PORTRAITS, PORTRAITS, PORTRAITS, AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
The photos are from the pre-wedding session in a garden with horses
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Wedding Photojournalism Mode
We all know that each photographer develops a way of photographing that gives them their own identity. There’s no need to show examples, but portraiture is always the foundation of my work, even when done in wedding photojournalism mode. Just because we’re following the action of an event doesn’t mean we can’t find fragments of that action that are true portraits. We just have to be quick because they vanish as quickly as they appear before our eyes.
- Portrait is the central element even in documentary style
- The right moment disappears quickly
- The technique blends spontaneity with intention
- The wedding photographer captures authenticity in motion
A good portrait
Of course, Sofia and Ricardo’s engagement session is not the best example of what I’ve just said. Being a couple session, I like to compose the portrait partly based on how the couple in front of me reacts to the camera. Deep down, what gives me great pleasure is finding a good harmony between the bride and groom and the environment of the space we chose for the session. A good portrait. I think I got it. The wedding photographer was happy.
- Engagement sessions also reveal striking portraits
- The couple’s interaction shapes the final result
- Space and environment play an essential role in composition
- The bond between the bride and groom creates an authentic wedding photograph
Those at the wedding and the photographs
As you might understand, it’s not the pleasure of being at weddings so often that drives me to always want to be at one. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all—unless you’re part of it, like the bride, groom, or guests. Those who are in that role have a lot to do and to share with others who are present.
What happens is that at a wedding, there are a lot of people, and I’ve always really enjoyed seeing people in photographs, long before I could manage to photograph them. That’s why I do everything I can to be at a wedding, to photograph those who are there.
- The motivation lies in people and their gestures
- Being present as an observer is essential
- The wedding photographer observes, composes, and acts
- Wedding guests enrich every image with real stories
A wedding photographer in search of the portrait
From the engagement session, when requested by the couple, to the wedding day later in the afternoon, the wedding photographer knows who might become a portrait and doesn’t need to do much to make it happen. Those attending the wedding know it’s like that—no one minds the photographer at those right moments when it’s portrait time.
But those portraits where I decide where and how I want them aren’t the only ones that appear throughout the wedding day. Those are the ones I especially enjoy. They don’t depend on me at all, except for the skill to capture them. From which angle, with what framing, and especially when they become portraits—because I don’t control them, and I have to guess when they’re ready.
- Timing is crucial to capture a good portrait
- Spontaneous portraits reveal more than posed shots
- Every wedding ceremony is a unique opportunity
- Wedding photography also relies on instinct and patience
In conclusion:
It’s because of the portraits that I go to weddings. Knowing that they will be there in so many forms and shapes keeps the wedding photographer constantly motivated to find them, shape them, and bring them along—even those that don’t seem like portraits but, when looked at closely, turn out to be the good kind. This kind makes for happy wedding photographs.
- If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values true and spontaneous portraits, I’m ready to tell your story with authenticity and sensitivity. Whether in an engagement session or on the wedding day, every image is crafted to reflect who you truly are. Get in touch and let’s create something unique together.
- You can see a full wedding story:
