I KNOW, IT IS NOT NICE by the LISBON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Because of photographs of dancing moments at a wedding at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos, Oeiras
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The wedding photographer’s lack of musical talent is compensated for by the photos
The joy of being a wedding photographer (even without dancing skills)
I’ve been a wedding photographer for many years, and I can assure you that in every wedding, I see more talent and passion on the dance floor than I could ever have with music. If there’s one thing I feel completely out of place doing, it’s dancing or playing an instrument.
Still, it doesn’t bother me — because while some dazzle with musical notes and choreographed moves, I dazzle with light, framing, and emotion.
From the early hours of the wedding day, while the bride and groom are getting ready and the wedding guests begin to arrive, my camera is already in hand. And even when the music starts to fill the air, it’s with the shutter that I follow the rhythm.
I don’t dance, but I know how to capture the smiles and contagious energy of those who do.
The wedding photographer’s good kind of envy
There’s a little envy that lives with me. A good envy. I deeply admire those with the gift of music — those who sing, play guitar, piano, saxophone, or any other instrument.
At those moments during the wedding party, I pause for a few seconds, look at the band, and think: how do they do it? Then I return to what I do best — taking photographs.
Things that define me as a wedding photographer:
- When I’m working at a wedding:
- I’m completely focused on capturing every detail and emotion
- I’m not there to chat, dance, or eat
- I’m there to eternalize unique moments with my camera
- My biggest envy isn’t of the dancers, but of the live musicians
- While the musicians electrify the room, I make memories come alive through images
The music I can’t play, but that inspires me
Since I was fifteen, I’ve been a dedicated music listener. I have a vast and eclectic record collection. I start every day with an album (except when I’m off to shoot a wedding, of course).
Still, no matter how much I listen, I can’t tell the difference between a C and a D. I’m completely tone-deaf, rhythm-less, and musically talentless.
But that has never stopped me from being happy. I found my true calling in wedding photography, where I have sensitivity, technique, and vision. There, I’m at home. I’ve worked hard, studied even more, and I keep learning every day.
Moments I wouldn’t trade for anything:
- When I see the bride and groom dancing their first dance, I capture the emotion in their eyes
- When the wedding guests form a circle around a musician and dance like no one’s watching
- When the wedding ceremony turns into a real party, and each click is a burst of joy
The joy is in photographing others’ happiness
The truth is, even though I can’t dance or play, I’m probably the happiest person at any wedding party. Because I do what I love. Because while others live in the moment, I’m the one responsible for making it last forever.
I love seeing people happy. I love capturing those spontaneous expressions, those genuine gestures. Being a wedding photographer means this: being alert, feeling the atmosphere, and turning it into images that last a lifetime.
Conclusion:
I can’t dance. I don’t play any instrument. But I know, without a doubt, that I was made to tell stories through photography. My envy doesn’t block me — it inspires me. And even without stepping onto the stage or the dance floor, I’m a key part of every wedding I shoot. The music and dance are theirs; the images are mine.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who, even without musical talent, knows how to capture every moment with passion and professionalism, I’m ready to hear from you.
- The photographs in this article were taken at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos, Oeiras, on the dance floor at the wedding reception.
