Lisbon provided a picturesque backdrop for Marcos and Mafalda’s recent engagement photoshoot. We began in the lush gardens of Jardim da Estrela, moved throughout the streets of the city, and ended at the iconic Praça do Comércio near the waterfront. The varied locations allowed us to capture the couple’s natural chemistry in a garden setting and finally at sunset in one of its most famous squares against the ancient architectural details of Lisbon. Mafalda works as a scientist and Marcos is a personal trainer, but their shared Lisbon roots and complementary personalities shone through in both candid moments and artfully posed portraits. My aim was to combine a photojournalistic style with some thoughtfully staged images to create engaging photos with visual interest. The timeless beauty of Lisbon intertwined perfectly with this couple’s contemporary love story.
The photoshoot took advantage of two iconic Lisbon locations to capture the couple amidst natural and urban backdrops. We began in the sprawling gardens of Jardim da Estrela. This provided a lush, green setting to photograph the couple’s natural connection and spontaneity. We then made our way to Praça do Comércio, situated along the Tagus River. Its expansive plaza is surrounded by rows of majestic arcades, originally built in the 18th century after the 1755 earthquake. The symmetrical architecture and riverside locale gave an elegant, Old World backdrop for portraits of the couple posing hand-in-hand. Moving between the garden’s greenery and the ancient grandeur of Praça do Comércio allowed us to encapsulate diverse sides of Lisbon’s beauty.
The artistic portraits aimed to showcase Mafalda and Marcos’ personalities and relationship dynamic. We did a series of posed shots using the 18th century pillars and arcades of Praça do Comércio as a backdrop. The posed photos focused on thoughtful framing and intentional lighting to create an editorial aesthetic. For example, we did a dramatic side-by-side portrait with the couple gazing into the distance. The negative space around them along with the symmetry of their poses directs attention to their bond. Another artistic portrait frames the couple in an intimate embrace under an archway. With softened natural lighting, this image evokes romance. The composition leads the eye in a circular flow, enhancing the feeling of closeness between Mafalda and Marcos. Throughout the session, we focused on poses and facial expressions that highlighted the couple’s personalities. The artistic portraits showcase their love while also representing their unique quirks and inner vibrancy.
For this Lisbon engagement photoshoot, we aimed to capture the essences of Mafalda and Marcos’ personalities and backgrounds through careful selection of locations and poses. By thoughtfully choosing locations and poses representing each individual, yet harmonious together, the photoshoot aimed to authentically reflect the lives and love of this charming Lisbon couple. Their shared pride and roots in this magnificent city acted as the perfect backdrop for their engagement. Getting couples relaxed enough to act normally and ignore the camera is key to documenting the real connections that tell their love story. With preparation and an observant eye, photographers can capture authenticity.