I CAN NOT RESIST by the PORTUGAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Portraits of the groom, moments before leaving for the wedding ceremony at the Basilica of Mafra
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Wedding Photographer: The Duty of the Portrait
Being a wedding photographer is, in many ways, a quiet but deeply meaningful responsibility: the portrait. Not an obligation dictated by contract, but a commitment born of art, emotion, and even legacy. From the very first moments of the day to the final goodbyes, wedding photography is, at its heart, about people. And for those of us drawn to it, capturing people is the essence of our craft.
Where the passion for portrait began
Long before I became a wedding photographer — before I ever imagined the possibility — I was fascinated by portraits. They were what made me daydream. In photography magazines — the ones that emptied my pockets and filled my imagination — it was always the images of people that captivated me most.
It wasn’t about colour or technique. It was about emotion. The power of a look, a fleeting expression, a silent photograph that spoke volumes. That’s what drove me. And, in time, that’s what brought me to weddings.
The surprise of finding portrait in everything
Strangely, once I became a professional photographer, portraiture was not part of my usual work. I took many photos, but not of people. Until, almost by chance, I was asked to photograph a wedding.
Everything changed.
Suddenly, the portrait was everywhere. From the groom at home getting ready to the bride heading off to the wedding ceremony. In the embraces of wedding guests, in the laughter, the tears, the stolen kisses and open smiles. Portraits were everywhere.
An unspoken pact
There was something like an unspoken pact. Not written. Not formalised. But understood by all: a portrait had to happen.
Sometimes at the start of the day, at the couple’s home. Other times, later on, when the light was perfect. But it had to be captured. Not just posed shots, but candid ones. Honest ones. The kind that hold memories tightly.
Portraits across the wedding day
A wedding day is, essentially, a series of portraits. A full day of human emotion seen through the lens. So being a wedding photographer is not just technical — it’s emotional. It’s about feeling, timing, and truth.
Even without saying it aloud, I know what the couple expects: that I’ll see what truly matters. That I’ll find the heart of the moment. And that means portraits of them, of their families, of all who share that day.
What led me to wedding photography:
- From the beginning, portraiture was what truly inspired me.
- Even before becoming a professional, the portrait was what moved me.
- At weddings, I finally found the natural setting for my passion.
- A wedding is full of real, honest, emotional portraits.
Did you know…
- The groom’s portraits at this particular wedding were taken in Cascais, just before the wedding ceremony.
- Throughout the entire day, portraits happen — at home, during the ceremony, at the party, among the wedding guests.
- Most couples don’t realise it yet, but they’ll end up loving their portraits. And no — it won’t be in a contract. It’s just part of the magic of the day.
The portrait as the soul of wedding photography
Looking back on my journey as a wedding photographer, I see now that I never left portraiture behind. I needed time to realise that weddings were the perfect place for it.
Because wedding photography is about people. Love. Emotion. Human connection. And portraiture is how we keep that alive, not with empty poses, but with honest, heartfelt storytelling.
So yes, the portrait is a duty. One I accept with pride, care, and artistic soul.
Conclusion
A wedding is an ideal setting for anyone who loves portraits. For the wedding photographer, it’s not just a job — it’s a calling. By capturing the unique moments of the wedding day through portraits, we preserve not just images but emotions, gestures, and stories that deserve to be remembered.
Let’s talk
If you’re planning your wedding and value authentic portraiture, let’s talk. I’d love to hear your story, learn about your plans, and show you how I can capture them honestly and beautifully. Get in touch, and let’s create something meaningful together.
- You can see a full wedding story: