Time in Wedding Photography: The Evolution of the Photographer

The bride with a friend cross the street towards the church door, seen by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

REVIEW by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

The bride with a friend cross the street towards the church door, seen by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

Photos of when the bride arrives at the church for the wedding ceremony and the groom is waiting for her

Wedding Photographer: The Value of Time in Photographs

View of the Church facade with some wedding guests in front.

Throughout my career as a wedding photographer, I have often revisited moments from the past by going through my wedding photography archive. These records, which hold a special meaning, not only allow me to assess the impact of time on my work but also provide a unique opportunity to observe my professional evolution. When I look at these images, I feel both challenged and inspired, as I see that the photographs have withstood time and continue to tell stories filled with emotion and significance.

This review process is not just a reflection on what has been done, but also a way to ensure that I maintain the level of quality and commitment that my clients, the bride and groom, and their families, expect from me. At the same time, it allows me to stay focused on the future, knowing that, while time passes, the value of wedding photography remains timeless.

The Evolution of the Wedding Photographer

The groom holding hands with his little daughter at the church door as they wait for the bride.

The work of a wedding photographer is not just about taking pictures, but about telling stories. Over time, I realise that my work evolves, but without losing the commitment to quality. Being a wedding photographer is not just about taking beautiful photos, but about having the ability to capture the spirit of the wedding day, the emotion of the bride and groom, the smiles of the guests, and the small details that make the moment unique.

This process of evolution is something all wedding photographers experience. Although the style may change over time, the essence of wedding photography remains the same: creating memories that will last forever. Therefore, it is important not to lose sight of what made me become a wedding photographer and to continue working with the same passion and dedication I had when I first started, many years ago.

Professional Consistency in Wedding Photography

The face of the bride smiling inside the car, moments before leaving for the ceremony in the church.

A key aspect of my career is professional consistency. Being consistent is one of the main ways to ensure that my clients receive exactly what they expect on their wedding day. This doesn’t just mean doing the same work repeatedly, but being true to my style, my commitment, and the trust the couple places in me.

Maintaining professional consistency doesn’t mean being inflexible. On the contrary, it also involves the ability to learn, adapt, and grow over time. With every wedding, I am challenged to exceed expectations, improve my technique, and offer something new, while always maintaining my identity as a wedding photographer.

Reflections on the Wedding Photography Profession

On the way to the church flanked by garden trees, the bride walks with a friend.

My journey as a wedding photographer is not just a profession, but also an art form. However, the art of wedding photography cannot be separated from the professional responsibility I have towards my clients. I recall a valuable lesson I learned from a photography professor, who said that the big difference between a wedding photographer and an artist in other fields is the responsibility towards the client.

While the artist can work freely, with no obligation to please the public, the wedding photographer has a responsibility towards the couple. They trust me to create images that will tell the story of their wedding day. And that is what drives me to maintain consistency in my professional approach, even when I want to explore new ways of expressing my art.

The Difference Between a Professional and an Artist in Wedding Photography

The groom very smiling as he sees the bride enter the church door for the ceremony.

Although there are many similarities, the main difference between a wedding photographer and an artist in other fields is the need to balance professionalism with creative freedom. As a wedding photographer, I need to meet my clients’ expectations, the bride and groom, while also preserving my artistic freedom to create unique and exciting images.

This balance between professionalism and art is what allows me to continue growing as a wedding photographer. While I deliver what my clients expect, I am also able to express my creative vision and bring something new to each wedding. This combination of professional commitment and artistic freedom is what makes my work and my passion so rewarding.

Point by Point: Reflections on the Work of a Wedding Photographer

Wedding guests sitting in the church pews look back to see the bride enter the ceremony.
  • Revisiting the Archive: Revisiting past wedding photographs allows me to evaluate the evolution of my work and the resilience of time on my images.
  • The Critic and the Photographer: Being both the photographer and, at the same time, the critic writing here on the blog allows me to analyse my work and shape my future in wedding photography.
  • Professional Consistency: Consistency is the key to ensuring that my clients, the bride and groom, get exactly what they expect from me. It is a balance between maintaining quality and embracing creative freedom.
  • Freedom and Responsibility: My freedom as an artist in wedding photography is limited by the responsibility I have to my clients. Staying true to my commitment to the bride and groom is essential for my professional consistency.
The bride walks down the path inside the church to the altar arm in arm with her father.

Conclusion:

Wedding photography is a unique art form where professionalism and creativity come together to create lasting memories. Revisiting my wedding photography archive is a way to evaluate my evolution and ensure I continue to deliver the best images to my clients.

With every wedding, the challenge is the same: capturing the spirit of the day and creating something that the couple will cherish forever. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer dedicated and passionate about what they do, get in touch with me to discuss how I can make your wedding day even more special.


Let’s talk about your wedding

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who understands the importance of every moment and has a unique and creative approach, get in touch. Let’s talk about your expectations and how I can capture the spirit of your big day. I’m available to discuss the details of your wedding and ensure your photographs are truly unforgettable.


  • You can see a full wedding story:

The Interior of the church is seen from the entrance with the bride and groom and guests at the wedding ceremony.

By Fernando Colaço

Fernando Colaço, wedding photographer in Portugal. Natural, discreet and documentary. The photos will tell the story.

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