How to choose your photographer in Portugal?

Planning a trip to Portugal or getting ready for a big moment in your life? You’ll probably want great photos to remember it by — and that means finding the right photographer. Photography isn’t just a product with technical specs, it’s also a service where the personality and experience of the photographer matter just as much as the camera they use.

So, how do you actually choose a photographer in Portugal — whether it’s for a vacation, wedding, or personal shoot? Let’s break it down into four simple steps that can help you find the right person.

Stage 1. Look through portfolios

Start with a search. In Portugal, you’ll find plenty of photographers through Google, Instagram, and platforms like MyWed, or even local Facebook groups. But don’t just look at prices — dive into their portfolio.

• Does their style speak to you? Every photographer has a unique way of seeing things — some are soft and natural, while others are bold and dramatic. Ensure it aligns with the vibe you’re aiming for.
• How strong is their portfolio? It should show variety — different shoots, people, locations. If they only show photos from one session or have just a handful of images, that’s a red flag.
• Pay attention to editing. Portugal has beautiful, light, and vibrant colors — over-editing can ruin that. If the images look too filtered, overly sharp, or strangely saturated, they might be overcompensating. A professional typically has a clear, consistent editing style, rather than relying on random trends or presets.
• Check if they share full galleries, not just highlights. Anyone can capture a few good shots in a five-hour shoot, but experienced photographers maintain high quality throughout. For example, I share full wedding galleries on my site so clients can see exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Stage 2. Read the reviews

Portugal has a very active expat and travel community, and word of mouth spreads fast. That’s why reviews are super helpful. Check Google, Facebook, or even expat groups and forums.

Don’t just look at the star rating. Read the comments — what did people actually say about the experience? Did they mention feeling comfortable, being guided well, or loving the final result?

Also, be cautious with reviews that feel overly generic. I include real client names and links when possible so future clients can even reach out if they want to. Sometimes you don’t even need to ask — when people use my photos as their profile picture or share them in their feed, that says a lot.

Reviews on Facebook and Google Maps cannot be deleted; they remain permanently. Don't forget to check them there!

Stage 3. Understand the pricing

Once you’ve narrowed it down, you’ll probably reach out and ask: “How much do you charge?” And that’s fair — budget matters. However, don’t fall into the trap of comparing prices without considering the context.

Photographers in Portugal offer different packages — hourly sessions, full-day weddings, travel shoots, etc. Make sure you’re comparing similar services. A two-hour lifestyle shoot in Lisbon is very different from a full-day wedding in the Algarve. Ask what’s included: number of photos, editing, delivery time, location fees, etc.

I even wrote a separate article called "What should I know before asking a photographer for a price?" because there are a bunch of small things to consider before you ask for a quote. It helps avoid surprises later.

I have different rates for regular photo shoots, which usually start from 1 hour, and separate rates for weddings, starting from 4 hours. You can check them on my pages here:

• Wedding photography rates in Portugal and across Europe
• Photo shooting photography rates in Lisbon and around

Stage 4. Talk to the photographer

Portugal’s charm — the laid-back atmosphere, the friendly people, the unpredictable weather — all of this affects the mood of your shoot. It’s extremely important to connect with the photographer before the session. Even if you’re booking from abroad, a quick video call can help you get a sense of the vibe.

Are they listening? Do they understand what you’re after? Are they prepared for little things that might come up — like wind on the beach, a sudden downpour in Sintra, or needing a quick turnaround for photos?

It’s not just about what they say, but *how* they say it. You’ll be spending time together during the shoot, sometimes in emotional or high-pressure moments. Make sure it feels easy to be around them.

Summary

To wrap it up, here’s what I’d recommend when choosing a photographer in Portugal:

• Choose someone whose style genuinely speaks to you.
• Make sure they have solid, real feedback from clients.
• Compare packages wisely — not just by price, but by what’s included.
• Have a chat beforehand to make sure it clicks on a personal level.

Hopefully, this makes your search a little easier. And if you have thoughts, questions, or a different perspective, I’d be happy to hear them. Choosing a photographer is personal, and the best results come when both sides feel comfortable and excited to create something together.