FROM FAR AND NEAR by the LISBON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Some photos of the venue and decoration at the wedding at Quinta da Cascatas in Mafra
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The wedding photographer and the art of seeing with his legs
Being a wedding photographer is much more than knowing how to use a camera. It’s about understanding the moment, anticipating emotions, and being in the right place at the right time. I remember, long before I ever imagined becoming a wedding photographer, when I fell in love with photography. It was a slow, natural process full of discovery. At first, it was just a curiosity: a simple desire to preserve memories of places I had visited. But it quickly turned into a deep passion that would define my path.
Today, as a wedding photographer, it’s important to remember where that passion began. It came from the desire to capture not just what the eyes see but what the heart feels, whether photographing from afar or up close. This ability to adapt is essential for any professional aiming to visually tell the unique and unrepeatable story of a couple’s wedding day.
Discovering photography and the path to weddings
It all started with printed photographs in specialised magazines. I was fascinated by the framing, the light, and how each image seemed to hold a story. Like many, I started out photographing as an amateur, trying to preserve memories of travels and moments with friends.
But photography quickly took over all my time. I became obsessed with gear: cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, memory cards. I wanted to try everything, to master everything, to feel completely in control of the image.
Photographing with your feet on the ground (and moving through it)
Over time, I learned the biggest lesson of my journey as a photographer: no lens is more powerful than my legs. It may sound simple, but it was a revelation. In the world of wedding photography, where every second matters, being able to move, change angles, get closer or further away can be the difference between capturing or missing a unique emotion.
On the wedding day, details truly matter
During the wedding ceremony, it’s not enough to capture the couple’s kiss or the emotional glances of parents. It’s crucial to photograph:
- The bride’s trembling hands holding her bouquet
- The groom’s focused gaze as she walks in
- The guests’ expressions of joy or surprise
- The floral details that frame the space
For all of this, a wedding photographer must always be moving. Legs become the most valuable tool.
The big moments and the small ones — equally important
A good photographer knows that not all key moments are the obvious ones. Yes, the first kiss or the exchange of rings are essential. But so are:
- The discreet tear on the bride’s mother’s cheek
- The children running across the dance floor
- The unexpected hug between two friends
- The floral arrangement no one noticed, but frames the decor
Key points in the journey of a wedding photographer
- My connection with photography started almost unconsciously, but evolved into deep dedication.
- The quest for perfect gear led to the realisation that technique doesn’t replace sensitivity.
- Mobility — going up, down, closer or further — is just as crucial as any zoom or lens.
- Sensitivity to read the energy of the moment is key to creating unforgettable wedding photos.
The wedding day as a visual narrative
Being a wedding photographer is being a storyteller. Every wedding is a unique narrative made up of grand scenes and intimate details. And every photo is a sentence that builds that visual book. As a photographer, I’m always aware of what’s happening in the distance and right beside me.
It’s with my legs that I move around the venue, that I get close to the bride, adjusting her dress, or the groom greeting a guest. It’s with my legs that I climb for an overview or kneel to capture the reflection of the rings on the table.
Conclusion — Being a photographer, being truly present
Becoming a photographer, especially a wedding photographer, was a process of growth and awareness. Today, I know it’s not the lens that makes the perfect photo — it’s the vision, the empathy, and the ability to truly be present. Being a wedding photographer means having an open heart, sharp eyes, and legs ready to tell the full story of the day.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
If you’re looking for someone to capture every moment of your wedding day — from the grand scenes to the smallest details — talk to me. I’m a wedding photographer by passion, with experience, sensitivity, and a deep desire to tell your story through lasting images. Let’s have a conversation.
- You can see a full wedding story: