THE DECISION by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN SINTRA

The photographs are of a wedding with the ceremony at the Church of S. Pedro de Penaferrim in Sintra and the party at Casa de S. José
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Right Moment to Take the Photograph

One of my biggest debates with myself and my photography concerns the relationship between colour and black and white. It’s not exactly a conflict because my preference for black and white is a very biased one, but it is also a kind of calmness when colour causes colour-related issues.
Let me explain. When I’m photographing, I encounter problems that require immediate solutions. What’s the best framing, and within that framing, what’s the best composition and the right moment to take the photograph? In framing, I decide which part of the scene in front of me I will include within the rectangular frame of my camera’s viewfinder.
Awakening the Senses in Photographs

After quickly making that decision, I must understand how I will compose that scene, what lens to use, which angle will bring out the dramatic intensity it contains—joy, emotion, satisfaction—and whether the light is bathing the scene from the right direction for the photo. Finally, what is the exact moment for that mysterious click that will hopefully become a beautiful image?
The problem is that not always, in the desired harmony, do the colours agree with each other to produce an image that awakens the viewer’s senses. Sometimes, colour—or rather, colours—compete to be the protagonists and do nothing more than assault us in a telluric cacophony that drives our eyes away, even when everything else is in the right place. That’s when black and white usually restores balance and lets the entire image speak, not just its tiny parts.
The Harmony of Each Wedding Photograph

That’s why knowing whether a photograph should be painted in pieces of a rainbow or in the greys that make up black and white cannot be a random decision but one of harmonic wisdom, like a song arranger who knows the colours of musical notes.
From that decision, one by one, the wedding photographs of Susana and Edgar were finalised, with the ceremony at the Church of S. Pedro de Penaferrim and the celebration at Casa de S. José. Throughout the day, I made choices about framing and composition. In the calm of my desk, in front of the computer, just like the arranger working on an album soon to be released, I reviewed and decided whether colour or black and white better preserved the harmony of each photograph.
Susana and Edgar were pleased and realised that being a wedding photographer is more complex than simply pressing a camera shutter. And it is that harmony that I wish for them throughout their life.

The Art of Photographing a Wedding in Sintra: Between History and Emotion
Ceremony at the Church of São Pedro de Penaferrim: A Setting of Tradition and Spirituality
The Church of São Pedro de Penaferrim, located in Sintra, is a place of great historical and spiritual value. With origins dating back to the 14th century, this temple underwent significant renovations in 1565, sponsored by D. Álvaro de Castro, resulting in the construction of a coffered ceiling in the nave. In the 18th century, under the guidance of D. Tomás de Almeida, the first Patriarch of Lisbon, the church received an exuberant baroque decoration, including a tiled panel attributed to the workshop of Valentim de Almeida, portraying episodes from the life of Saint Peter.
This historical and artistic environment provides a unique setting for the wedding ceremony, where the natural light streaming through the windows highlights the architectural details and the emotional expressions of the bride, groom, and wedding guests. Choosing between colour and black-and-white photography becomes crucial to capturing the essence of the moment, considering the harmony of colours and the emotional intensity present.
- Wedding ceremony in Sintra
- Wedding photographs at the Church of São Pedro de Penaferrim
- Historical and spiritual setting for weddings
- Baroque decoration and 18th-century tiles
- Decision between colour and black-and-white photography
Celebration at Casa de São José: Elegance and Comfort in Rio de Mouro

After the ceremony, Susana and Edgar’s wedding celebration took place at Casa de São José, located in Rio de Mouro. This venue stands out for its large green area, where a tent is set up to accommodate up to 300 people, offering all the comfort needed for a memorable party. The landscaped garden features a swimming pool and refined landscaping projects, providing an elegant and welcoming environment.
Casa de São José offers a full range of event services, including personalised catering, decoration tailored to the couple’s taste, high-quality audiovisual equipment, and exclusive parking for guests. The professional team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail of the celebration is carried out with excellence, guaranteeing a unique and unforgettable experience for all attendees.
- Wedding reception in Rio de Mouro
- Casa de São José as an event venue
- Full-service support for wedding celebrations
- Elegant atmosphere with garden and swimming pool
- Tailored catering and custom decoration
The Decision Between Colour and Black and White: Capturing the Essence of the Day

The choice between colour and black-and-white photography is an artistic decision that deeply influences the wedding’s visual narrative. During the event, the photographer faces challenges such as ideal framing, harmonious composition, and the precise moment to capture the perfect image. Colour can convey the vibrancy and joy of the moment, while black and white can emphasise emotion and timelessness.
In Susana and Edgar’s wedding, each photograph was carefully analysed to determine the best approach. The decision to use colour or black and white was based on visual harmony and the ability of each image to convey the emotions experienced. This meticulous process ensures that the photographs not only document the event but also evoke the feelings and memories associated with that special day.
- Wedding photography: colour vs. black and white
- Artistic decisions in wedding photography
- Capturing unique emotions and moments
- Importance of composition and framing
- Visual narrative of the wedding day
Schedule Your Wedding Photography Session
Wedding photography is more than capturing images; it’s about telling each couple’s unique story through authentic and emotional moments. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who values harmony, emotion, and the beauty of your special day, I’m here to transform those moments into eternal memories.
Contact me to schedule a meeting and discuss how we can eternalise your wedding day with photographs that reflect your essence and love.
- You can see a full wedding story:






























































