Manifest Spotlight: Wedding Photographer Himanshu Patel of ‘Epic Stories’

Photography might not have been on his vision board growing up, but Himanshu Patel’s fateful encounter with a camera turned his life towards a new direction, and there was no looking back.

Himanshu Patel, founder of Epic Stories, has captured some of the most iconic weddings in recent times, including Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Internet-breaking nuptials in 2024. 

In a conversation with Manifest, the wedding photographer talks about his journey, his inspirations, moments from the Ambani wedding that still remain in his heart and more….

In Conversation With Himanshu Patel of Epic Stories

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

Himanshu Patel: Honestly, photography was never the plan. I was pursuing engineering like most kids from small towns are expected to. But somewhere along the way, I picked up a camera, and something just clicked, literally and emotionally. I started documenting college events, birthdays, and pre-wedding shoots for friends. The turning point came when I realised how much joy I found in telling stories through a lens. Eventually, I took a leap of faith, rejected a job offer from my campus placements, and decided to pursue photography full-time. Looking back, it’s been a wild and beautiful ride.

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

HP: Weddings have an energy that’s unlike anything else. It’s not just about the decor or the outfits—though they’re often stunning—it’s about the emotion. Two families coming together, intimate glances, tears, laughter, chaos... I fell in love with the unpredictability and the responsibility of capturing moments that will never happen again. It's one of the rare forms of photography where you’re documenting real history for a family.

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

HP: Yes, be yourselves. The best images are never the posed ones; they come from real emotion. I always tell my couples to forget the camera is there. Let go, be present, and trust us to do our job. Also, the more we get to know you before the wedding, the more personal and thoughtful our work becomes. So don't hesitate to open up to us.

M: Can you tell us about any fun or heartwarming anecdotes from a wedding you covered?

HP: Oh, there's one moment we’ll never forget—it was straight out of a heartwarming rom-com! Picture this: the bride and groom seated side by side, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The mandap glowing softly, the air filled with anticipation. Everyone watching with love, warmth, and a quiet excitement. It was time for the sindoor ceremony. The pandit, mid-chant, handed the groom the sindoor with a quick instruction. The groom, slightly nervous and not entirely sure where it was meant to go, confidently applied it right in the centre of the bride’s forehead—like a tika. For a moment, there was complete silence. And then suddenly—laughter. The bride started giggling, the families followed, and even the pandit cracked a smile. Meanwhile, the groom looked around, still confused, wondering what had gone wrong, until someone gently whispered the actual placement. It was such a sweet, lighthearted moment—completely unplanned, but so real.

These are the little things that make a wedding memorable. Because in between the traditions and rituals, it’s the laughter and love that truly stand out.

M: How do you think wedding photography has evolved over the years?

HP: Massively. Earlier, it was about documenting the event. Now, it’s about storytelling. Couples don’t just want coverage—they want their personalities reflected, their love story told in a way that feels authentic. There's a lot more emotion, experimentation, and intention behind how we shoot and how couples approach their weddings now. And I love that.

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

HP: In 2025, wedding photography is becoming far more expressive and bold. There’s a noticeable shift toward editorial-inspired aesthetics, think Dutch tilts, direct flash, mist filters that create this soft, nostalgic glow. Couples are drawn to visuals that feel intentional yet effortless. Cinematic documentary styles are still thriving. We're focusing more than ever on raw emotions, quiet behind-the-scenes moments, and the kind of storytelling that feels authentic rather than curated. There’s also a rise in creative experimentation, framing that breaks the rules, intentional motion blur, and even a resurgence of film photography for that tactile, timeless look.

On the backend, AI is quietly transforming the post-production process. It’s making editing more efficient while still preserving the soul of the image, which is really important to me. And interestingly, intimate destination weddings are on the rise. They offer the perfect canvas for deeply personal storytelling, less noise, more emotion, and a lot more space for creativity.

M: You have photographed public figures such as Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani,

Shweta Tripathi and Chaitanya Sharma, Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary, do you have any heartwarming stories to share from their weddings?

HP: There were a lot of moments—but there’s one that really stayed with me. One that’s close to my heart. While the world remembers the opulence and scale of that wedding, we witnessed something far more intimate. As Radhika walked down the aisle with her father, they paused just before reaching Anant. In that pause, they looked at each other—no words, just a gentle, soft smile shared between them. Eyes brimming with emotion. And in that silent exchange, he let her go. Radhika continued forward, smiling through her tears. Her father stood still, watching his little girl take the biggest step of her life. Anant waited calmly at the end of the aisle, his eyes fixed only on her. Moments like these remind me—it’s always the love that truly stays.

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

terms of photography? 

HP: They want photographers who understand them—not just technically, but emotionally. They’re looking for someone who can capture the vibe, not just the visuals. They care about authenticity, emotion, and having a narrative that feels true to them. A lot of couples also want discretion—someone who blends in, observes quietly, and captures from within rather than directing everything.

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?

HP: AI can be an interesting tool, but I believe it can never replace the human connection behind a photograph. A wedding image is not just pixels—it’s emotion, energy, timing, and intuition. You can’t replicate the tear in a father’s eye or the look on a groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time with AI. That said, AI can support photographers in editing, organising, and enhancing their workflow. But the soul of the image will always be human.

M: Over the years, wedding filmmaking has taken precedence over wedding photography. What are your thoughts on this?

HP: There’s no doubt that wedding filmmaking has gained significant momentum in recent years—and rightfully so. Films have the power to evoke emotion through movement, sound, and narrative pacing. A well-made wedding film can transport you back to that exact moment,the tremble in the voice, the laughter between speeches, the music, the ambience. It’s immersive.But here’s the thing: photography hasn’t lost its place, it’s just evolved quietly and gracefully. A photograph doesn’t rely on audio or sequence. It holds stillness. It lets you pause. One image can carry an entire world of emotion in a single frame. It becomes a tangible heirloom, framed on walls, placed on mantels, tucked inside wallets. A good photograph is timeless in a way video often isn’t. As a photographer and Filmmaker, I see my role as both witness and archivist. While films tell the story in motion, photographs preserve the soul of the moment. And honestly, when the lights fade and the chaos settles, it’s often a single photograph that remains etched in memory.  The smartest couples today recognise the value of both. They don’t see photography and film as competing forms, but as complementary tools that together create a fuller legacy.

Manifest Cheat Sheet

M: Who do you think should come to Epic Stories to get their wedding photographed?

HP: Anyone who values emotion over trends. Couples who care about the story, who want someone to capture the real stuff—the chaos, the laughter, the tears, the silences. Whether it's an intimate ceremony or a larger-than-life wedding, if you want honest, artistic, emotional storytelling, we’re here for you.

M: How would you define your style of work?

HP: Our style is a mix of emotional storytelling and elegant, fashion-inspired portraits. I love capturing real moments—raw emotions, family bonds, and all the little in-between memories that make a wedding truly special. At the same time, I also enjoy creating timeless, well-composed portraits that feel stylish yet authentic. For me, it’s about becoming a part of the family, not just being behind the camera. That helps everyone feel comfortable, and it reflects in the photos. I want every couple and family I work with to not just get beautiful images, but to remember the experience with warmth.

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

HP: Ideally, 6–12 months in advance. Especially if it’s a peak season or an international destination. But sometimes, magic happens even with short notice if the stars align. So it’s always worth checking in.

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

HP: Our pricing is customised based on the scale, location, and number of events. Since every wedding is unique, we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. We typically work with clients who value storytelling and quality, and we offer everything from photography to films and curated deliverables. If couples are looking for a bespoke experience, we’re happy to take them through the process personally.