Jerónimos Monastery in Belém was the perfect choice.
The park and tree-lined paths opposite the monastery are especially beautiful at sunrise. Early in the morning, the area is still quiet, the light is soft, and the sun begins to illuminate the monastery’s detailed façade in a way that feels almost magical. For a large family, this also gives us space to work without crowds in the background.
This photoshoot was also a great example of how well-chosen clothing can bring the whole gallery together. Everyone wore white, which looked clean, elegant, and timeless against the warm stone of the monastery and the soft morning light. It kept the attention on the people while still creating a very stylish, coordinated look.
With eight family members, it is important to create many different combinations. We photographed everyone together, the grandparents with the children, individual family groups, and smaller moments between relatives. The youngest children had their own attention, and so did the parents and grandparents.
There were also two teenagers in the family. As often happens, they were not immediately excited about having their photos taken. But that is part of the work. With a relaxed approach, a little humour, and the right prompts, they soon joined in.
The final photos felt natural, lively, and true to the family. The monumental architecture of Jerónimos Monastery gave every frame a sense of scale, while the sunrise added warmth and softness. Together, it created exactly what Amy was looking for: a meaningful family memory in front of one of Lisbon’s most iconic places.
