We started beside the Church of São Vicente de Fora. It has an amazing arch and beautiful architectural details, which gave us a strong first setting for the photos. From the beginning, the family was relaxed, playful, and happy to have fun with the camera.
Photographing teenagers and young adults is its own subject. Usually, the key is not to force too much. They need to feel comfortable and understand that the session will not be long or awkward. These two brothers were great. They cooperated easily, joked with each other, and showed a real friendship as well as the closeness of brothers. They were also very warm with their parents, which gave us many natural moments to photograph.
From São Vicente de Fora, we walked towards the garden with a view of the National Pantheon. The Pantheon is often photographed from Miradouro das Portas do Sol, where you can see it across the rooftops of Alfama. But getting closer gives you something completely different: stronger details, dramatic angles, and beautiful close-up views of its white dome.
During every family photoshoot, I make sure nobody is forgotten. We made photographs of the whole family together, portraits of each son, photos of the brothers, and a few moments just for the parents. Group photos matter, but the smaller combinations often become just as important later.
Then we continued through the narrow streets of Alfama, finding small corners, old walls, tiled façades, and light between the buildings. We stopped near Igreja de Santo Estêvão and its small belvedere, where there is a quieter view over the neighborhood.
Finally, we walked a little higher to Miradouro das Portas do Sol. It was the perfect place to finish: an open view over Alfama, its rooftops, church towers, and the river beyond. By then, the family had completely settled into the session, and the final photos felt easy, lively, and full of their connection.
