Figueira da Foz Wedding Photographer: mirrors and the shy

The groom is helped by the mother's hands, inside a round mirror, by the wedding photographer in Portugal.

BRING THEM by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN PORTUGAL

The groom is helped by the mother's hands, inside a round mirror, by the wedding photographer in Portugal.

Some photos of the groom and his parents around a mirror, as they prepare for their wedding day


• Pode ler este artigo em Português

Wedding Photographer: Telling a Story

Groom, in the mirror, with his mother who helps him with his tie.

As a wedding photographer, my main goal is to capture moments that tell a complete and authentic story, without forcing any situation or disturbing the guests. The art of storytelling through wedding photography goes beyond simply taking beautiful pictures. It is about capturing the essence of the wedding day, from the preparations to the emotional moments and the interactions between the couple and their guests.

Telling a Story is a Challenge for the Wedding Photographer

The groom's father, who didn't like to be photographed, in the deep of the round mirror on the wall.

One of the biggest challenges for a wedding photographer is ensuring that all the important people to the couple are included in the narrative, even those who are not entirely comfortable with the idea of being photographed. I often encounter people, such as shy parents or more reserved friends, who do not like being in front of the camera. My mission is to find subtle ways to include everyone in the story without forcing their presence or discomfort.

For example, mirrors have been a wonderful tool for capturing these people without them feeling intruded upon. Additionally, the wedding photographer can create unique scenes, such as showing wedding guests in the background of an image or even with a subtle reflection, allowing the image to tell the story without forcing the moment.

Key Points for the Wedding Photographer

  • Respecting Privacy
    Not all wedding guests, whether family or friends, are willing to be photographed. Some may have a fear of cameras, while others simply do not want to be in the wedding pictures.
    • Due to shyness
    • Due to disliking photographs
    • Due to not wanting to be noticed
  • Techniques to Include Everyone in the Pictures
    The wedding photographer needs to be discreet and creative in respecting the boundaries of each person while still capturing the essence of the moment.
    • Not pointing the camera directly at those who do not want to be photographed
    • Using mirrors to capture discreet images
    • Including these people as extras or in the background of the scene
  • The Wedding Memory
    The wedding photographer must capture the presence of all the couple’s loved ones, even if they do not wish to stand out. Wedding photos should be a full memory of the day, even including those who, for various reasons, do not want to be in the spotlight.

The Sensitivity of the Wedding Photographer

Entering people’s intimate space requires sensitivity. We should never invade the privacy of the couple or their guests. The wedding photographer must always be attentive to signs of discomfort and respect the wishes of those at the event. My mission is to capture the story naturally and discreetly, without ever forcing anyone to do something against their will.

While I deeply respect the desire of some people not to appear in photographs, I also know that the couple expects me to record all the important moments of the day, including those who may not feel entirely comfortable in front of the camera. In the end, wedding photos are not just about the couple; they are about everyone who was there on that special day.

How to Ensure Everyone is Part of the Wedding Story

The wedding photographer has the responsibility of ensuring no one is forgotten. Even if some people do not want to be in the main pictures, they can be included in a discreet and elegant manner. If a wedding guest does not feel comfortable being in the photographs, they can be captured in the background, in reflections, or as part of the setting. Every person has a role in the wedding story, and it is the photographer’s job to ensure everyone is included respectfully.

Conclusion: The Importance of the Wedding Memory

At the end of the day, wedding photographs are not just a set of images; they are the memory of one of the most important moments in the couple’s life. As a wedding photographer, my mission is to ensure that all the moments, emotions, and important people are preserved with the utmost respect and sensitivity. Every photograph should tell a story, and I am here to ensure that all the characters in the story play their part without ever invading the personal space of the guests.


If you are planning your wedding and want each moment captured with care and sensitivity, contact me. Let’s talk about how I can capture your day uniquely and authentically, creating a wedding album that will tell your story for many years. I look forward to hearing from you and helping to make your big day even more unforgettable!


  • You can see a full wedding story:

By Fernando Colaço

I am Fernando Colaço a wedding photographer based in Portugal. My approach to wedding photography is open and not intruder, leaving the event just to happen. We may call it photojournalism. But, it is better to let the photos talk. I am at your service.

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