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RP Tip #2: Determining worth in a saturated photographic market.

Disclaimer: RP Tips are based solely on our experiences as full time wedding photographers and posted at our discretion. RP Tips may not suit everyone’s wants or needs. RP Tips are offered as a benefit to brides planning their wedding day in an effort to get the best results from a photographer from our stand point. RP Tips are a trademark of Regeti’s Photography owned and operated by Amy and Srinu Regeti.

After retaining our services our clients sometimes provide us with feedback in their search to find the right photographer. Many will say “It is over whelming as there is such a price difference. Knowing what to look for can be so hard. I knew I wanted to have great photos, but I also knew what I could afford. I wanted to know that I was getting not only a great photographer, but a good value for what I am paying, and I found that.”

Many things need to be taken into consideration when shopping for your photographer. It can be quite dangerous when your memories are dependant upon price alone. I always tell our potential clients that “What is most important about finding the right photographer is not about shopping for a great rate, but rather looking at what is included in the rate and what services are you truly paying for.” Find out how they operate and what they feel sets them apart. Any good photographer is current in their market and should know what sets them apart. Ask them, you just may be inspired!

Some things can explain the cost of a well established, dedicated and experienced photographer. Do the images look finished? Taking the shot is only part of the job. What has your experience been when communicating with them? Are they prompt, courteous, and responsive to your needs? After all, it is a service that you are paying for and you will have to deal with them throughout the planning process. Knowing that you are going to get a prompt response when you need it can be very reassuring. People skills are also important as well. Your over all experience with your photographer will be based on these main principles because all of them play a vital role in how the whole communication process of your planning will be when dealing with the vendor, just because he/she is a great photographer is no excuse to not be prompt, you are paying for a service not just for the day of service.

Photography in general is one of those markets where you truly get what you pay for. Art is not cheap although replicas can be found. You alone determine the worth of your memories. Photographs will vary and no two photographers will be the same when it comes to the eye, and the creative process. So as you can see, there is much more then just price to consider when determing who will photograph your special day.

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    You may know WHAT they’re doing. But do you know why her footprints are red?



    Let’s break down Kanku Pagla.



    If you’ve been to a Gujarati wedding, you’ve probably seen some version of this: the bride’s feet covered in kanku — the red vermilion associated with auspiciousness — and the footprints she leaves behind.



    Sometimes on cloth, sometimes on paper, sometimes carefully preserved. Depending on family, community and generation, when and how it’s done can look completely different.



    But the tradition underneath all those variations is what fascinates us. Kanku Pagla literally means those red, auspicious footprints. And the symbolism reaches much further back than the keepsake we see today. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi — prosperity, abundance, good fortune — is represented by her footprints. And a new bride arriving at her marital home has long been associated with the arrival of Lakshmi herself. That’s why one of the most recognizable forms of Kanku Pagla occurs during Griha Pravesh: the bride steps into kanku, leaving her red footprints as she enters the home for the first time as a married woman.



    Over generations, families carried and adapted that symbolism into their own traditions — including pre-wedding ceremonies like the one we’re photographing here.



    And THAT is what we think matters.



    South Asian traditions aren’t frozen in time. They travel. They change. They become regional, then familial. Grandmothers teach daughters, daughters teach granddaughters, families move across oceans…and sometimes the way something is done shifts while a piece of its original meaning quietly remains.



    So the next time you see a bride’s feet painted red and paper sliding beneath them…don’t just see two little red footprints.



    You’re watching a family carry forward an ancient idea of auspicious beginnings, prosperity, and the threshold between one chapter and the next.



    Maybe that’s why we’re a little obsessive about photographing things like this.



    Twenty years from now, someone will know those are her footprints.



    We want them to know why they mattered.

    2 1
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18419354686146227
    You may know WHAT they’re doing. But do you know why her footprints are red? Let’s break down Kanku Pagla. If you’ve been to a Gujarati wedding, you’ve probably seen some version of this: the bride’s feet covered in kanku — the red vermilion associated with auspiciousness — and the footprints she leaves behind. Sometimes on cloth, sometimes on paper, sometimes carefully preserved. Depending on family, community and generation, when and how it’s done can look completely different. But the tradition underneath all those variations is what fascinates us. Kanku Pagla literally means those red, auspicious footprints. And the symbolism reaches much further back than the keepsake we see today. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi — prosperity, abundance, good fortune — is represented by her footprints. And a new bride arriving at her marital home has long been associated with the arrival of Lakshmi herself. That’s why one of the most recognizable forms of Kanku Pagla occurs during Griha Pravesh: the bride steps into kanku, leaving her red footprints as she enters the home for the first time as a married woman. Over generations, families carried and adapted that symbolism into their own traditions — including pre-wedding ceremonies like the one we’re photographing here. And THAT is what we think matters. South Asian traditions aren’t frozen in time. They travel. They change. They become regional, then familial. Grandmothers teach daughters, daughters teach granddaughters, families move across oceans…and sometimes the way something is done shifts while a piece of its original meaning quietly remains. So the next time you see a bride’s feet painted red and paper sliding beneath them…don’t just see two little red footprints. You’re watching a family carry forward an ancient idea of auspicious beginnings, prosperity, and the threshold between one chapter and the next. Maybe that’s why we’re a little obsessive about photographing things like this. Twenty years from now, someone will know those are her footprints. We want them to know why they mattered.

    That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they`re already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it`s not posed, it`s not planned, it`s just two people who can`t help but smile at each other.



    Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you`re planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn`t fit in a box), let`s talk about how we`d tell your story. Comment or DM us!

    3 1
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18181372957416631
    That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they're already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it's not posed, it's not planned, it's just two people who can't help but smile at each other. Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you're planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn't fit in a box), let's talk about how we'd tell your story. Comment or DM us!

    They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding.



    If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life.



    The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding.



    Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground.



    But here’s the part I love:



    Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand.



    The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin.



    And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything.



    Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives…



    …but they’ve never actually been told why.



    That’s the part that gets me.



    Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask:



    “What were they doing here?”



    And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.”



    I want someone to remember.



    The name.

    The reason.

    Who held it.

    Who tied the thread.

    Who taught them how to do it.



    Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears.



    And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

    5 1
    Open post by theregetis with ID 17905784829309096
    They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding. If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life. The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding. Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground. But here’s the part I love: Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand. The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin. And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything. Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives… …but they’ve never actually been told why. That’s the part that gets me. Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask: “What were they doing here?” And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.” I want someone to remember. The name. The reason. Who held it. Who tied the thread. Who taught them how to do it. Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears. And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

    The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for.



    There`s something so pure about the moment a bride`s crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it`s real, it`s unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it.



    Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you`re planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat.

    #SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

    15 0
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18090844091531778
    The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for. There's something so pure about the moment a bride's crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it's real, it's unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it. Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you're planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat. #SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

    Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There`s something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun`s out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who`ve known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald`s but for us --- t`s why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends.



    If you`re planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let`s talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

    16 1
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18122792524764969
    Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There's something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun's out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who've known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald's but for us --- t's why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends. If you're planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let's talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

    There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride`s bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details.



    What`s a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨

    @pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

    5 1
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18017750444866127
    There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride's bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details. What's a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨ @pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

    That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef`s kiss. There`s something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone`s there, phones are (mostly) down, and it`s just family, dancing, and stories.



    @shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa
    @makeupsolutionsbynila


    We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we`d love to hear about it.

    27 3
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18133247002714101
    That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef's kiss. There's something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone's there, phones are (mostly) down, and it's just family, dancing, and stories. @shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa @makeupsolutionsbynila We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we'd love to hear about it.

    There`s a very short list of moments that can rival a mother`s joy on her daughter`s wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I`m not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom`s face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn`t.



    Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you`ll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours.

    @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

    15 2
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18124744342698808
    There's a very short list of moments that can rival a mother's joy on her daughter's wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I'm not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom's face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn't. Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you'll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

    That laugh. That stride. That candid, can`t-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍



    So... if you`re getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti`s and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we`d love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let`s make your walk this good too.

    @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

    13 3
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18027983927847628
    That laugh. That stride. That candid, can't-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍 So... if you're getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti's and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we'd love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let's make your walk this good too. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

    Okay, we said it. Somebody had to.



    After 20 years and more weddings than we can count, here`s what we`ve learned: the couples we click with best aren`t chasing trends or a perfectly styled feed — they want photos that still mean something at their 25th anniversary, when grandparents aren`t in the room anymore and that mandap is the only place they still "are." If that`s not you, no hard feelings, truly. But if it is... we`d love to hear about your day. Drop a comment or DM us — let`s talk.

    36 2
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18484467649097589
    Okay, we said it. Somebody had to. After 20 years and more weddings than we can count, here's what we've learned: the couples we click with best aren't chasing trends or a perfectly styled feed — they want photos that still mean something at their 25th anniversary, when grandparents aren't in the room anymore and that mandap is the only place they still "are." If that's not you, no hard feelings, truly. But if it is... we'd love to hear about your day. Drop a comment or DM us — let's talk.

    The bride told us: don`t miss the little things. So when the caterer started serving ice cream person to person instead of setting it out on the table, we did what we do best — a little hide and seek to catch it before it melted (literally and figuratively). Pink kulfi in martini glasses, mithai on the side, a potli bag waiting for its moment — this is the kind of detail that disappears in about four minutes flat if nobody`s chasing it.



    I scream, you scream... you get the idea. Got a detail you`re worried we`ll miss? Tell us in the comments or send us a DM — we love a good challenge.

    @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

    7 3
    Open post by theregetis with ID 18123102766865857
    The bride told us: don't miss the little things. So when the caterer started serving ice cream person to person instead of setting it out on the table, we did what we do best — a little hide and seek to catch it before it melted (literally and figuratively). Pink kulfi in martini glasses, mithai on the side, a potli bag waiting for its moment — this is the kind of detail that disappears in about four minutes flat if nobody's chasing it. I scream, you scream... you get the idea. Got a detail you're worried we'll miss? Tell us in the comments or send us a DM — we love a good challenge. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav