NOT ALWAYS by THE SINTRA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AT ADEGA REGIONAL DE COLARES
Some photos from the start of the wedding ceremony at Adega de Colares, Sintra
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The perfect light every wedding photographer dreams of
A wedding photographer’s job is all about emotion, spontaneous moments, and, of course, the light. Yes, light! That essential companion that captures the emotions of the bride and groom, the details of the wedding ceremony, and the warm glances of the wedding guests. But light doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes, nature seems to play tricks on the one holding the camera.
When everything begins perfectly… and the sky decides to change
That day, I arrived at Adega de Colares as scheduled. It was late morning, and everything was just as I like it when photographing at the foot of the Sintra mountains. A cloudy sky — not the stormy kind, but a soft cloud cover that filters the light, creating the ideal scenario for elegant wedding photos filled with mid-tones and soft contrast. A perfect setting to work in black and white, with rich gradations and emotional texture.
While I was with Elisabete and Pedro, the bride and groom, I got caught up in the preparations and emotions of the moment. I hardly noticed what the sun and clouds were scheming.
The mischievous cloud and the solar plot twist
Without warning, a cloud decided to ruin everything. Pushed by the wind, it moved away from the sun, letting through that hard, intense light which, although great for the beach, is challenging for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
That direct light brought harsh shadows, highlights on the verge of burning out, and all the faces of the guests, the bride and groom, were forced to squint. The emotional subtlety — so important in wedding photography — was disturbed by the sun’s intensity. I had to adapt quickly.
How the wedding photographer handles tricky light
Even with the sudden light change, the job had to be done. And it was. In these moments, experience makes all the difference.
A few tricks that saved the moment:
- Choosing side angles to avoid direct facial shadows.
- Using natural elements like trees or tents for shade;
- Shooting during the brief moments when clouds returned;
- Always looking for the most genuine expressions, regardless of lighting.
The ceremony went on, the images were captured, and that day’s story was told with truth and sensitivity.
Nature’s irony on the wedding day
Just as the ceremony ended, the soft clouds returned — as if to say, “Now that you no longer need us, here we are.” A classic for any experienced wedding photographer.
Thoughts on light and photography:
- Light is crucial in wedding photography, but uncontrollable. The professional must adapt and not lose the essence of the moment.
- Unpredictability is part of the beauty of the job. Every wedding is unique because of the people, the emotions, and the light.
- Despite challenges, a wedding photographer cannot blame the sun or the sky. The duty is to find solutions and deliver a story worthy of that day.
Quick checklist for light-conscious couples
Before the wedding:
- Talk to your photographer about the ceremony schedule and expected light.
- Choose venues with natural shade if outdoors.
- Be ready for surprises — nature follows its script.
During the wedding:
- Trust your photographer’s experience;
- Avoid harsh direct sunlight on faces;
- Use shaded moments for group shots or intimate portraits.
Conclusion
Light is a key element in any wedding ceremony. It can be friendly or challenging, but must never be ignored. The wedding photographer knows this better than anyone. They observe, analyse, and adapt. And even when the clouds play around, the professional remains focused: to tell the story of the wedding day with truth, beauty, and emotion.
Want to ensure the light — no matter how it behaves — doesn’t ruin your photos?
Choosing a wedding photographer experienced in all kinds of lighting makes all the difference. Contact me so we can plan your photographic coverage — with or without clouds — and make sure every image tells the true story of your day. Let’s talk?
- You can see a full wedding story:
- The wedding ceremony, as the photos tell it, was at the Adega Regional de Colares in Sintra.