Valaikaapu & Seemantham Photography Guide

By Vijay, Founder of Impixer Photography, Salem

A guide to valaikaapu and seemantham photography: what happens at the ceremony, which moments to capture and how to plan the function for photos.

Valaikaapu is the Tamil baby shower: a ceremony, usually in the seventh or ninth month of pregnancy, in which married women of the family place glass bangles on the mother-to-be's wrists and bless her and the baby. Seemantham (or seemantha) is the related blessing ceremony performed in many families. This guide explains which moments to photograph, how to plan the day and what to tell your photographer.

Impixer Photography has photographed weddings and family functions across Salem and Tamil Nadu since 2018, and we cover valaikaapu and seemantham functions with the same candid approach.

What happens at a valaikaapu?

A valaikaapu usually follows a familiar sequence, although customs differ between families and communities:

  1. Getting ready. The mother-to-be is dressed in a silk saree, with flowers in her hair and traditional jewellery.
  2. Welcome and seating. She is seated on a decorated platform or chair, often with a swing or floral backdrop.
  3. Bangle ceremony. Elder married women place glass bangles, in colours such as green and red, on both wrists, one by one, with blessings.
  4. Applying sandal and kumkum, and akshathai. Elders apply sandal paste and kumkum and shower akshathai (blessed rice).
  5. Aarthi to ward off the evil eye.
  6. Gifts and food. Relatives bring gifts, and a variety of rice dishes and sweets are served.

Which valaikaapu moments should be photographed?

The most important valaikaapu photographs are the close-ups of bangles being placed and the expressions of the elders giving them. Make sure your photographer captures:

  • The mother-to-be getting ready, and the details: saree, jewellery, mehendi, flowers
  • Every elder placing bangles, especially grandmothers and the mother's own mother
  • Close-ups of the bangle-filled wrists and the hands on the bump
  • The aarthi, the akshathai and the moment of blessing
  • Candid laughter, teasing and conversations among relatives
  • Portraits of the couple, and of the mother with both families
  • Group photographs of each side of the family before people start leaving
  • The food spread and decorations, which families love to look back on

How do you plan the photography for a baby shower function?

A baby shower function runs smoothly for photography when the family plans three things:

  1. Share the order of rituals and the auspicious time with your photographer in advance, so they are in position for the bangle ceremony.
  2. Light the stage well. Many halls and homes are lit for guests, not cameras. Ask for the area around the mother to be bright and uncluttered, and avoid strong coloured lights directly behind her.
  3. Keep a list of family groups. A relative who knows everyone can help the photographer gather each group quickly, so the mother is not kept standing for long.

Comfort comes first: keep sitting breaks frequent, keep water nearby and avoid long standing sessions for group photos.

Should we book a maternity shoot as well?

Many families book a short maternity portrait session a few days before the valaikaapu. The function is busy and crowded; the portrait session gives you calm, intimate photographs with your partner that the function rarely allows. Our maternity photoshoot ideas guide covers timing, outfits and locations.

Photos only, or photos and video?

Photographs are enough for many families, but a short highlight video keeps what photos cannot: the songs, the blessings spoken aloud and the sound of the bangles. If grandparents are present, a video of them blessing the mother becomes something the family treasures for years.

Frequently asked questions

In which month is valaikaapu done?

Valaikaapu is usually done in the seventh or ninth month of pregnancy, on a date chosen by the family. Customs vary between communities, so follow your elders' guidance.

How long does valaikaapu photography take?

Coverage usually runs for the length of the function, often three to five hours, including getting-ready photographs, the ceremony and family groups.

Do you cover valaikaapu functions outside Salem?

Yes. Impixer covers functions in Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Dharmapuri and Coimbatore.

Planning a valaikaapu or seemantham? See our baby shower photography in Salem page, or send your function date for a free quote.

Planning yours? Maternity Photoshoot & Baby Shower Photography in Salem

More wedding photography guides · Get a free quote