THE INTERVALS by THE LISBON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photos of the bride and groom at the first dance, cake cutting, and others, at the wedding party at Quinta do Lumarinho in Sintra
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The wedding photographer’s morning nerves
Being a wedding photographer is a profession built on strong emotions. Anyone who thinks it’s just showing up, pointing the camera, and shooting is far from the truth. From the very first moments of the day — often at dawn — the wedding photographer feels a nervous excitement that has been present since the first wedding they ever shot.
It’s an intense feeling that starts the day before, while preparing the cameras, cleaning the lenses, and checking all the gear. It’s not a lack of experience or confidence. It’s proof that this work matters. That every new wedding day has its own story and deserves full attention.
Nerves that don’t go away – and that’s a good thing
From the start, I believed the nerves would fade with time. That with practice and experience, the adrenaline would drop. But the truth is that, even after many weddings, I still feel it. At first, I doubted myself. I thought maybe I wasn’t cut out for wedding photography. But I soon realised I wasn’t alone.
What I learned from other wedding photographers:
- Many colleagues feel exactly the same, even with decades of experience.
- Morning nerves are a sign of commitment and passion for the job.
- If I ever stop feeling it, maybe the excitement will be gone.
I discovered this through an online community of photographers. A place where experiences, doubts, and knowledge are shared. I learned that these nerves are almost universal among those who take wedding photography seriously.
The healthy pressure at the start of the day
The day begins with a tight stomach, a racing mind, and a wave of thoughts: “Will I be on time?”, “Is everything charged?”, “What if it rains?”
But as soon as the first photo is taken, everything settles. The camera in hand, the click that begins the day’s coverage, has the power to silence all doubt. The wedding photographer enters the zone, and everything starts to flow.
Early stages of the wedding day:
- Arrival at the bride or groom’s home.
- Preparations, details, and spontaneous expressions.
- First portraits with family and wedding guests.
Each of these moments is a chance to capture the soul of the day. And that’s why the nerves exist: because every detail matters, every gesture holds meaning.
It’s not all emotion: there are slower moments too
Although it’s a day full of action, weddings also have their slow moments. Times when almost everything has happened, but some key parts are still pending. The guests are tired, the couple starts feeling the emotional weight, and the wedding photographer is not exactly fresh anymore.
The waiting periods:
- The cake cutting is delayed.
- The dance that hasn’t begun.
- The bride’s bouquet that still hasn’t been tossed.
During these moments, the photographer stays alert and ready. It may seem simple, but staying focused after hours of work requires full dedication. Still, it’s often during these pauses that some of the most authentic and memorable wedding photographs are captured.
The importance of feeling what you do
Wedding photography is made with technique, yes. But also with emotion. And the morning nerves — that ever-present companion — are the clearest sign that the photographer still cares. Still feels. Still lives every wedding as if it were the first.
Personal thoughts:
- The nerves never went away, but I’ve learned to embrace them.
- It’s almost a ritual: prepare, feel, photograph.
- It connects me to the essence of wedding photography.
Conclusion
Being a wedding photographer is more than a job: it’s a commitment to real stories. The nerves before the day begins are a sign of respect, passion, and dedication. Throughout the hours — from the preparations to the ceremony and the party — there are ups and downs, but the emotion never fades. And that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Let’s talk about your wedding day
If you value true emotion and total dedication from someone who captures every detail, talk to me. My morning nerves will be present on your big day too — and that’s a good sign. Let’s talk about your wedding and discover how to turn your story into something timeless and beautiful.
- You can see a full wedding story:
- The photos are of some parts of the wedding party that took place at Quinta do Lumarinho in Montelavar, Sintra.
