The Pre Wedding Session and the pleasure of the portrait

Bride leaning against the groom amidst the leaves of trees in Sintra, in the session with the wedding photographer.

A MYSTERY by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN SINTRA

Bride leaning against the groom amidst the leaves of trees in Sintra, in the session with the wedding photographer.

Photos of an afternoon with the groom and bride on the roads around S. Pedro de Sintra, in the pre-wedding session


• Pode ler este artigo em Português

The Wedding Photographer and the Engagement Session: An Ideal Opportunity to Explore Portraits in Their Various Forms

Bride and groom among vines on an old wall in Sintra.

Wedding photography is an art that goes far beyond documenting special moments; it is a unique opportunity to capture the essence of the bride and groom, their emotions, and the atmosphere surrounding one of the most important days of their lives.

In this context, the engagement session stands out as the ideal moment to explore portraits in their various forms. Here, the wedding photographer has the chance to create timeless images, with the couple in settings that range from natural environments to more sophisticated spaces, focusing on emotions and authenticity.

Wedding Photography: Portraits and Their Various Facets

In the middle of a tree, the bride and groom look at each other in the pre-wedding session.

Since the early days of photography, portraiture has been one of the most sought-after forms, whether to document prominent figures or capture everyday moments. The engagement session offers a unique opportunity for the wedding photographer, as it takes place before the big day, allowing the couple to be more relaxed, enabling the photographer to capture more spontaneous and natural images.

Wedding photographs are not only about the ceremony or the reception but are, at their core, a record of emotions and relationships that unfold on the big day. The photographer has the chance to capture the portrait of the couple in various contexts, exploring diverse environments that help give a unique and personalized touch to the photos.

The Engagement Session as a Meeting of Styles

The couple in a dating session at a house in Sintra.

The elopement session, being done before the wedding day, offers greater creative freedom. The wedding photographer can explore a wide variety of styles, from the most classic to the most modern, and even experiment with new techniques that may not be possible on the wedding day due to time constraints or the formality of the event.

  • Spontaneous portraits: The engagement session offers the ideal space to capture relaxed and authentic moments, with the couple in more natural and casual poses.
  • Romantic portraits: It is also the perfect moment to create images that convey intimacy and romance, focusing on delicate gestures and expressions of love.
  • Creative portraits: The wedding photographer can use different angles, lighting, and even alternative settings to create a unique atmosphere that highlights the couple’s personality.

The variety of approaches that the engagement session allows is crucial for the success of wedding photography. Here, the photographer can experiment with light, environment, and even the couple themselves, creating images that will later become part of the memories the couple has of their special day.

Sintra: The Perfect Location for the Engagement Session

The couple choosing postcards in a shop in Sintra.

When I took on the challenge of photographing Leila and Bruno, I decided that Sintra would be the perfect location to capture their essence as a couple. The Sintra Mountains provide a magical and inspiring backdrop, creating an almost dreamlike environment for the engagement session. The contrast between the untouched nature and Sintra’s historic architecture provided the perfect setting for this session to be a true work of art.

What fascinates me about wedding photography is the transformation of reality that the camera lens allows. Although the paths of the Sintra Mountains are familiar to everyone, my role as a wedding photographer is to transform that space into something unique, blending the couple with the environment in such a way that the resulting photographs are truly unforgettable.

Preparing for the Big Wedding Day

Selling the products in a tourist shop, the groom and the bride in Sintra.

The engagement session is not only a visual preparation for the big day but also an opportunity for the wedding photographer to build trust with the couple. Often, the bride and groom feel more uncomfortable in front of the camera at first, which can affect the quality of wedding photos on the day of the ceremony. Through the engagement session, the photographer has the opportunity to guide them, help them feel comfortable, and familiarize them with the presence of the camera.

The session also offers the opportunity to test different photographic styles, which can help define the style desired for the wedding day photographs. By working with the couple, the photographer can better understand their preferences and, thus, produce photos that truly capture their personality and love.

Advantages of the Engagement Session

The couple walks down a Rua de Sintra, in the dating session.
  • Relaxation and spontaneity: The couple has more time to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
  • Opportunity to explore creativity: The engagement session is the perfect moment to experiment with new approaches and settings without the pressure of the big day.
  • Personalized portraits: The photographer can capture authentic and personalized images that reflect the true essence of the couple.
  • Testing photographic styles: This session allows for experimenting with different styles, which will be essential for the wedding day.
The couple, in front of Piriquita in Sintra, look each other in the eyes.

Conclusion: The Wedding Photographer as a Portrait Artist

The engagement session is an essential part of the wedding photography process. As a wedding photographer, it is important to see each session as an opportunity to explore portraits in their various forms. Each couple has a unique story, and each image created reflects not only the environment but also the soul of the couple.


If you are looking for a wedding photographer who understands the importance of capturing the true essence of your relationship and creating images that will last forever, contact me. It will be a pleasure to help you immortalize your big day, starting with your engagement session.



Standing, the engaged couple in conversation, hugging, in Sintra.
The bride, with the groom, choosing a cane in an artefacts shop in Sintra.
The groom and bride look at each other among products on sale in a store.
Bride and groom looking at a rag doll.
In the pre-wedding session, the bride and groom sitting in a forest in Sintra.
Bride and groom among trees in the woods.
The couple in conversation sitting on a leafy tree trunk.
The couple laughing a lot at the pre-wedding session.
Bride on top of two rocks supported by the groom.
Groom puts a flower in the bride's hair.
Couple talking in the woods in Sintra.
In the evening light, the couple poses for the wedding photographer.

By Fernando Colaço

I am Fernando Colaço a wedding photographer based in Portugal. My approach to wedding photography is open and not intruder, leaving the event just to happen. We may call it photojournalism. But, it is better to let the photos talk. I am at your service.

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