IN THE STREET, by PORTUGAL THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photographs of the couple, after their wedding day, in Lisbon’s riverside streets
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Pleasure of the Walk and the Camera: A Journey in Wedding Photography
Wedding photography is one of the most exciting and meaningful forms of photographic art. By capturing the love, moments, and emotions of the bride and groom, the wedding photographer has the privilege of preserving memories that will last a lifetime. However, as any experienced photographer can attest, there are certain dilemmas that arise when trying to balance the pleasure of traveling or walking with the need to capture impactful images.
The Conflict Between Photographing and Enjoying
Whenever I have a camera in my hands, there is a dilemma that has followed me constantly: if I am photographing, I cannot truly enjoy the moment, and if I am enjoying the moment, I cannot photograph with the same intensity. This is a conflict that has accompanied me since the first steps in photography and continues to be a constant reflection in my professional journey.
However, wedding photography brought a change in perspective. Unlike other forms of photography, where situations can be more controlled, wedding photography is a live, dynamic show that requires a keen eye to capture every emotion, every spontaneous gesture, and of course, the moments of joy that the bride, groom, and guests share on their big day. In this context, wedding photography goes beyond the simple act of clicking the camera; it is an art of capturing the essence of a unique day.
Photographing Weddings in the Streets of Lisbon
Lisbon, with its unique light and streets full of history, has become a perfect backdrop for wedding photography. Many times, couples choose this city as the background for their wedding photographs, either before or after the ceremony. The city offers both the couple and the photographer opportunities to capture breathtaking images.
- Spontaneous photographs: Photographing a wedding in the street offers a unique vibe. The streets of Lisbon, with their colorful tiles and urban landscapes, create the perfect setting for capturing intimate moments of the bride and groom.
- The flexibility of the space: One of the great advantages of conducting wedding photo sessions in public places is the variety of environments. From the charming old neighborhoods to modern and dynamic spaces, every corner offers a new photographic opportunity.
- Authentic moments: Unlike studios or closed locations, wedding photography in open and natural spaces allows you to capture authentic moments, with the bride and groom interacting naturally with the surroundings and with others.
The Capture Process: From Wedding Photographer to Street Photography Enthusiast
In my career as a wedding photographer, I learned how to balance the pleasure of walking and the passion for capturing stunning images. While this balance seemed impossible at first, it now forms part of the wedding experience. Walking with the couple and capturing authentic and emotional moments is part of the magic of the wedding day.
- Walks with the couple: During the wedding day, the moments between the ceremony and reception offer the perfect space to capture spontaneous and genuine images.
- Photographs that tell stories: The true essence of wedding photography is not just in posed shots, but in the moments that arise unexpectedly. The shine in the bride’s eye, the tension on the groom’s face before entering the ceremony, the guests laughing and sharing a moment of joy, all of these details are part of the narrative that I am there to capture.
Wedding photography in Lisbon, especially in its charming streets, combines the best of both worlds: the pleasure of discovery and the ability to capture unique moments. For me, this makes the experience even more rewarding.
How Wedding Photography Transformed My Perception of Walking
When I started my career in wedding photography, I realized that I had finally found a way to reconcile the pleasure of walking and the desire to photograph. During photo sessions, I can capture the most special moments while enjoying the company of the bride, groom, and their loved ones, without losing the opportunity to record the beauty of every gesture and look.
Point by Point:
- Since I became a photographer, I could never reconcile:
- Enjoying the walk with photography
- Enjoying the photographs on the walk
- I either go for one or the other.
- But when I started photographing weddings, it happened:
- Walking with the couple to take photos
- Making the walk itself the subject of the photos, with them
- Finding a solution:
- By becoming a wedding photographer, I found a way to reconcile both things: the walk and the photos, and I do so with great pleasure.
Reflections on Photography and Walking
In my first trip to France, already married and in my youth, I learned something important: you cannot do both things at the same time. Traveling through the French Alps, I bought a small camera to capture the breathtaking views of the mountains. This was my first experience where, at the same time, I traveled and photographed to capture the beauty of the place. However, this combination proved difficult, as travel required attention to the surroundings, while photography demanded that I focus on details and framing.
- Travel is for feeling and keeping in memory:
- Photography, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. It requires constant attention to detail and the ongoing search for new photographic opportunities.
- Photographing, even in the same landscapes, is something that demands my full dedication.
In summary, becoming a wedding photographer was the solution to reconcile both things: the passion for capturing amazing moments and the pleasure of accompanying the couple on such an important day in their lives.
Conclusion: The Pleasure of Photographing and the Magic of the Wedding Day
Wedding photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about telling a story. Each photo has a narrative, each moment is unique, and each wedding offers new opportunities to see and experience the world. For me, being a wedding photographer is the opportunity to do what I love most – capture authentic and emotional moments while sharing the pleasure of a walk with the couple.
Schedule a meeting and learn more about my unique approach to wedding photography. Let’s talk about how I can capture the most special moments of your day and show you the many photographs and wedding albums I have. I look forward to meeting you!
- You can see a full wedding story:
