THE PHOTOS AND THE TIME by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Photos of the wedding ceremony in the library of the Palácio da Cruz Vermelha in Lisbon
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Revisiting Wedding Photographs: Memories That Remain
As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of being a guardian of memories. Over the years, revisiting wedding photographs has become more than a simple archival practice: it’s a gesture with deep meaning. Whether I’m looking for images for a new blog article, revisiting technical choices, or simply feeling nostalgic, these moments always bring me back to the wedding day, as if it never ended.
The Value of Previously Seen Photographs
It’s not uncommon to reuse images from past weddings in my blog posts. Not due to lack of new stories, but because, over time, certain images reveal details or emotions that deserve renewed attention. Wedding photographs, like memories, have layers that only time can unveil.
Why go back to the past?
- Because some images gain value as time goes on.
- Because certain moments are unique and deserve to be seen again.
- Because it’s in the past that I verify if I fulfilled my mission as a wedding photographer.
By revisiting these visual stories, I confirm that what I aimed to capture — what I imagined would endure — truly does. That’s the true measure of my work.
Telling Stories Through Wedding Photography
My main motivation as a wedding photographer is to tell stories. Real, human, and emotional stories. I only became truly aware of this when a colleague pointed it out. Until then, I hadn’t realised it clearly. The intention was always there, even if unconsciously.
Because every wedding is a narrative
- Every couple has a journey, a unique energy, and symbols that deserve to be captured authentically.
- My focus isn’t on following current visual trends.
- My visual language is personal, even if inspired by everything I observe.
That’s why I don’t worry if my black and white isn’t aligned with what’s currently in fashion, or if I use lenses that aren’t trending. I like being aware, yes, but the essential is ensuring the images tell the story of that day. I don’t follow styles – I follow stories.
Time: The Main Character in Wedding Photography
Time is the essence of my work. When someone hires me to photograph their wedding, they are trusting me to preserve something for the future. Wedding photographs are not just present-day records: they are windows that open into the future.
Two dimensions of time coexist in images
- The lived time: the unique moment of the wedding day, with all its emotions, nerves, smiles and tears.
- The future time: the moment when the bride and groom, the wedding guests, the parents and even future children look at those images and feel the past vividly alive.
This interplay between present and future makes the role of the wedding photographer delicate and essential. We are chroniclers of the ephemeral, tasked with making it eternal.
The Importance of Revisiting Past Work
I like returning to past work. Not only out of nostalgia, but to confirm that what I created still resonates. There’s comfort in seeing that the emotions captured still speak.
Key takeaways:
- Revisiting photo archives often means rediscovering forgotten emotions.
- Wedding photography is a bridge between what was lived and what was dreamt.
- When images still move people, I know I did my job well.
A Real Example: Photographs at the Conde D’Óbidos Palace Library
The images that inspired this article were taken in the stunning library of the Conde D’Óbidos Palace in Lisbon, where both the wedding ceremony and the celebration took place. A historic setting that became the perfect stage for a narrative of love and joy.
Highlights worth mentioning:
- The natural light filtered through stained glass gave the room a cinematic intimacy.
- The wedding guests were immersed in an atmosphere that was both classical and welcoming.
- The couple’s expressions — sincere and vibrant — made the coverage a visual tale.
Conclusion:
Wedding photography is not a product; it’s an emotional heritage. As a wedding photographer, I strive to eternalize fleeting moments. Revisiting these images reassures me that every story was told with honesty, emotion, and timelessness. That’s why I keep photographing: to ensure the past always lives in the future.
Let’s Talk?
If you’re looking for someone to photograph your wedding with heart and a keen eye for the meaningful moments, I’d love to talk. I want your memories to be preserved truthfully and timelessly. Reach out, and let’s talk about what you envision for your wedding day.
- You can see a full wedding story:
- The photographs of this wedding ceremony were taken in the beautiful library of the Palácio Conde D’Óbidos, where the party also took place.