Are you dreaming of the perfect Muslim wedding photography in NYC to capture the unforgettable moments of your special day?
As a wedding photographer who’s had the joy of capturing many beautiful Muslim weddings—and as a Pakistani woman who calls NYC home—I’ve picked up some wonderful tips and ideas along the way.
Let me share them with you so you can have stunning Muslim wedding couple photos you’ll cherish forever. Ready to explore them together? Let’s dive in.
How to make the most out of your Muslim wedding photography
When planning your photoshoot, a few key elements can make all the difference:
Choosing the right photographer, finding the perfect location, deciding on the type of shots (like portraits, ceremony moments, or close-up details), and figuring out those picture-perfect poses. So firstly, be sure to…
1. Hire a photographer that understands your love
It’s so important to work with someone you feel comfortable with, someone who genuinely loves and respects your culture as much as you do.
Whether they are Muslim themselves or from a similar cultural background, this can help ensure that they truly understand you and everything you are looking for.
If you’re not sure where to find someone like this, you can start by looking at my work here. I’d be honored to help with your photoshoot.
I have had the honor of photographing Bangladeshi weddings, Palestinian weddings, Indian weddings, and of course, Pakistani weddings!
As a Pakistani female photographer, I love connecting with Pakistani and other South Asian/Muslim families. In fact, I’m planning a trip to Lahore in Pakistan next week—how exciting is that?
2.Thoughtfully prepare your shot list
Next up is your shot list! To make the most of every moment during your festivities, I recommend you plan ahead and think about the kinds of photos you’d love to see in your wedding album.
While it’s always best to discuss this with your photographer, you can start by browsing through some ideas on your own and then share them during your consultation.
If you’re looking for a little extra inspiration, my tips below will give you some creative ideas for poses and backdrops that will make your photoshoot truly unforgettable.
3. Think about what backdrop speaks ~YOU
Alright, let’s talk about location. Is there a place that holds a special meaning for you, or somewhere you’ve always admired? If so, that could be the perfect spot for your photoshoot.
But if you’re not sure and you’re in NYC, I’ve got some top picks for you. If you’re drawn to the city’s vibrant energy, why not make the most of New York’s iconic skyline?
One Muslim couple I photographed (Faisal & Jenny) chose The Lofts at Prince in Manhattan, and the city’s backdrop made for stunning photos. If you’re more of a nature lover, consider a photoshoot in a serene park or a dreamy garden.
For example, with this other couple (Ashley & Ahad), we captured their intimate garden ceremony at Wickham Park in Connecticut, and the setting was nothing short of magical.
But if Connecticut is too far for you, there are plenty of parks in NY that make for a fantastic pre-photoshoot or wedding photoshoot experience.
4. Steal some of these photoshoot ideas
The poised style (solo & couple portraits)
One of the more traditional trends in Muslim wedding photography is the elegant, poised style of portraiture. As the marrying couple, it’s common to be photographed in a composed manner, inspired by timeless royal portraits.
These carefully arranged poses not only highlight your grace but also showcase the full beauty and detail of your outfits, creating a truly captivating image.
This style works for solo portraits as well as couple shots.
Veil shots
I absolutely love this shot of Jenny behind her veil, especially the way we highlighted it. Playing around with angles and colors was so much fun, and that’s why we also went for a black and white version.
Highlighting your dupatta in creative ways—whether it’s flowing in the wind or capturing you softly behind it will add a romantic & slightly mysterious touch to your photos.
The dancing & in love couple shots
Another charismatic shot that feels more genuine than the classic stand-and-pose is capturing the two of you dancing, just feeling free and connected.
The movement brings out the joy between you, and if you’re wearing a traditional Muslim nikkah dress, the spinning motion will beautifully showcase its elegance, unique shape, and little details.
Fun family photos
One thing I truly admire about Muslim culture is the deep respect and value placed on family. If you have your loved ones around, consider including multiple generations in your wedding photos to honor your family’s heritage and traditions.
A shot with grandparents, parents, and the two of you as a couple can be incredibly moving.
And if you’re a fun-loving bunch, why not try a playful group photo? Take, for instance, this shot from Faisal and Jenny’s wedding—Faisal had a group photo with his men. In one shot, everyone playfully jumped on Faisah, and in another, they all looked in different directions.
These playful moments can add a fun, exciting vibe to your photoshoot and make the experience even more memorable!
5. And, don’t forget to capture these important details
Capture the signing of the Nikkah
Be sure to capture a shot of the two of you during the signing of the Nikkah contract (and maybe along with your witnesses too). This moment is incredibly powerful and meaningful.
I always love photographing it because it’s often filled with deep emotion and holds such significance in a Muslim wedding.
Highlight your bridal Hijab
Show off your beautifully designed hijab along with your modern jewelry. I always recommend capturing shots that highlight your hijab, especially if it features pearls, or crystals as your jewelry.
This combination gives a fresh, modern twist to traditional hijab styles, making your look truly unique.
Embrace the Islamic calligraphy & designs
If you’re getting henna done for your Muslim wedding, be sure to capture close-up shots of your hands showcasing those carefully-selected designs.
Whether you choose Quranic verses to display beautifully on signs, the names of you and your partner traced onto the bride’s hands, or something entirely different and special to you…These details add a beautiful, personal touch to your photos and make them unique to your Islamic culture.
Final thoughts on Muslim wedding couple photos
And there you have it! If you want to make the most of your Muslim wedding photography, just follow the tips above and you’ll be all set. What I love most about Muslim photoshoots in NYC is how we get to blend the rich traditions of the culture with modern elements.
Whether it’s adding contemporary jewelry or featuring the NYC skyline as your backdrop, these touches bring your photos to life. Plus, with your outfits having so many thoughtful details and special designs, it would be a shame not to capture that professionally.
Remember, these tips are just a starting point for inspiration—what’s most important is staying true to yourselves and doing what feels authentic to you both.
If you’re looking to work with someone who truly understands you, shares a similar cultural background (Pakistani here!), and has experience capturing both Muslim and interracial love stories, I’d be thrilled to be part of your big day.
Whether you’re planning a multi-day wedding and need a photographer for the entire event or just a pre- or post-wedding photoshoot, I’m here for you. Reach out to me here, and let’s chat about your vision!
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