We began early in the morning near Jerónimos Monastery. It is one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the busiest places in the city. As the day goes on, tour buses arrive, the square fills up, and it becomes much harder to create relaxed family photos without people constantly passing through the background.
Mornings gave us exactly what we needed: more space, quieter surroundings, and soft light on the monastery’s beautiful façade.
Professional photoshoots are not permitted inside the monastery, but the exterior offers plenty of possibilities. We used the open square, the green fountain, and the building itself as a backdrop. The architecture is so detailed and distinctive that it gives every photograph a strong connection to Lisbon without taking attention away from the family.
Just in front of the monastery, there is also a small park. It is a simple but very useful part of this location for a family photoshoot. The children could sit and move around on the grass, the parents could relax, and we could make photos with greenery while still keeping one of Lisbon’s best-known landmarks in the background.
The family brought a small cake with a number one on top, so the birthday celebration became part of the session. It was not a staged party, just a sweet little detail that made the photographs personal.
There were hugs, kisses, laughs, and plenty of attention for the birthday boy from his older brother.
Family photoshoots work best when children are allowed to be themselves. They do not need to pose perfectly all the time. I guide the family with small suggestions: where to stand, how to sit together, which direction to look, and when to simply interact naturally. The light, the background, and each child’s mood always shape those decisions.
The goal is never to make a family look like they are posing for a catalogue. It is to create space for real connection. On this morning in Belém, that meant two brothers together, parents close by, a first birthday cake, and a relaxed walk beside one of Lisbon’s most beautiful buildings.
