Like a paparazzo, she moved from one corner to another, discreetly capturing unforgettable moments: spontaneous gestures and reactions such as the bride and groom shyly stealing a glance at each other, or family members playfully teasing them. Instances that may have escaped the lenses of the professional photographer and videographer.
Farah later edited her recordings into unique visual stories and uploaded them to Instagram. Unexpectedly, her creativity captivated soon-to-be newlyweds who wanted their special day to be immortalised in the same way: short videos shot in a relaxed and natural manner, that are alluring and memorable enough to be cherished by their children and future generations.
Recognising the economic potential, Farah decided to make this her full-time job two years ago. Now in the process of registering a company, Sisi Indah Photography, the 32-year-old is becoming increasingly known in the Klang Valley as a wedding content creator.
“Wedding content creators have long been popular abroad. In Malaysia, however, social media wedding content only became a trend recently.
“After deciding to pursue this field professionally, I took steps to enhance the quality of my work by investing in high-end gadgets and deepening my knowledge of filming and video-editing techniques,” she told Bernama.
Farah, who previously worked as a creative manager for a fashion brand, said she has captured over 20 weddings in a vlog (video blog)-style format. These are uploaded to her clients’ social media accounts on the same or next day, unlike professional lensmen who usually take a month or more to deliver footage to the couple.
Farah charges around RM600 for her services, which include a video covering the full event, and a series of short videos for social media. “The rates here are much lower compared to overseas since this trend is still new. From what I know, in Indonesia, the charges can go up to RM1,500.”
Tricks of the trade
According to Farah, one of the key traits of a wedding content creator is the ability to operate discreetly without drawing attention from guests or others.
“Official photographers usually direct or control the movements of the bride, groom and family members, whereas I work invisibly, capturing spontaneous and natural moments.
“To ensure everything goes smoothly, I usually introduce myself to the official photographer and explain my role. I also make sure I don’t appear in their shots,” she said.
It may sound easy, but Farah will attest that this role comes with its challenges. Apart from having to be agile and possess strong technical skills, one must also make meticulous preparations, as every wedding is different and demands a unique approach.
“A wedding can last more than five hours and I need to be in the right place at the right time. This requires careful planning and good communication with the couple and their families,” she explained.
For her work, Farah uses a smartphone with a multifunctional holder and LED lighting. As such, she often faces technical challenges such as lighting issues or improper camera settings, requiring her to make on-the-spot adjustments.
Sharing one of her most memorable experiences, she said she was once called out by an officiant at a wedding solemnisation ceremony.
“The ‘tok kadi’ reprimanded me because he did not realise I was the wedding content creator recording the ‘akad nikah’. That incident reminded me of the importance of maintaining professionalism at every event,” she said with a smile.
Recognising that the field is growing in popularity, Farah is now taking the necessary steps to face competition by improving her creativity.
“New wedding content creators are emerging with different styles and approaches. So, I always need to innovate and refine my filming techniques, and ensure my work has its own unique touch.”
Farah pointed out that the success of a wedding content creator ultimately lies in his or her ability to capture emotions and bring love stories to life. “Every couple has a unique journey, and I feel honoured to be part of it,” she concluded.
Follow Sisi Indah Photography on Instagram.