UNRAVEL STORIES by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN PORTUGAL

Regarding the two photos at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos in Oeiras, when the bride talks to her mother

• Pode ler este artigo em Português. 

Wedding Photographer Conversations: Balancing Quantity and Quality in Photography

The profession of a wedding photographer is filled with nuances and debates, with one of the most common topics being the number of photos to be taken throughout the wedding day. Some photographers prefer to capture a large quantity of moments, while others opt for a more specific and careful approach.

However, the number of photographs alone does not define the quality of a photographer’s work. What truly matters is how each photographer applies their strategy and technique to ensure that the essential moments are captured as authentically as possible.

The Wedding Photographer’s Strategy: Quantity vs. Quality

I try to balance both sides of the process. Sometimes, it’s necessary to stay alert and wait for the event to unfold naturally to capture the perfect moments. In other cases, especially when the action becomes fast and intense, it’s necessary to be like a football player in the middle of a run, ready to photograph the movement and emotion.

A Story in Photography

Wedding photos can tell a story in various ways. Sometimes, a single image is enough to convey the message we want to express. Other times, a sequence of photos is needed to show the progression of a special moment. The key is the wedding photographer’s attention, always staying alert to capture what truly matters on the wedding day.

Reflections on the Quantity of Photos at a Wedding

As a wedding photographer, a common question is: What is the right number of photos to capture at a wedding? Below, I explore the pros and cons of two approaches:

Many Moments Captured:

• A greater variety of images to choose the best ones.
• Less chance of missing important moments.
• A more complete story of the wedding day.

Few Moments Captured:

• Total focus on the most important moments.
• Less distraction and more concentration.
• More time to choose the best angles.

The Natural Flow of Wedding Photography

However, it is important to realize that wedding photos do not only happen when the photographer wants them to. The decision about the number of photos depends on many factors throughout the wedding day. Some parts of the ceremony and celebration require a higher number of photos, given the speed of events and the quantity of interactions. In other parts, however, the photographer may focus on capturing only the most significant and emotional moments.

Key Points to Consider:

• The debate over whether to photograph a lot or a little has never been a concern for me as a wedding photographer.
• The majority of wedding photos are made by the people attending the event, such as the bride, the groom, and all the guests.
• The photographer’s role is to stay attentive, notice the moments, and decide which ones to capture to tell the true story of the wedding.

The Power of the Photographer’s Decision

The true power of the wedding photographer does not lie in deciding the quantity of photos to take, but in choosing the images that best represent the day. Whether with many or few photos, the photographer must have the sensitivity to perceive which wedding photographs best tell the story.

Conclusion: The Importance of Quality in a Photographer’s Work

Ultimately, what truly matters for the wedding photographer is the satisfaction of the bride and groom with the final result. Whatever the approach, it will always be the right one when the couple looks at the images and feels emotional about the memories of that wedding day.

Let’s Talk About Your Wedding

I am here to help capture the most special moments of your wedding day. Don’t worry about the number of photos, because what matters is that I will be attentive to telling your story through wedding photography. Contact me and let’s talk about your plans and how I can capture the memories of your big day!

• You can see a full wedding story:

• In Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos Paço de Arcos, Oeiras, Portugal