ONCE AGAIN, MY LITTLE ANGEL’S FRIENDS by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN NAZARÈ
The photographs are of a wedding ceremony in a square in Nazaré
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Choosing the ceremony location and the wedding photographer
Choosing the wedding photographer in the early stages of planning the big day is essential. And as a wedding photographer with years of experience, I can assure you that the ceremony location decision is deeply linked to the quality of the wedding photos.
Every time I meet couples about to take this important step, I quickly sense the excitement and emotion with which they describe their vision for the wedding day. When they start detailing the setting and the moments they envision, I almost always know I’m earning their trust.
But something else becomes evident: the wedding ceremony location can be either a dream or a challenge, especially from a wedding photography perspective.
The impact of the ceremony location on photography
I recall a special meeting with Jade while we waited for Neil. She passionately described getting married in the square atop Nazaré, where legend has it that the knight Fuas Roupinho escaped a deadly fall.
The emotion was contagious. But as I began to think like a wedding photographer, the light, shadows, and contrasts of that space worried me. After all, light is the main ingredient in photography.
Light: friend or foe of wedding photos?
The big challenge was realizing the authorized spot for the ceremony in the square didn’t align with the sun’s direction. Southern light, especially intense during midday, may be adored by northern tourists, but it can be a real puzzle for photographers.
Step by step:
- In meetings with couples, we often talk about the ceremony location:
- It could be a church
- A garden in a venue
- Or a village square by the sea
- Outdoor venues raise more concerns:
- The scheduled hour may not be ideal for lighting
- Shadows from trees or buildings can be unpredictable
- The sun’s direction and intensity can ruin otherwise great photos
- In Jade and Neil’s wedding, luck was on our side:
- A soft fog reduced the sun’s harshness
- The ceremony happened with gentle, balanced light
- Everyone could keep their eyes open — vital for portraits and group shots
Good decisions make for good images
Sometimes everything works out; other times, the “little angels” I refer to are busy elsewhere. That’s why planning and listening to the advice of someone who’s lived through hundreds of wedding days matters.
Things to consider when choosing a ceremony location:
- Lighting conditions:
- Direct sun can cast harsh shadows and cause squinting
- The best light for wedding photography is often early morning or late afternoon
- Space orientation:
- West-facing venues can benefit from the golden hour
- Indoor venues must have well-positioned windows or artificial lighting
- Scenery and background:
- Avoid overly distracting elements
- Think about where the wedding guests will be placed for great compositions
Consult your photographer before confirming the venue
That’s why choosing the wedding photographer before locking down the key venues of the wedding day can make a real difference.
The photographer will know if that romantic garden will photograph well at noon or if another time or place is better.
Benefits of early consultation with the wedding photographer:
- Avoids irreversible lighting errors
- Helps adjust the schedule based on the sun’s position
- Ensures comfort for the couple and guests
- Leads to more natural and pleasant photos
A wedding is built on choices
All wedding day decisions are important. But few have as much visual impact as the ceremony location. And if there’s one thing couples want to cherish forever, it’s their wedding photographs.
So always seek a professional’s guidance.
If you’d like to meet and see real-life examples — be it churches, beaches, squares, or gardens — I’d love to chat with you over a relaxed meeting.
Conclusion:
Choosing the ceremony location is more than an aesthetic choice — it’s a technical decision that directly impacts the quality of your wedding photography. With the guidance of an experienced wedding photographer, couples can ensure that each moment is captured with the right light, angle, and atmosphere.
Don’t leave this detail to chance. Remember: photography doesn’t repeat moments.
Book a meeting with me
If you’re planning your wedding and haven’t yet chosen your ceremony venue, let’s talk. As a wedding photographer, I can help assess the light, space, and best options to ensure it all results in memorable imagery. Bring your ideas, your dreams — and together we’ll find the best way to make them timeless in photography.
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