Bharatanatyam Arangetram Photography & Video

Arangetram Photography and Pre-arangetram Photoshoot 

Crazy Facts: Bharatanatyam remained exclusive to Hindu temples through the 19th century.^[8] It was banned by the colonial British government in 1910, but the Indian community protested against the ban and expanded it outside the temples in the 20th century. Reference

Snap That™ had the privilege to do arangetrams in the Durban, South Africa and surrounding areas and here’s a few tips for the parents and arangetrams dancers. Most Arangetrams will require two shoots. One for Pre-arangetram photoshoot to get pictures for the invitations and program and the other is on the day.

• Arrive on time or a few minutes early: So that the photographer and dancer does not need to rush
• Using good makeup for arangetram and Pre-arangetram is key because of the resolution and clarity of our Canon DSLR cameras (acne and sweat will be visible). Using waterproof foundation avoiding smearing of makeup when the arangetram dancer sweats. Please make sure that any skin imperfections are smoothed out by the makeup. Aim for more natural skin tone. The skin base should not be too extreme as this will reflect in your photos.
• We at Snap That™ have created a list of poses and facial expressions that we love. Almost like a look book. Whether its indoors or outdoors. If you have any requirements, it’s always best to show the photographer. We found that google and Pinterest is always a good place to start. Have a list of standing poses and sitting poses in mind. This will help with time and allows us to plan. We could also setup a meeting a few days before to plan and select the photos. Your arangetram teacher is more than welcome to join us.
• For Pre-arangetram photos, indoor photos with a plain background works the best. Outdoor shots can look really amazing but it is difficult to use those pictures for invitations and programs. Make sure to run through all your poses prior to the dance shoot.
• Make sure that you bring along a friend or a parent for the shoot. A person who will keep a close eye on the dancer, dancer’s hair, jewellery and outfit to make sure that everything is straight and in order. The last thing you would want is to find out after the shoot that the dancers jewellery was off centre or the outfit was slightly off centre. The assist should also be able to wipe/dab the sweat off of the dancer’s face and neck in between dances. Dancer needs to have someone they’re comfortable with.
• We would love to have access to the dancer during the make-up session. This will produce some amazing natural and emotional pictures.
• Have some prints or photo albums made of the arangetram / Pre-arangetram photos.  Prints and albums make it much easier to enjoy and share your pictures instead of hiding them away on a USB or hard drive.
• Try to get the most of the photographer. We can cover
  • Getting ready shots
  • The entire event on stage and off (if you would like a few shot behind the stage).
  • Décor and table settings.
  • Pictures with guru, family members and friends.

We are determined, quick on our feet, and patient to ensure that we capture the perfect picture of the dancer. Capturing the expressions and emotions of dance takes time, we understand this, which is why we work closely with the dancer, to find the best moment of action.