STORIES by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
A wedding day with a party at Casa de Reguengos and a ceremony at Santo António dos Cavaleiros Parish Church
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Wedding Photography as a Memory Element
As a memory element, should photography represent reality and the event as faithfully as possible, or should it take the subject before it and recreate it?
This question arose early on and occasionally returns to my thoughts. By considering myself a wedding photojournalist—that is, a photographer who follows what is happening around him, captures, and does not intervene to be as faithful to reality as possible—is this attitude alone enough to be called a photojournalist, setting aside any institutional affiliation to the profession and focusing solely on its execution?
Example: when I arrived at João or Catarina’s home, should I have reproduced as closely as possible what my eyes were seeing or, as I did and still do, used the tools of my profession—the cameras and lenses—to present in a different way what was happening around me?
Involving the couple in the photographs
I start from the principle that photographic equipment, in itself, has limitations in image capture: it captures with much more contrast, is much more sensitive to color variation, and the lenses used can completely change the field of vision compared to our eyes. From wide-angle to telephoto, the relationship of “seeing” changes completely compared to our own eyes.
So why not embrace this difference and turn it into a creative factor? Take advantage of the distortion of the wide-angle lens to produce images with great dimensionality and depth. Everyone remembers seeing a photograph of a certain square in a magazine and, upon visiting it, being surprised at how small it is. Or use the telephoto lens to isolate the subject and also take advantage of the “blurred” factor to wrap and involve, in this case, the couple in a cloud that highlights only them.
Research as a wedding photographer
That’s what I rely on to tell the stories of my couples’ weddings. To show them their wedding day in a completely different way from what they and their guests and family saw. However, this cannot be done gratuitously: the images must not lie. The moments must be real.
The image obtained must correspond to something that I was able to crystallize and tell in such a way that harmony and good use of composition ultimately grant the event and the resulting image an immortal quality. That is my goal and my ongoing pursuit as a wedding photographer. Precision in composition and effectiveness in capture. Only these two combined allow for a good final result.
Here are some images from Catarina and João’s wedding day. They were happy with them. I liked that.
Wedding Photography as a Living Memory
Wedding photography is more than a simple visual record; it is an emotional narrative that eternalizes the wedding day. At the ceremony held at the Igreja da Paróquia de Santo António dos Cavaleiros, each image captured reflects the emotion and spirituality of the moment. This church, located in Loures, stands out for its welcoming architecture and the vibrant community that attends it.
When documenting João and Catarina’s wedding, the chosen photographic approach was photojournalism. This style allows authentic and spontaneous moments to be captured without interference, ensuring that the wedding photographs genuinely reflect the emotions experienced. From the preparations of the bride and groom to the exchange of vows, each photograph is a faithful testament to the love and joy shared.
- Wedding photography as an emotional narrative
- Importance of authenticity in images
- Capturing spontaneous and genuine moments
The Celebration at Casa de Reguengos: A Dream Setting
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Casa de Reguengos, located in Vila Franca do Rosário – Malveira. This venue, just 25 minutes from Lisbon, is known for its natural beauty and excellent infrastructure. With well-maintained gardens, a climate-controlled hall, and stunning views, it offers the perfect setting for unforgettable wedding celebrations.
During the reception, the photographs captured the interaction between the couple and the wedding guests. Moments such as the cake cutting, dances, and toasts were recorded with sensitivity, highlighting the joy and unity of the occasion. The use of various photographic techniques—such as wide-angle to capture the grandeur of the space and telephoto for intimate details—enriched the final album.
- Casa de Reguengos is an ideal venue for wedding celebrations
- Importance of venue choice in the photographic experience
- Use of photographic techniques to capture different moments
The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens
The mission of a wedding photographer goes beyond capturing images; it is about telling stories. Each photograph should reflect the essence of the wedding day, from the couple’s meaningful glances to the emotions of the guests. The careful choice of framing, attention to detail, and sensitivity in capturing fleeting moments are essential.
In João and Catarina’s case, the final album is not just a collection of images but a visual narrative that allows them to relive every instant of their special day. The combination of technique, creativity, and empathy resulted in wedding photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime.
- Photography as a medium for storytelling
- Importance of sensitivity and technique in capturing moments
- Creation of an album that eternalizes the wedding day
Turn your wedding day into an eternal memory. Choose a wedding photographer who captures each emotion with authenticity and artistry. Contact us to ensure your big day is immortalized uniquely and unforgettably.
- You can see a full wedding story:
- In Casa de Reguengos, in Vila Franca do Rosário.
