Some time ago on Instagram, I talked about my first wedding. I promised to share my story with you and tell you how I started photographing weddings, along with some advice for those who are just beginning.
My journey into wedding photography began in 2017. Until then, I had no experience or contact with this world, its rituals, or how it worked. I had never even attended a wedding, not even as a guest. I had just finished the HND in Art and Design Photography course at ETIC and was convinced I wanted to pursue fashion photography. At the time, we were taught that wedding photography was undervalued. We were conditioned to believe that this type of photography was something we shouldn’t even consider, that only “bad photographers” went into it to make money, and that it was an area where creativity was stifled. Moreover, the wedding photographers I knew at the time were very traditional, and I didn’t identify with their style.
In early 2017, around April, I came across a LinkedIn job posting from a photography studio looking for an intern—yes, it specifically stated that it had to be a woman. I applied for the internship and was eventually contacted for an interview. After the interview, the photographers from the studio invited me to assist at a wedding, which I accepted without hesitation. I prepared all my gear, highly enthusiastic, and was at the photographer’s house at 7 AM sharp. I don’t know exactly how many hours the wedding lasted or how long I was on my feet, but for a 21-year-old who knew nothing about the industry, it was utterly exhausting. I remember getting home after 1 AM. During the day, contrary to my expectations, I didn’t actually take any photos; instead, I carried equipment, held lights, organized guests for group photos, and essentially observed the dynamics. Despite not photographing, I learned a lot that day because I had the opportunity to understand the timing of a wedding, what a photographer should pay attention to, and the fast-paced nature of the job. I saw a wedding from a perspective that a guest never sees. For various reasons, I didn’t continue working with this team, but it opened my eyes to wedding photography. From that point on, I started researching professionals in the field and trying to find a style I identified with. This was when I discovered some great wedding photographers in Portugal, whom I still admire today, such as Adriana Morais, Hugo Coelho, and others.
In 2017, I was invited to two more weddings. Just a week after assisting at that first wedding, I attended a wedding as a guest for the first time. Even though I didn’t resonate with that photographer’s style, I was fascinated. I followed the photographers with my eyes everywhere they went and took mental notes of their actions.
In September, I attended my cousin’s wedding, this time with a more documentary-style photographer. It was the first time I saw firsthand the work of a photographer whose approach and values I identified with. They had asked for my help in checking prices (even though I knew nothing at the time!!). But the photographers charged a fair price, which was also a great reference point for me regarding market rates. At that wedding, I was that annoying guest every photographer dreads—the one with a camera taking pictures of everything. I photographed the preparations (not of the couple but of the guests), the ceremony, and the cocktail hour. Even at this stage, I didn’t want to intrude on the “photographer’s moments” or disrespect their work. But it was a great opportunity to see the photographer in action, compare my photos with the final delivered ones, and take my first portfolio-worthy shots.
Photograph I took at my cousin’s wedding, September 2017
Shortly after this wedding, the sister of one of my oldest and closest friends told me she was getting married and wanted me to be her wedding photographer. I felt a mix of excitement and sheer terror. While I was incredibly grateful and honoured, I was completely transparent and told them I had no experience photographing weddings and that I believed (and still do) that it is too important an event to entrust to an amateur. They still wanted me to do it and were willing to pay whatever I asked.
On the wedding day, I was a nervous wreck, in a constant state of stress. It wasn’t as bad as I expected because I was surrounded by people who made me feel comfortable. I even stayed at the bride’s house the night before because I was terrified of being late (whoever heard of a photographer sleeping at the bride’s house?). Most of the guests were family members who had watched me grow up, and even my mother was there. Because I felt so at ease with them, I think I was able to calm my nerves more than I would have with any other family.
Another major help that day was my dear friend Patrícia Lourenço (from SoftBox), whom I asked to assist me. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, weddings typically have a lead photographer (hired by the couple) and sometimes a second photographer (hired by the main photographer to assist). In this case, Patrícia was my right hand, left hand, and legs. We both shot the wedding as “lead photographers,” but I was responsible for editing the photos and crafting the final story (since it was my wedding gig). Without her presence that day, the outcome would not have been as good. For instance, during the ceremony, I struggled to find the perfect settings for the lighting due to my lack of experience. While I experimented, Patrícia ensured that everything was still being captured. She made sure the couple received the essential photos they were paying for, and I was able to work at my own pace and learn. Do I think this was ideal for my first wedding? No, I don’t, and I’ll explain why later. Even though the couple loved my photos, the results wouldn’t have been as good without Patrícia’s help and confidence.
I am very proud of this wedding. Even though it was my first, I still love the photos. My visual style has evolved over the years, but these are images I revisit with pride. You can see this wedding here.
Photograph from my first wedding, December 2017.
After photographing my first weddings alone, I realized that they were not as good as I had hoped. I lacked the necessary experience, made countless mistakes, and struggled significantly. I wasn’t technically prepared, nor did I have the right mindset for handling everything on my own. While my couples were happy with the results, I knew deep down that I didn’t yet have the rhythm required for this demanding profession.
Today, I want to share some advice for photographers entering the wedding industry—things I wish I had known when I started.
Don’t Photograph Your First Wedding Alone
As I mentioned earlier, and despite this being the exact opposite of how I started photographing weddings, this field is incredibly demanding. It’s an important day in the couple’s life that cannot be redone. Moreover, it is a physically and mentally exhausting day for the professionals involved.
On the physical side, you are on your feet for more than 12 hours, often crouching, running, walking backward—essentially, performing all sorts of maneuvers. On the mental side, you must maintain constant focus throughout the day, always anticipating key moments to ensure you capture “that perfect shot.”
Additionally, someone unfamiliar with wedding procedures from a photographer’s perspective will inevitably miss essential moments that are crucial to telling the story of the day.
That being said, if you do decide to photograph your first wedding alone, be completely transparent with the couple. Lay all the cards on the table so they have all the necessary information before making a decision. Nothing is more disheartening than seeing a couple disappointed with their wedding photos and knowing deep down that you didn’t do your best. Acknowledge your limitations and communicate them clearly. It’s better to be upfront than to hold back and end up receiving a negative review that could harm your career right from the start. If you don’t feel comfortable shooting alone, let the couple know that you’ll be bringing another photographer. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and honesty is always the better choice.
For example, I have a wedding coming up in 2022 where I told the couple that, for several reasons, I didn’t feel comfortable photographing it alone. They understood, agreed, and I’ll be bringing a colleague with me. I would much rather be open about it than go alone and not deliver my best work.
Work as a Second Shooter
I’ve been doing this type of work since 2018, and I really enjoy it. In my opinion, the best way to learn wedding photography is by observing someone else. Of course, workshops and lectures are valuable, but there’s nothing like watching another photographer in action—seeing how they interact with clients, the decisions they make, and the risks they take.
Additionally, it allows you to work in different markets from the one you may be targeting. This pushes your creativity because you’re not always photographing the same type of clients, forcing you to adapt to different people and situations. In my opinion, this makes you a better photographer.
If you haven’t started shooting weddings yet, working for another photographer is also a great way to build your portfolio so that, when the time comes to shoot your own weddings, you have work to show. However, keep in mind that the lead photographer won’t have time to teach you on the wedding day. It’s crucial to be prepared and not expect a “one-on-one” lesson during the event. If that’s your goal, there are photographers who offer mentorship services, and you’ll definitely learn a lot from them.
Shoot a Full Wedding Season
Even though I had been in the industry for four years, I feel like I only truly discovered what wedding photography is this past year. I had never had such a busy season—barely any free days and countless hours on the road. I booked many dates, not just for my own weddings but also for assisting other photographers.
Halfway through, I realized that this was the year I would find out whether I truly loved what I was doing. I believe that anyone who isn’t genuinely passionate about wedding photography will struggle to get through an entire season because it demands so much from us technically, physically, and emotionally. Fortunately, for me, this experience only reassured me that I made the right career choice.
Of course, you can still do the job without loving it, but your photos won’t show passion. There’s something special about photographing a wedding and genuinely feeling happy to be there.
Practice Whenever You Can
When I first started, I spent two years taking photos every single day. Even if it was just self-portraits or pictures of my room, I picked up my camera daily. This helps train your eye, experiment with techniques, and gain confidence for when you start working professionally.
It’s also important to practice with people. Do you want to photograph weddings? Ask some friends who are couples if you can take their photos. This will help you improve your technical skills, learn how to interact with clients, and build a portfolio to showcase your work. Everyone starts somewhere, and nobody gets hired without having something to show. So, practice as much as possible!
In 2019, I only photographed three weddings, but I did several couple sessions—many unpaid. But for me, it was a great opportunity to practice everything, from posing to client communication. And it makes a huge difference! Especially the interaction with people, which is also a skill that can be developed.
On a wedding day, we are more than just someone pressing a button. We manage people, guide them through the photography process, and help calm their nerves. So, besides training the technical side, it’s just as crucial to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
There are many experienced photographers willing to help, share their experiences, and even take you along to their weddings.
Until 2020, I thought this profession was very lonely, and I often felt bad. “Do other photographers have the same struggles as me?” “Is everyone else fully booked except for me?” So many doubts. Fortunately, the pandemic brought professionals closer together, fostering more open discussions on social media and within the industry.
In 2021, Women on Weddings was created, which completely changed my perspective on the industry. Now, I feel supported and understood by an amazing group of women who experience the same challenges I do. Even if they don’t, they always have kind words or helpful advice to share.
Learn Whenever You Can
We are always learning. I strongly believe that no professional should ever feel like they have nothing left to learn. Because once you reach that point, it means you also have nothing left to give—you stop evolving, and you become stagnant.
Every year, I make it a priority to attend at least one conference or workshop. I like to learn from different speakers and hear different perspectives. These experiences always leave us a little richer in knowledge, and they’re also great opportunities for networking.
Photo taken at a wedding in September 2021.
Despite everything I’ve said and knowing that, if I could go back, I wouldn’t have photographed that wedding alone, I’m incredibly grateful to Ana and Kent for choosing me and, above all, for trusting me. They opened the doors to my career, and I’m almost certain that without them, I wouldn’t have started in wedding photography or be where I am today.
I’m also thrilled that, after their wedding, I went on to photograph their maternity session, their baby’s christening, her second birthday, and most recently, another family session this year. To me, this confirms that they have no regrets about their decision.
It’s a huge honor to witness a family’s evolution while also seeing my own growth as a photographer.
This is the story of how I started photographing weddings. I hope your journey is a little smoother and more stable. But above all, I hope you truly love what you do and find genuine happiness in photographing weddings. I know I do! There’s absolutely nothing else I’d rather be doing.
