THE WOMEN’S WORLD, by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN PORTUGAL
Photos of the bride and her joy at the hairdresser’s, with her sister, doing her hair for the wedding day
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Joy and the Photographs It Brings
As a wedding photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the preparation of the bride. Being a man, I’m often surrounded by women in uniquely feminine moments. The hair being pulled, twisted, heated, sculpted, and all the transformations that take place happen with immense joy. Although I sometimes feel like a stranger in this world, I always try to photograph discreetly, as if I’m not there. Yet, every wedding photo I take of this preparation stage becomes truly special.
But it’s not just that. The way women interact, share those moments of joy and nervousness is something unique. The dynamic is very different on the groom’s side, where the preparation tends to be calmer and less ritualistic. There is no makeup or complicated hairstyles; men are usually ready, and often, it feels like everything is “done” before the big day. This contrast between the bride’s and groom’s preparations adds a unique depth to the work of the wedding photographer.
Photojournalism in Weddings
By adopting a photojournalistic style in my wedding photography, my aim is to be an observer. I try to stay discreet and almost invisible, to capture those spontaneous, genuine moments without the bride or guests feeling constrained by my presence. This detachment allows me to capture the best wedding photos, full of emotion, joy, and truth.
This approach of staying in the background, but with my eyes always on the details, results in photos that truly tell the wedding story, from the small gestures to the big moments of the wedding ceremony. The key is to remain unnoticed while still never missing the opportunity to capture the essence of each moment.
Key Points about the Role of the Wedding Photographer
• For the wedding photographer, capturing the bride’s preparation is something truly special because:
- It immerses him in a typically feminine world
- He photographs the bride’s transformation process for the big day:
- The hair is being stretched, heated, and twisted
- The final hairstyle, full of details and care
- The makeup process, with creams, foundation, and lipstick
- All these moments are done with great joy, shared between the bride, those who help her, and the wedding guests
• For all of this to be captured naturally, it is essential that the wedding photographer remains invisible. Only then will the photograph be genuine and unforced.
The Bride’s Preparation Process
• One of the things I enjoy most as a wedding photographer is following the bride’s transformation. From the moment she begins to prepare until the moment she becomes the bride that everyone will see at the wedding ceremony, there is a fascinating process that deserves to be photographed in detail.
• I know the couple often feels anxious about the preparations, but from a photographic perspective, I cannot miss a single moment that shows the bride’s evolution, whether it’s when she leaves home or when she enters the wedding ceremony.
• For the wedding photographer, capturing the bride’s emotions during those moments of transformation is a true responsibility. The beauty of the moment should be recorded naturally, without intervention.
Tips to Make the Most of the Bride’s Preparation in Wedding Photography
• Capture intimate moments:
- Laughter between friends
- Nervousness before the big change
- Excitement over every detail of the dress and hairstyle
• Also, capture the small gestures of affection between the bride and those helping her.
• Don’t miss the moment the bride enters: this is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the wedding day. Every wedding photograph of that moment will always be unique.
Conclusion:
The bride’s preparation for the wedding is one of the most emotional moments of the day. As a wedding photographer, my goal is to capture these emotions without interfering in the process. My photojournalistic approach ensures that wedding photographs are natural, spontaneous, and full of genuine emotion and soul. I can’t miss the small gestures, the laughter, and the expressions that make this day so special.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who knows how to capture every moment of the bride’s preparation, from nervousness to smiles, schedule a meeting with me. I would be delighted to showcase my work and capture the wedding photographs that will immortalize your special day. Get in touch with me to learn more!
- You can see a full wedding story