IT WAS ALSO by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Photographs of parts of the wedding ceremony at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Belém, Lisbon
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
A Complete Wedding Photographer: Rediscovering Photography on the Wedding Day
As a wedding photographer, I must start by admitting that it was within this universe that I rediscovered the true joy of photography. Before dedicating myself exclusively to wedding photography, other themes filled my days and lenses: product photography, spaces, architecture. Each style had its technical and artistic demands, and the lenses I used seemed satisfied with their tasks. Yet, something was always missing — an undefined void that kept me from feeling truly complete as a photographer.
The absence of people
The lenses appreciated showing objects inside things, well-lit spaces, or hidden details worthy of attention. But what they lacked — what I lacked — was the human element. The grooms, the wedding guests, the knowing glances, the spontaneous smiles, the small gestures full of meaning. That was what completed the story — and the photographer.
The pleasure of architectural photography
At the time, architectural photography held a special place. Walking into an interior space, searching for the best angle, choosing the right lens, capturing light and shadow in balance — it was a nearly silent choreography, deeply satisfying. I loved following lines of perspective, exploring architectural designs, highlighting symmetry or contrast, and conveying the atmosphere the space inspired. I even carried 3500w flashes to properly illuminate certain areas or soften overly dark shadows.
To this day, I still seize every opportunity to indulge in this type of photography. Architecture, like people, also tells stories.
Rediscovering everything in weddings
It was a relief to realise that, as a wedding photographer, I didn’t have to abandon the types of photography I had previously enjoyed. In a single day — the wedding day — I found everything I had been looking for in other genres: carefully designed spaces, meticulously planned details, soulful environments.
The spaces of the wedding ceremony, the venues for dinner and parties, the churches or chapels chosen by the couple, offer photographic challenges very similar to architectural photography. I can explore angles, play with light, highlight textures, and forms.
And then there are the details: the bride’s bouquet, the couple’s accessories, the table decorations, symbolic items. All of these allow me to apply the same technical and attentive eye, now with even greater emotional purpose.
First experience, lasting discovery
I vividly remember the first wedding I photographed, still without professional responsibility. That day, I realised I had found everything I had been missing. The spaces, yes — but also the people, the emotions, the unpredictability, and the one-of-a-kind details of every wedding. From that moment, I knew: I had become a complete photographer. I’ve been a wedding photographer ever since and have never looked back.
Key takeaways from this journey:
- Before photographing weddings, I focused on subjects like product and architecture, but felt something vital was missing.
- Architectural photography taught me to observe with precision and appreciate light, space, and design.
- Once I began wedding photography, I realised I could combine all of it — spaces and people — into one compelling narrative.
What I bring to your wedding day:
- Experience capturing the architectural beauty of your wedding venues: the ceremony space, reception hall, and outdoor settings.
- Attention to decorative details: the bride’s bouquet, guest tables, symbolic elements of the wedding ceremony.
- A sensitive, trained eye to authentically capture every moment and emotion with aesthetic depth.
Conclusion:
Wedding photography, for me, is a reunion with everything I love in photography. Well-designed spaces, authentic moments, rich details, and real people. Every wedding is unique, and each story deserves to be told with the same passion that brought me here. Being a wedding photographer is more than a profession — it’s the culmination of a photographic journey that has finally found its place.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for someone who can see your wedding with the sensitivity of someone who values both architecture and emotion, I’d love to talk. Every wedding ceremony is unique, and my mission is to capture it with the respect, skill, and enthusiasm it deserves.
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