Cristiana and Goncalo, a Portuguese couple, reached out to the photographer for their engagement session. Despite being based in Switzerland, the photographer enjoys traveling around Europe for destination shoots. The couple’s love story began in Lisbon three years ago, and they share many interests and values. Goncalo’s profession as a model added excitement to the shoot, while Cristiana initially felt shy but eventually relaxed. I chose Lisbon’s Jardim dos Montes Claros park as the location, aiming to capture editorial yet natural imagery that showcase the couple’s intimacy against natural backdrops. My approach was to let genuine interactions unfold while bringing an editorial eye to the photoshoot.
Capturing the Essence of Young Love
Cristiana initially seemed shy when we started the shoot, which is understandable for someone not used to modeling professionally. I quickly worked to make her feel comfortable by keeping the atmosphere light and humorous. As the session progressed, Cristiana grew more relaxed and began posing confidently with Goncalo. My main focus was on capturing their natural chemistry with a taste of staged poses. By fostering a relaxed and intimate environment, I was able to capture the essence of their love, resulting in authentic yet editorial photography that reflect their genuine connection.
Crafting an Editorial Aesthetic
I aimed for an editorial aesthetic in Cristiana and Goncalo’s Lisbon engagement shoot, drawing on fashion-inspired trends and their own experience. They meticulously curated outfits, with Cristiana in a bohemian dress and Goncalo in a sleek suit, complementing each other. The poses I choosed were carefully directed to appear natural yet evoke editorial experience. The park’s architecture served as a sophisticated backdrop, enhanced by off-camera lighting for cinematic effects. The resulting photos capture the couple’s beauty and passion in a stylized, fashion-forward manner, offering inspiration for others seeking elevated engagement shoots in Lisbon.
Lisbon as the Perfect Backdrop
The park, nestled on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views of the old city and intimate spaces among its terraced layout. The focus was on capturing the park’s natural vibrancy and the couple’s connection against its backdrop. The shoot also showcased Lisbon’s blend of historic architecture and lush flora, creating a fairy tale-like atmosphere. Overall, the city’s quaint yet grand character complemented the couple’s love story, resulting in stunning and romantic engagement photos.
Every couple deserves to have their love captured in beautiful photographs that they will cherish for a lifetime. Cristiana and Goncalo’s engagement shoot in Lisbon is a perfect example of how to create elegant, artistic memories of a relationship milestone.
Here are some key tips for couples wanting to emulate the success of this shoot:
Choose a location with personal meaning and aesthetic appeal. Jardim dos Montes Claros was the ideal backdrop for Cris and Goncalo, providing greenery and interesting architecture while holding nostalgic value for their relationship. Select a place that feels connected to your love story.
Mix up poses and perspectives. We shifted between standard poses like the couple embracing to more fashion-inspired poses with Cris modeling confidently on her own. Varying it up makes for a diverse, dynamic gallery.
Go for a relaxed, joyful vibe. Despite an editorial style, the energy was light and fun rather than stiff or overly perfect. Keep the mood upbeat by being yourselves.
Flatter each other. Goncalo’s clear admiration for his fiancée shines through in every glance her way. Compliment your partner sincerely and often.
Have faith in your photographer’s vision. Cris trusted me to guide her through more advanced posing outside her comfort zone. Put yourself in their artistic hands.
Capturing your love through the lens of a camera is a beautiful experience. Choose your location thoughtfully, relax into the flow of the shoot, flatter and encourage one another, and trust your photographer to skillfully shape gorgeous images. If you approach your photoshoot with the same spirit of affection as Cristiana and Goncalo, you’re sure to have lasting memories of your precious love.
