Honest Advice from a Local Photographer
Before your Lisbon photoshoot, let’s discuss a few things. Over the years I’ve photographed all sorts of people. Some love being in front of the camera, some absolutely hate it, and almost everyone tells me they’re nervous.
That’s completely normal.
This isn’t about turning you into a model or making you pose in awkward positions for Instagram. It’s about capturing your time in Lisbon naturally and making sure you actually enjoy the experience.
As a professional photographer, I also spent over 25+ years in the UK Armed Forces, where planning and preparation were second nature. I bring that same approach to every photoshoot because a little preparation beforehand can make a huge difference to how relaxed you feel and how your photographs turn out.
So here’s some honest advice from someone who’s made the mistakes, seen the mistakes and hopefully learnt a thing or two along the way.
Let’s start with the big one: your shoes.
Lisbon is a beautiful city, but it wasn’t designed with six-inch heels in mind. We’ll often be walking between locations over cobbles, up and down hills and the continuasly uneven pavement that I love in Lisbon.
My advice?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring your “Instagram shoes” in a bag. When we’re ready to shoot, swap them over.
Your feet will thank you.
Solid colours nearly always work best. Light to dark tones photograph beautifully and if you’d like advice on colours, I’m always happy to help.
That said… It’s your photoshoot, not mine.
Try to avoid loud patterns or excessively bright colours. Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra are colourful enough without competing with your shirt.
Large logos are another thing I’d avoid. If you’re being sponsored by Ralph Lauren or Diesel, I’ll happily make an exception.
Clothes That Fit
Wear clothes that fit you well.
Not too baggy.
Not ridiculously tight.
If you’re worried about being on the larger side, don’t panic. That’s where experience comes in. I know how to use light, angles and posing to help you look your best.
I don’t need some mythical “skinny lens” that people occasionally ask me about. I just use my head. And if you’re spending £300 a month at the gym and would quite like everyone to know about it… fitted clothing photographs brilliantly too.
Keep jewellery simple and classic where possible. Highly reflective or oversized pieces can catch the sunlight and distract from what really matters…
You.
Layers also work really well. Jackets, knitwear and scarves can add texture and give you a different look without changing your entire outfit.
Seriously.
I completely understand if you’re nervous, especially if it’s a surprise proposal or you’ve never had professional photographs taken before.
But too much alcohol and three hours’ sleep rarely produce your best look.
Puffy eyes and tired skin aren’t ideal.
I’ll always do my best, but I’m a photographer, not a miracle worker.
This one should be obvious.
Bright red shoulders don’t magically disappear because I own Photoshop.
Ladies…
Please don’t try a brand-new facial, skin treatment or self-tan just before the shoot.
If your skin decides to have a disagreement with the product, we’d both rather it happened after your holiday than before your photographs.
Get Some Sleep
Aim for a decent night’s sleep.
Seven hours is a good target if you can manage it.
Your face will genuinely thank you for it.
Drink Plenty of Water
Lisbon gets hot.
Hydrated skin generally looks healthier and fresher in photographs.
I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life, but it really does make a difference.
Haircuts & Beard Trims
If you’re planning a haircut, beard trim or colour touch-up, try to have it done around five days before the shoot.
It gives everything time to settle naturally and avoids that “I’ve literally just left the barber” look.
Can I let you into a little secret?
After years behind a camera, I still get nervous before every shoot.
Not because I don’t know what I’m doing, but because every client matters and every photoshoot is different.
You’re trusting me with your memories, your proposal, your anniversary or your family holiday.
That matters to me.
I’m constantly looking at the light, the composition and the little details that can spoil a photograph. A tower crane sticking out of someone’s head, a distracting sign, a crowd wandering into the background or harsh backlighting that needs handling properly.
The day I stop caring about those things is probably the day I should stop calling myself a professional photographer.
So if you’re worried about being awkward in front of the camera, tell me.
You won’t be the first.
And you definitely won’t be the last.
By the end of the shoot, most people are wondering what they were so worried about in the first place.
I have a selection on Lisbon Shotoshoot Packages available, please click the button bellow for more information.
In addition to my work in Lisbon, I also run Manchester Photography, a well-established photography business in the UK.
Now based in Lisbon, I continue to work with clients in Manchester and London, returning for a few days each month for commercial photography projects.