IT WILL BE? by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Photos of the bride and groom on Sereia Beach, next to the Waikiki bar, and with some guests at the wedding party
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Methodical Doubt of the Wedding Photographer Before the First Ceremony
Wedding photographer. Two words I proudly carry for years. And even with so many stories already told through my lens, something remains unchanged: the doubt – that methodical doubt that insists on appearing before the first wedding day of each new season. It’s almost a ritual, an internal conversation, a brief question about whether I will still have that same energy, the same instinct, the same hunger to capture the right moment.
But there’s a truth I’ve learned: once the first click happens, everything falls into place. The body may still be lazy after the winter rest, but the fingers – those faithful partners of my wedding photography – awaken with that nervous excitement of someone about to witness love, emotion, smiles, tears, celebration.
The emotional and physical preparation of the wedding photographer
Before the wedding season begins, I often wonder: will I still be able to run with urgency, cross crowded spaces full of wedding guests, find the perfect angle, predict the moment before it happens? Fortunately, the answer arrives quickly: yes. The body may complain, it’s true – especially the ankles – but the soul of the wedding photographer instantly recognises its place.
Key parts of this yearly ritual:
- Every year, before the season’s first wedding, I ask myself if the excitement will still be the same.
- That doubt doesn’t last long. With the first event, instinct awakens and everything feels natural again.
- The physical pain, particularly in the ankles, is real… but it’s a sign of a job well done.
The marathon of the year’s first wedding
The first wedding of the year is always special. Like an athlete returning to competition after a break, the wedding photographer also needs to find their rhythm again. The adrenaline is there, but the body still needs to adapt. The emotion is real, but everything feels like it needs a quick tune-up.
A glimpse into the reality of this profession:
- The job is physically demanding, especially at the start of the season.
- That nervous tension, running from arms to fingers, is part of the creative process.
- The muscle pain after the event is a clear sign we gave it our all.
Still, the photographer’s heart beats faster. Because we know that for the couple and their guests, that wedding day is one of a kind. And we are there to eternalise it with authenticity and truth.
The eternal search for unrepeatable moments
There’s a certain fear of repetition. That one wedding might feel like another. But that illusion vanishes the moment I see the exchanged glances between the couple, the knowing smile of a father, or the tight hug of a grandmother. Every wedding ceremony is unique. And my vision renews itself with each new story.
Each wedding is a world of its own:
- Gestures are different, faces change, emotions are always new.
- The challenge is finding the right angle to tell the story truthfully.
- The best wedding photographs are the unplanned ones – captured at just the right time.
The awakening of the senses
When I pick up the camera after the seasonal break, a ritual repeats: reviewing gear, checking lenses, batteries, cards. And at that moment, the good kind of nerves shows up. It’s the body saying it’s ready, the mind reminding it’s alive. And when that first wedding happens, the answer is clear: yes, my ankles still hurt… and that’s a great thing.
Fun facts about the start of the season:
- Gear checks are done with utmost care.
- The first event always brings an extra dose of emotion.
- The return to action is rewarding, even with physical pain.
Photographs with soul
The images I create are not just visual records. They are pieces of soul – mine and those I photograph. They are silent stories, moments that could erase, but that remain forever saved.
Favourite moments to capture:
- The groom’s emotional gaze as the bride walks in.
- The backstage intimacy, away from the cameras.
- The genuine expressions of the wedding guests.
A note about a special location
Waikiki bar, at Praia da Sereia in Caparica, was the setting of some recent images. A place where light meets sea salt, and emotions intensify. Even if your wedding is the season’s first, don’t worry: the doubts exist only before the first click. After that, it’s all a beautifully choreographed dance.
Conclusion
Being a wedding photographer is living with your heart in your hand and your ankles throbbing. But it’s also a rare privilege: to witness and record some of life’s happiest days. The initial doubts are part of it, but they vanish as soon as the first photo is taken. And from that moment, everything is worth it.
Shall we tell your story?
If your wedding day is approaching and you’re looking for a photographer who commits heart and soul, I’m here. Every ceremony is unique and deserves to be captured with emotion and truth. Contact me to learn how I can help you eternalise your most special day. I promise aching ankles… and soulful images.
- You can see a full wedding story:
- Waikiki bar, on the Sereia beach in Caparica was the place where these photos appeared.