BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS by the PORTUGAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
The photos are of the bride and groom at Adega de Colares in Sintra, moments before the wedding ceremony
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The beginning of the passion for black and white photography
The wedding photographer often carries a visual heritage that predates the profession itself. In my case, the love for black and white photography started long before I specialised in wedding photographs. It all began in makeshift darkrooms, with hands soaked in chemicals and the intense smell of developers, where I first fell in love with the image without colour. This simple, raw, and profound aesthetic never left me.
Far from being a passing trend, black and white is a language. And when I eventually became a wedding photographer, it was only natural that this language would accompany me during some of the most important moments in people’s lives.
Black and white: an emotional and aesthetic choice
Choosing black and white to portray the wedding day is not a technical whim. It’s an emotional decision. Without the distraction of colour, attention focuses on gestures, emotions, glances, and silences. Wedding photographs gain a timeless, almost poetic character.
Why I love photographing in black and white:
- Emotions are more visible without the distraction of colour.
- The aesthetic is cleaner, and the compositions are visually stronger.
- There’s a timelessness that suits the solemnity of the wedding ceremony.
- It’s a natural extension of how I see the world through the lens.
The influence of my origins
Before I was a wedding photographer, I was already photographing in black and white for pure pleasure. I still vividly remember the heated debates among photographers about the best photo papers, the ideal developers, and the films that produced the most dramatic contrasts.
Some moments from that journey:
- Arguments over which film was the “right one” for a particular outcome.
- Experiments with photo paper, where each detail could change the soul of the image.
- The magic of developing a negative under red light, in a near-ritualistic environment.
Black and white in the wedding context
When I began photographing weddings, I felt that black and white fit perfectly into everything that happens on such a special day. Surrounded by brides, grooms, emotional parents, wedding guests, hugs, tears, and smiles, black and white lends authenticity and elegance.
Ideal moments for black and white at weddings:
- The bride’s entrance during the ceremony, when silence speaks volumes.
- The emotional gaze of a parent or grandparent.
- Spontaneous hugs and stolen kisses.
- Dancing, where movement matters more than colour.
Advantages of black and white photography in weddings
Over the years, I’ve noticed that couples who seek me out as a wedding photographer appreciate the black and white language. There’s a quiet sophistication, an aesthetic that transcends time.
Clear benefits of using black and white:
- Increases the aesthetic longevity of the image.
- Hides unwanted visual noise (like harsh lights or overly bright colours).
- Highlights the contrast between light and shadow.
- Emphasises the emotional narrative of the wedding photography.
The natural fit of black and white in my work
Much of my portfolio is made up of black and white photographs. This isn’t a forced decision, but a natural consequence of how I interpret the wedding day. I believe that by removing colour, we get closer to the essence of the image.
A few details about my process:
- Ceremony locations like the Adega Regional de Colares offer ideal settings for strong contrasts.
- The selection of black and white images is made with attention to detail and emotion.
- I always strive for a balance between colour and black and white photos, depending on the day’s story.
Conclusion
Wedding photography is not just a visual record. It is the creation of a lasting memory. Black and white, with its emotional depth, aesthetic purity, and timelessness, allows me to tell stories with truth. Being a wedding photographer is also about knowing when to remove colour and leave only the essential.
Let’s talk?
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values emotion, authenticity, and the timeless beauty of black and white photography, get in touch. I’d be happy to show you more of my work and explain how your wedding photographs can gain new meaning, without colour, but full of soul.
- You can see a full wedding story: