When it comes to wedding venues in Portugal, Quinta de São Thiago holds a special place in my heart. Nestled in the lush hills of Sintra, this historic estate offers an enchanting blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a wedding cocktail there, using only film cameras. The experience was nothing short of magical.
My trusted Leica M5 loaded with black and white film and M6 with color film allowed me capture the timeless and intimate moments that only film can deliver. The classic Hasselblad 500C, paired with the legendary 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens for those portraits, the fast-paced, candid moments, I leaned on my Leica Minilux. But perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was my tiny half-frame camera, Kodak h35N, which, despite its humble appearance, produced some of the most epic shots of the entire event. Shooting on film brings a sense of intentionality and presence to my work.
At Quinta de São Thiago, where every corner tells a story and every garden path feels like stepping back in time, film photography felt particularly fitting. Everyone black tie, the grain, the depth, the organic feel of the images, they all enhanced the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of the day. I was fortunate enough to capture what I consider my most iconic photograph on this very day.
Each frame was as intentional as possible, knowing that every shot on a roll of film truly counts. There’s no room for excess, just thoughtful composition and a touch of serendipity.
Looking back at the images, I’m grateful to have captured the essence of this beautiful celebration. There is something profoundly satisfying about delivering a gallery of film photographs, knowing that each frame was crafted with care and a bit of serendipity.
Quinta de São Thiago, with its timeless allure, proved once again why it is my favorite venue in Portugal. And film, as always, delivered a narrative that feels honest, raw, and deeply human.
