LEARNING by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Some photos from an engagement session wandering around Chiado, in Lisbon
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Wedding Photographer: The Quest for Style and Who Taught Me
The wedding photographer, especially early in their career, is often in search of a personal style—something that defines and distinguishes them in the wide world of wedding photography. In this search, I came across photos from Bruno and Vanessa’s engagement session, taken in the iconic Chiado in Lisbon. Revisiting them years later, I recognized key moments that shaped the way I now photograph weddings.
The Beginning of a Visual Language
Still trying to understand how to tell stories through the lens, that session became a true turning point. The couple, relaxed, suggested something simple: “We’ll just walk around and be ourselves; you shoot.” That freedom allowed me to capture what truly mattered: authenticity, connection, and real emotion.
Chiado: A Perfect Stage for Authenticity
I knew Chiado like the back of my hand. Each street, each corner, every play of light was familiar. But with Bruno and Vanessa, it felt new. The session had no script—just trust and presence. That allowed for natural compositions, aligned with both their personalities and the surroundings.
Benefits of Engagement Sessions for the Photographer and the Couple
- Help the photographer understand the couple’s dynamic
- Remove camera shyness
- Create trust and comfort between the photographer and the couple
- Result in valuable emotional imagery before the wedding day
A Lasting Impact on My Craft
That session didn’t just improve my portfolio — it shaped my entire approach. I realised it’s not just about taking great pictures; it’s about truly seeing the people in front of you. Since then, my process has become more intuitive and empathetic.
Lessons I Carry Into Every Wedding
- A small gesture can make a couple relax in front of the camera
- Observation is as important as pressing the shutter
- Positioning couples in harmony with their surroundings is key
- The photographer should follow the moment, not force it
The Natural Flow of a Wedding Day
Later, during the wedding day, this approach proved vital. Weddings move fast and are full of emotion. Learning to flow with the environment allowed me to create wedding photographs that aren’t just beautiful, but also meaningful and true.
From the wedding guests to the bride and groom, every glance and every touch is part of the narrative. The wedding photographer must tell that story with heart and style.
Key Takeaways from That Experience
- Every wedding photographer has a defining moment. That session was mine.
- Knowing the location but not the couple made it honest and challenging.
- Photographing without a script became a beautiful exercise in trust.
- It changed the way I photograph couples—before, during, or after the wedding ceremony.
Why Engagement Sessions Matter More Than You Think
They symbolically mark the transition from before to after marriage. Not just for the couple, but also for the photographer. These sessions are about freedom, observation, and connection.
Clear Benefits for the Couple
- Build trust with the photographer
- Produce unique, relaxed images
- Provide a pressure-free photo experience
- Serve as a warm-up for the wedding day
Conclusion
In the quest for a unique voice, the wedding photographer sometimes finds their style in the simplest, most authentic moments. That session with Bruno and Vanessa was more than a good shoot—it was a practical lesson in being present and capturing love honestly. And to do that, you simply need to observe, listen, and allow things to unfold naturally.
Let’s talk?
Planning your wedding and thinking about doing a session beforehand? Want images that reflect your real connection, naturally and beautifully? Let’s talk. I’d love to meet you and create something meaningful—before, during, and after your wedding day.
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