OBEDIENT by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Photos of the groom at his parents’ house, getting ready for the wedding
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Intimacy of Others and the Wedding Photographer’s Duty
Being a wedding photographer is often more than capturing images on a wedding day. It’s being invited to live, even briefly, inside the lives and intimacy of entire families. Entering homes that are not ours, observing rituals and routines unfamiliar to us, is a responsibility I carry with deep respect. Since the beginning of my career, that entry into others’ private worlds has respectfully intimidated me.
I know I’m invited with a clear mission: to record memories, preserve emotions, and build a visual story of the wedding ceremony. But I also know that when the camera is in my hands, I transform. There’s something almost magical about that moment, as if I become part of the story. A kind of silent hero in service of the lens.
Between Courtesy and Creative Instinct
Often, in the adrenaline of the moment, I forget the rules of politeness. The camera, an extension of myself, becomes bossy, demanding, and relentless. It tells me where to go, demands a certain angle, calls me toward the perfect light. And many times, without asking permission, I act. I climb on a stool, close a door, and crouch in a corner.
This submission to wedding photography is not carelessness – it’s commitment. And yes, sometimes I abuse the silent trust given to me. But always in service of the final result, so the wedding photos have that power that makes time stop when viewed.
A Servant of Lenses and the Power of the Instant
Some days, I feel I’m just a servant of my cameras. They command, and I obey. They allow no hesitation. If I ignore an order, I pay dearly: the lenses become impatient, and the perfect moment may slip away.
Being a wedding photographer means this: total surrender to capturing the best of the couple’s big day, even if that means occasionally crossing social boundaries or discreetly invading a home’s comfort.
Moments when the lenses take control:
- Crouching in tight spaces without asking.
- Using furniture or objects to climb and reach a new angle.
- Partially closing a door to get perfect light on the groom or bride.
- Freely moving among wedding guests during prep, without hesitating.
The Challenge of Being Invisible
Curiously, I’ve never received a complaint. Perhaps because I am truly invisible. Perhaps because those who welcome me are gracious and empathetic. Or, and I like to believe this, because they understand that behind my determined movements lies a deep desire to do the best for that wedding day.
And yes, my lenses have personalities. They demand, challenge, and put me in awkward positions. But they’re the reason every image is worth it. That every photo carries emotion, beauty, and truth.
How this relationship with cameras plays out:
- The lenses become characters, with their wills.
- The wedding photography gains a vibrant, narrative rhythm.
- The photographer moves by intuition, guided by something greater.
Preparing for the Unexpected on the Wedding Day
If one day I become your wedding photographer, and you see me moving around the house without always asking or acting boldly… now you know why. It’s not out of disrespect. It’s about following a visual instinct, seeking the best for your wedding photos.
Of course, all this is discussed in advance. In every meeting with couples, we talk about style, boundaries, and expectations. My intention is never to impose but to collaborate – and follow the (sometimes tyrannical) orders of my work companions: the cameras.
Before the big day:
- Everything is discussed during the planning meeting.
- We agree on how much freedom the photographer has.
- We align wedding photography expectations and styles.
- There’s always room for comfort and respect.
Conclusion: Intimacy is Sacred Ground
The intimacy of the couple and their families is sacred ground. As a wedding photographer, I enter it respectfully, but also with urgency – the urgency to honour the beauty of that day. If sometimes I seem to forget the rules, it’s because I’m fully committed to capturing true moments. And trust me: the result is always worth it.
Let’s Talk About Your Big Day?
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values intimacy but also responds to the moment’s demands, I’m here. Every wedding is unique and deserves truth and dedication. Let’s talk about your day – no pressure, just the will to create something beautiful.
- You can see a full wedding story: