WHAT THEY SAY by THE SINTRA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
These are two photos that I like, from Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Serra, in Sintra, before and after the wedding ceremony
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The Wedding Photographer and the Truth of the Moments
Being a wedding photographer is much more than capturing images; it’s about capturing truths. As a professional in this field, one of my biggest challenges is precisely that: staying true to the essence of the events, to the authenticity of every gesture, glance, and emotion. But this isn’t as easy as it seems. The moment we use a camera — any camera — we transform a living, flowing reality into a visual representation. That representation, no matter how true we want it to be, is always an interpretation.
Each wedding photograph arises from a series of choices — technical, aesthetic, and emotional. The lens used, how the light is handled, the chosen angle — all of it influences the interpretation of the moment captured. This is where the photographer’s style appears, but also where unintentional distortions can arise. The question is: Is it possible to capture a moment without altering it?
Wedding Day Reportage: Between Reality and Interpretation
Much like cinema, where a simple camera angle can change the tone of a scene — making it comic, dramatic, or terrifying — wedding photography also allows for interpretation. But unlike the seventh art, which thrives on staging, the reportage of a wedding day should be spontaneous, fluid, and honest.
The goal is not to build a fictional narrative, but to enhance the meaning of real moments lived by the couple and the wedding guests. Even when the photographer chooses to move closer or further away, or highlight some elements while blurring others, they’re making choices that alter the result. But when these choices are made with sensitivity and respect, they become part of the truth itself.
The Impact of Technical Choices in Wedding Photography
Let’s look at a few practical examples of how technique influences the perception of an image:
- A wide-angle lens can increase the sense of space, offering a feeling of openness and freedom.
- Using a lens with a larger aperture helps blur the background and isolate specific emotions.
- A darker or lighter exposure changes the emotional tone of the image, directly affecting how the moment will be remembered.
These decisions go beyond mere technical details — they shape the emotional record of the day. But when made consciously and to preserve the essence of the event, they enrich the wedding photography.
Emotional Truth in Faces and Gestures
Two images of Filipa, the bride, come to mind. In one, she looks at her father just before entering the ceremony. In the other, she’s surrounded by those who love her — their faces blurred, in motion, like clouds on a windy day. The photograph doesn’t identify everyone, but their presence is felt. They are her emotional support, and the image honours that.
What makes these wedding photographs authentic isn’t the technical perfection but the respect for the lived emotion. Filipa, in that moment, isn’t alone — and the image makes that clear. The way I chose to show that moment comes from a place of deep respect for its truth.
When the Photographer’s Style Respects Authenticity
It’s important to accept that the photographer’s style is always present. From the way they frame a scene to whether they choose to intervene or not. However, style should never be a filter that distorts — it should be a lens that clarifies. A good wedding photographer knows how to leave their mark while allowing the truth of others to emerge.
Key points on truth in wedding photography:
- Every technical choice (lens, exposure, framing) shapes the wedding’s visual narrative.
- Emotions don’t need to be staged; spontaneity is the heart of wedding reportage.
- The photographer’s style should amplify, not invent or distort.
- The relationship with the couple and wedding guests is essential to create trust and capture genuine moments.
Conclusion: The Truth We See and the One We Feel
Being faithful to the truth on a wedding day is about more than clear, pretty pictures. It’s about capturing real emotions, human connections, silences that speak, and glances that tell stories. Truth is not just what is seen, but what is felt when looking.
My mission as a wedding photographer is exactly that: to be attentive, sensitive, and humble enough to know I’m not the protagonist — just the visual narrator of a day that belongs to others.
Contact me
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values authenticity and knows how to respect the truth of your moments, let’s talk.
- The photos that illustrate de article were made at Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Serra, in Sintra near the wedding ceremony.