In an era where every frame tells a story, Soniya Dembla Balwani stands as a name synonymous with redefining wedding cinematography in India. As the Director of Camera Crew, she has transformed how love stories are immortalised—infusing cinematic artistry with raw emotion and timeless storytelling. Recently honoured as one of ET Panache Women of the Year 2025 at the prestigious WOW Awards Asia 2025, Soniya represents the new generation of creators who blend emotion, innovation, and precision behind the lens.
In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about how wedding films have evolved from traditional portraits to immersive experiences, the creative discipline behind same-day edits, and the future of capturing love in a digital-first world.
1. You’ve been working in the wedding and events industry for a while now. How have you seen wedding cinematography and photography evolve over the years, both in style and technology?
Over the years, working in the wedding and events industry, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in both the style and technology behind wedding cinematography and photography.
When I first started, the focus was very much on posed portraits and traditional coverage — think classic group shots, structured timelines, and bright, airy edits. These were beautiful in their own way, but they often prioritized perfection over personality.
Today, the approach is completely different. There’s been a clear shift toward storytelling and authenticity. Couples want their day captured as it unfolds — the raw emotions, in-between moments, and unscripted reactions. Editorial and cinematic styles have also grown in popularity, with many couples inspired by fashion magazines and film aesthetics. I love that we now get to blend timeless elegance with modern, moody tones and intentional lighting to create something that truly reflects each couple’s personality.
Overall, wedding cinematography and photography have moved from simply documenting a day to crafting an immersive, cinematic experience that reflects each couple’s personality and story.
2. Same-day reels and motion stills are becoming standard in weddings. How do you manage the pressure of creating these highlights while keeping the full wedding story intact?
Same-day edits and motion stills definitely add pressure, but the value they bring makes all the difference. I’ve learnt to manage the pressure through preparation and smart workflow. For me, it starts well before the wedding day — I go in with a clear plan, knowing which key moments will translate beautifully into a quick highlight. I keep an eye out for genuine emotions, dynamic movements, and clean compositions that can stand on their own.
During the wedding, we work closely as a team to stay organized. While I’m capturing moments, someone is usually backing up footage and tagging clips in real time. That way, when it’s time to create the same-day films, we’re not starting from scratch — we already have a narrative set in our minds.
We also build my coverage in layers: short-form content first, full story second. By capturing intentionally and editing efficiently, we can deliver a quick, cinematic highlight without sacrificing the depth of the full film. It’s a balancing act, but when couples see their film the same night and relive those moments instantly, it’s always worth it.
3. Social media has changed how couples want their weddings captured. How do you adapt your style for platforms like Instagram without losing authenticity?
Couples are looking for a stronger focus on visually striking, shareable moments. To adapt without losing authenticity, I balance curated hero shots with genuine candid moments, ensuring both look natural and timeless. I use clean edits and natural light, shoot in both vertical and horizontal formats for different platforms, and plan key Instagrammable moments without over-staging. Quick sneak peeks within a day or two keep couples excited to share, while the full gallery preserves the emotional storytelling of the day.
4. Raw and candid shots, along with formats like motion stills, cinemagraphs, and short videos, are becoming popular but can be tricky to execute. What techniques do you use to decide which moments suit each format and make these imperfect shots work effectively?
Raw and candid shots, motion stills, cinemagraphs, and short videos all shine when they’re matched thoughtfully to the moment. I focus on the emotion and movement in each scene to decide the format. Spontaneous laughter, tears, or quiet exchanges work best as raw photos, capturing genuine emotion without over-polish. Subtle, repetitive actions—like a veil fluttering or candles flickering—are ideal for cinemagraphs, drawing the viewer’s eye through gentle motion. Motion stills work well during near-static moments, like a couple holding hands or standing in a breeze, adding a touch of life without losing the stillness. For short videos, I look for narrative beats—entrances, first looks, or energetic dance floor moments—to create quick, emotional highlights. Rather than forcing a format, I let the natural rhythm of the event guide the choice, embracing imperfections like blur or uneven light to make the moment feel real and intimate.
5. Real-time social media coverage is becoming increasingly common at weddings. Do you see it becoming the norm, and how might it change the role of wedding cinematographers?
Real-time social media coverage is gaining popularity, but it’s unlikely to fully become the norm. Many couples still prefer to be fully present on their wedding day, leaving the storytelling to unfold after the event through carefully crafted films. While some may want a few live snippets shared, most still value the artistry and emotion that comes from thoughtful editing and storytelling. For cinematographers, this means their core role as storytellers remains intact, with perhaps some minor adaptation to offer optional quick highlights. Rather than replacing anything, real-time sharing will likely remain an added service, not a standard expectation.
6. Looking ahead, how do you see weddings being captured and remembered — from hybrid media and raw aesthetics to technologies like VR or immersive experiences?
Looking ahead, weddings will be captured through a blend of hybrid media, raw aesthetics, and emerging immersive technologies. Couples will increasingly embrace a mix of photography, short-form video, audio moments, and motion-based formats to create layered, authentic storytelling. The trend toward raw, unfiltered styles will continue, highlighting real emotions over overly polished perfection. At the same time, immersive experiences like 360° footage and VR could allow couples to revisit their day as if they were right there again, offering a deeper emotional connection. These innovations will enhance how weddings are remembered while keeping the focus on genuine, personal storytelling.
Nowadays, where love is often filtered through pixels and trends, Soniya Dembla Balwani continues to stand for authenticity, emotion, and artistry. Through her lens, weddings aren’t just captured—they’re felt.
