Lisbon is an incredibly generous city when it comes to photography. The light changes constantly, the streets are layered and full of texture, and within a short distance, you can move from historic neighborhoods to open viewpoints, riverfronts, or the Atlantic coast. It is a city that rewards curiosity and slow walking, which is exactly how I like to work.
How to Prepare for a Lisbon Photoshoot
Planning a photoshoot in Lisbon should feel exciting, not stressful. You do not need to know the city inside out, have a perfect Pinterest board, or rehearse anything in advance.
My job as a Lisbon photographer is to help you navigate the city, the light, and the photoshoot experience without overthinking any of it. I take care of the choices and the pacing, so you can focus on enjoying the moment and being present.
If you are traveling to Lisbon and considering booking a photoshoot, take this as your sign. You can get in touch through the contact form and we will keep things simple from the start.
And if you have already booked, I am genuinely happy you did. I am looking forward to meeting you soon, walking the city together, and creating something meaningful with you.
1. The occasion, or the lack of one
A photoshoot in Lisbon can mark something specific, but it does not have to.
It might be a couple session. An engagement, an elopement woven into the city streets or into nature, an anniversary, or simply time together while traveling. It can be a maternity shoot, a family session, or a way to document a particular moment in your lives.
But you do not need a milestone or a big reason to book a shoot.
A birthday trip, a girls’ getaway, or even a solo trip are more than enough. Sometimes the occasion is simply being here, in this city, at this point in time.
The way I approach every session is the same. I focus on who you are, how you move through the city, and what feels true to you. The photos follow naturally from there.
2. Do not overthink the location
Unless you already know Lisbon very well and have a specific place in mind, there is no need to choose an exact location.
You can simply tell me what you are drawn to. Quiet streets or lively ones. Old town or open views. City textures or nature. Something cinematic or something simple. From there, I will suggest the locations that fit you best.
Every spot I choose is quintessential Lisbon. Think tiles, yellow trams, viewpoints, narrow streets, textured walls, doors, and the occasional unexpected detail that makes the city feel alive.
If you would rather shoot by the coast or surrounded by nature, that is also very easy to arrange. Lisbon has incredible beaches, cliffs, and green areas just outside the city, and I am happy to recommend places that match your vision.
3. Timing matters more than the exact place
Light changes everything. There is great light both early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Mornings give us quiet streets and a tranquil setting, while afternoons bring a lively city atmosphere and are also ideal if you prefer a scenic coastal location.
If you feel shy or prefer a more intimate experience, early morning sessions are perfect. The city is calm, the streets are mostly empty, and everything feels slower.
Late afternoon sessions are ideal if you enjoy movement, energy, and a bit of Lisbon’s everyday rhythm.
I will always help you choose the timing that suits both your personality and the locations we plan to use.
4. Why choose between morning and evening when you can have both
If you are visiting Lisbon for a few days and want more variety, this is where a sunrise and sunset session really makes sense.
A morning session in the city gives us empty streets, softer light, and a calm, almost cinematic Lisbon. Old town, tiles, viewpoints, and that slow early rhythm before the city fully wakes up.
Later in the day, a sunset session works beautifully by the ocean or along the coast. The light is warmer, the mood is more relaxed, and the landscape opens up in a completely different way.
It is essentially two very different stories from the same trip, with very different images. If you are already here, it often makes more sense to split the experience rather than trying to squeeze everything into one shoot.
That is exactly the thinking behind my Sunrise / Sunset option.
5. Trust the process and stay flexible
Lisbon is beautiful, but it is also unpredictable in the best possible way. A street might suddenly come alive. A door might be open. Light might hit a wall in a way that changes the whole scene.
Some of the strongest images come from allowing a bit of spontaneity. We will walk, pause, adjust, and let things unfold naturally rather than chasing a rigid plan.
6. Getting around the city and beyond
If we are shooting outside the city, a rental car can be useful, but it is not always necessary.
Uber works very well in Lisbon, including for coastal areas and locations just outside the city. It is reliable, affordable, and often simpler than driving yourself.
If you prefer something more comfortable, I can also recommend a trusted friend who offers a licensed car and driver service. This usually includes pickup at your accommodation, waiting during the shoot, and taking you back afterwards. It is a very relaxed option, especially if you want to enjoy the experience without thinking about logistics.
7. What to wear and what usually works best
The most important rule is that you should feel like yourself.
In the city, clean lines, simple outfits, and natural fabrics tend to photograph beautifully. Neutral tones always work, but that does not mean everything has to be muted.
Red will definitely make you stand out. Yellow feels light and joyful. Blues and greens blend beautifully with Lisbon’s colors.
For beach or nature sessions, softer textures, lighter fabrics, and slightly looser fits usually work best, especially when there is wind.
When in doubt, jeans and a white shirt are always a safe choice.
I would avoid very strong patterns, micro lines, or fabrics that change color depending on the light. These tend to be distracting and do not translate well on camera.
If you want, you can always send me photos of your outfit options, and I am happy to give honest feedback.
8. Professional hair and makeup can make a real difference
Professional hair and makeup are never mandatory, but they can make a noticeable difference in how relaxed and confident you feel during the shoot.
This is not about looking overdone or different from yourself. A good professional knows how to enhance your features in a natural way, keep everything looking fresh for longer, and make sure skin tones translate well on camera, especially in strong daylight or windier coastal conditions.
If you are celebrating something special, traveling for a short time, or simply want to feel taken care of, it can be a very nice addition to the experience.
Over the years I have worked with several artists whose work I trust and recommend. They are experienced, professional, and used to working with international clients.
• https://www.catibeauty.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/vanessachabert_makeuphair/?hl=en
• https://www.blusthairmakeup.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/luisasilvamakeup/?hl=en
• https://www.instagram.com/yara_lacerda_mua/?hl=en
If you would like, I am happy to help you decide whether professional hair and makeup make sense for your shoot and how to fit it smoothly into the day.
9. Shoes matter more than you think
Lisbon is famous for its hills and cobblestones, and they are not always kind to delicate shoes.
Choose something comfortable that you can walk in easily. You can always bring a second pair if you want to change for part of the shoot. Comfort helps you move naturally, and that shows in the photos.
10. Pack light and keep it simple
Try to pack as light as possible for the shoot. Packing light makes us more agile. It allows us to move easily between locations, walk naturally, and keep the flow going. This is when candid moments happen, especially while walking, crossing streets, or transitioning from one spot to another. The less we have to manage, the more time and headspace we have for shooting.
It is also worth knowing that phones can be surprisingly bulky in photos, especially with fitted clothes or lighter fabrics. I always have some extra space in my camera backpack, so you are welcome to store your phone and other valuables there during the shoot. That way we do not have to think about pockets, bags, or keeping track of things.
Fewer things to carry means fewer distractions, more freedom to move, and more room for natural, unforced images to happen.
11. Do not worry about posing
Most people tell me they are not comfortable in front of the camera. That is completely normal.
You do not need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. I will give gentle direction when needed, and I will also step back when moments are working on their own.
The goal is not perfection. It is connection, ease, and images that feel like you.
12. Weather is part of the story
Lisbon has great weather most of the year, but clouds, wind, and even light rain can add mood and texture to your photos.
I rarely recommend canceling a shoot because of weather alone. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, we will reschedule. Otherwise, I will adapt and use what the day gives us.
Some of my favorite sessions happened on days that did not look perfect on paper.
13. Relax and enjoy the experience
This is not just about photos. It is about slowing down, exploring the city, and giving yourself space to be present.
Treat it like a walk with a local friend who happens to have a camera and knows how to read light.
The more you allow yourself to enjoy it, the more natural and meaningful the images will be.
