Manifest Spotlight: Wedding Photographer 1Plus1 Studio

Whether you’re looking to capture your wedding in a cinematic way, or in a documentary style, rough-around-the-edges kind of way, Manvi Gandotra of 1Plus1 Studio recognises the filmmaking and photography aesthetics that suit each couple’s journey and story. But along with that, she also understands that every business that is helping organise the wedding must be aligned to create the perfect moments to photograph. 

Manvi started her journey in the wedding photography business not knowing it would become a creative passion, and owned it in a way where her talent simply cannot be overlooked. Taking on pre-wedding locations such as art galleries and styles that capture emotions along with the people in the photos, Manvi Gandotra has made quite the mark in making memories come alive for newlywed couples!

In Conversation With Manvi Gandotra of 1Plus1 Studio

Manifest: Tell us about your journey. What inspired you to build a career in photography?

Manvi Gandotra: Honestly, photography wasn’t something I planned. It found me when I least expected it. Around the time of my own wedding, I remember feeling that the photos didn’t quite capture what I had felt. That stuck with me. Around then, a close college friend, who knew about my love for photography, asked if I’d shoot his wedding. At the time, I was working as a marketing program manager at an MNC, and photography was just a creative escape on the weekends.

But I did end up shooting his wedding & that changed something. Being in the middle of all that emotion, capturing moments as they unfolded, it gave me a kind of creative rush I hadn’t felt before. Slowly, more people started reaching out, and eventually one of my weddings got published in a magazine. That was the moment I knew this wasn’t just some weekend hobby anymore. It gave me the courage to leave the corporate world behind and step into wedding photography full-time, a leap I’m so glad I took.

M: And what is it about wedding photography that you were drawn to?

MG: There’s something wildly beautiful about the emotional spectrum a wedding holds, the chaos, the quiet, the traditions, the stolen glances, the unexpected laughter. I was drawn to that richness. It’s the one space where storytelling, culture, design, and real, raw emotion all collide.

Also, weddings are unscripted. You can’t redo a teary hug with a parent or the way the light hit during the vows. That kind of vulnerability, that one-take magic,  it’s what keeps me coming back with my camera, heart wide open.

M: I noticed that you truly master different aesthetics and styles of photography while photographing your clients, how do you learn your clients’ tastes?

MG: The heart of what we do is really understanding who the couple is. We've been in this industry for over a decade now, and one thing that hasn’t changed is the belief that if a couple can’t see themselves in their wedding film or photos, then something’s off. We take the time to really get to know them, their vibe, their personalities, what excites them, and even what makes them nervous. We ask a lot of questions, have multiple conversations, and pick up on the little things. It’s never a copy-paste job for us. Each story is different, and it deserves its own unique visual language.

M: The Art Institute of Chicago shoot with Sisira and Karthik had such a soft, romantic quality to it, while the shoot at Golkonda Resorts & Spa with Abhinay and Supriya was more casual and fun. Can you tell us about those styles and how you decided on them?

MG: Yes, and I love that you picked up on the difference in vibes. That’s exactly what we were going for. With Sisira and Karthik, their personalities and story lent themselves to a softer, more ethereal look. The Art Institute of Chicago, with its architecture and muted palette, complemented that romantic, almost dreamlike aesthetic. On the other hand, Abhinay and Supriya were a lot more relaxed and playful as a couple. They wanted their shoot to feel more like a celebration than a formal portrait session, and Golkonda Resorts, with its open spaces and laid-back ambiance, was perfect for that. It all comes back to who the couple is. I never push someone into a style that doesn’t reflect them. We’re here to elevate their story, not overwrite it.

M: Do you have any tips for couples who would like to work with you for their wedding?

MG: Absolutely. First, choose vendors, not just photographers, that you connect with on a personal level. Your wedding day is intimate, emotional, and fast-paced. You want people around you who get you and will go the extra mile to make it special.

Second, don’t over-schedule your day. Factor in buffer time, not just for us to get those dreamy shots, but for you to actually feel your day instead of racing through it.

Third, share your story with us, the little details, the inside jokes, the things you’re most excited about. The more we know, the more personal and meaningful your photos will be.

And finally, trust your photographer’s instincts. We’re not just documenting the day,  we’re constantly reading the light, energy, and emotion. If we ask you to sneak away for 10 minutes or chase the last bit of golden hour, say yes. Those are the moments that become magic.

M: Can you tell us about instances when both something bizarre and heartwarming took place at a wedding you covered?

MG: Weddings are full of surprises, both weird and wonderful. One bizarre moment that comes to mind is when we were flying a drone for an outdoor shoot, and it got caught in a tree. We were in this remote, beautiful location with zero access to a ladder or help. The drone’s probably still up there, living its best life in nature! On the flip side, one of the most heartwarming things that keeps happening, and I feel incredibly grateful for — is that many of our clients have become close friends. We’ve been invited back into their lives to shoot maternity shoots, anniversaries, or just hang out. That kind of lasting bond is the best reward.

M: What are some major wedding photography trends you can foresee coming our way this year?

MG: A big trend that’s really taking off is cinematic storytelling. Couples are leaning away from just “coverage” and are asking for their wedding to be told as a story, almost like a short film. That means real sound, voiceovers, subtle background scores, and lots of raw, in-between moments that give context to the celebration. There's also a shift towards documentary-style photography, more natural, less staged. It’s about capturing the energy, not just the event.

M: What do you think couples that are getting married this year or next are looking for in terms of photography?

MG: Couples today are looking for more than just pretty pictures, they want meaningful memories. There’s a shift toward storytelling over staging, real emotions over rehearsed poses. They’re asking for photographers who can blend in like a friend, not just a vendor, and capture the in-between moments, the nervous laughter, the quiet glances, the chaos and calm. It’s less about a perfect Instagram grid and more about documenting the feeling of the day, honestly and artfully.

M: What are your thoughts on AI and the role it is beginning to play in image creation, especially in terms of couples opting for AI-created imagery for themselves?

MG: AI is a fascinating development in the creative space. I think it’s opening doors for storytelling in completely new ways. That said, there's a line between enhancement and replacement. AI can help streamline workflows — things like skin retouching, culling thousands of images, or even creating conceptual previews. But when it comes to capturing the raw emotion of a wedding, that human touch still matters. Couples opting for AI-generated imagery might be drawn to the novelty, but the soul of wedding photography, the imperfect, emotional, spontaneous bits, that’s something AI can’t replicate just yet. For us, the real value still lies in human connection.

Manifest Cheat Sheet

M: Who do you think should come to 1Plus1 Studio to get their wedding photographed?

MG: Anyone who wants more than just “wedding coverage” should come to us. If you're looking for a team that invests time in understanding who you are as a couple, gets your vibe, and can translate that into stunning, timeless visuals — then we might just be your people.

M: How would you define your style of work?

MG: I'd say our style is rooted in storytelling. It’s a blend of documentary-style authenticity with editorial finesse.

M: How far in advance should clients reach out to you?

MG: Ideally, as early as possible. We usually start getting inquiries 9–12 months in advance, and popular dates get locked in really quickly. 

M: Can you give us an insight into the pricing details of your photography services?

MG: Our pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Since every wedding is different in terms of scale, location, and requirements, we offer customised packages based on what the couple is looking for.