb and documented the results will be! Photography is what I do, this is who I am and it makes me tick.....I am D'photopreneur

From our features, it is apparent that though there’s a way to take pre-wedding pictures, there’s also a creative way to go about it. Why bother taking pre-wedding pictures if all you’re gonna do is feign a smile with a dull pose; that simply looks like you were forced to do it? The couple or the photographer can evolve concepts, and create pictures that say a story, carry a theme or at least display the clear love and affection between the couple. For the photographer, the couple is simply his paint and brush; he must nevertheless see the creative image in his mind and create that image by directing them to conform to it, while mixing up the creation with input from them as well. The camera quality, editing techniques and some other post-photographic elements also come into play.

You can check this out as well:

That’s a wrap for now, catch us next time on Creativity Watch. Remember, the photographer owns the copyright except he assigns it to you (whether or not you pay him for the photograph). Alternatively, you can include a copyright transfer clause in a signed contract between  the photographer and yourself.

Keep being creative!


©December, 2013 by Lola Agbaje-Williams

Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner based in Nigeria who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or follow on her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02