How to be a supermodel bride. Q & A with Fashion Photographer Helena Raju

Helena Raju arrived recently to Philadelphia, but she’s already setting bridal trends with her fashion photoshoots and this issue of Premier Bride’s gorgeous cover. Ever wanted to be a supermodel and pose for a cover shot? Helena thinks your wedding season is the perfect time for such an adventure. But she takes out one key part: the wedding. Here Helena tells us why some of her most glamorous brides are opting to capture their special time far from the rush, the stress and the perspiration of their wedding day. Just think, a little less pressure to maintain your cuteness for upwards of 10 hours.

*Photo credit: Raymond Liu. Instagram: @liu.rymd*

PB: So how did you get into wedding portraits?

HR: I’ve been painting my whole life. I was an artist in Ukraine. So it has helped me with my vision in terms of photography. When I came to Philly, I didn’t know what direction to go first, because there are so many kinds of photography and I just want to make something that will catch somebody’s eye.

Premier Bride Philadelphia features Helena Raju on the cover of their magazine.

PB: Having a separate shoot, that’s not on your wedding day, seems ingenious.

HR: Absolutely. Lots of brides stress out on their wedding day. They don’t sleep and might not look their best in their pictures. There’s so much going on and only a limited amount of time to take detailed, personal shots.

Maria Nguyen is the cover model for Premier Bride Magazine Issue.Photo credit: Raymond Liu. Instagram: @liu.rymd — Maria Nguyen is the cover model for Premier Bride Magazine Issue.
*Photo credit: Raymond Liu. Instagram: @liu.rymd*

PB: And so beyond just taking away the stress of getting beautiful photos on your big day, what else do you offer with these shoots?

HR: I try to create a unique experience and create something that nobody else would have. It takes about 2 weeks to prepare for each shoot. I look through lots of art books and pieces, magazines and fashion shows.

I try to incorporate culture and traditions of my client as well, so the photoshoot is personal and unique.

PB: So you don’t even need to wear your wedding dress?

HR: Most bring their wedding dress, but because this is a fashion shoot, we get more creative.

PB: It sounds like you’re definitely bringing ides ti the table for brides, you create additional visions for them?

HR: Absolutely. I aim to create that editorial, magazine-style look, edgy and minimalistic. We talk about styling and sometimes I would even make a dress! I’ll go to the store, buy fabric, sketch the design and work on the mannequin. I will do minor adjustments on the model herself during the shoot.

Pooja Patel, a model from Delaware, featured in Premier Bride Magazine. Photography: Helena Raju — Pooja Patel, a model from Delaware, featured in Premier Bride Magazine.
*Photography: Helena Raju*

PB: Because you’re just creating the impression, it doesn’t need to hold up through s reception dance or anything. That sounds really kind of liberating, like the sky’s the limit in terms of creativity. You’re not constrained by things being rushed and getting to the guests and all that. So this is a completely separate shoots and you kind of go wild creatively.

HR: This shoot isn’t for everyone, it may get pricey. Lots of time and preparation as well as financial expense go into it beforehand.

PB: Do you ever include the groom in the shoots? Or it is mostly geared towards the bride?

HR: I can include the groom. But, the brides, they like to come by themselves, they are the center of attention. The bride is the focus and the groom just pays for it (laughs).

PB (laughing): He does his part.

How long do your shoots typically take with the bride?

HR: About four hours.

PB: Wow.

HR: Yeah, and that doesn’t even involve makeup and hair. To be honest, it goes by so quickly though!

www.helenaraju.com

Instagram: @helenaraju

Premier Bride Magazine. Summer / Fall 2019 Philadelphia, PA. www.pbphiladelphia.com