Family & Maternity Photographer in Lisbon, Setúbal, Palmela, Comporta & Alentejo
You had me at hello
I’m a family photographer based in Palmela, photographing families and maternity sessions across Lisbon, Setúbal, Palmela, Azeitão, Arrábida, Comporta and the Alentejo.
My approach is relaxed and documentary-inspired. I’ll give you a little direction when you need it, but I won’t spend your session asking everyone to look at the camera and smile.
Family photography that feels like your family
Because childhood doesn’t happen in perfect poses.
It happens in the cuddles, the running, the sticky fingers, the belly laughs and the moments in between.
From a quiet morning wandering through Lisbon to golden hour on the coast, we’ll choose a setting that suits your relationship and let the rest unfold naturally.
You don’t need perfectly behaved children, matching outfits or a house that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
You just need to show up as you are.
Family photos don't have to feel like a photoshoot.
I’ll photograph the way your little one reaches for your hand, the way your toddler insists on doing everything themselves, the way your baby curls into your arms, and the expressions you might not even notice anymore because you’ve seen them a thousand times.
There will be photographs where everyone is looking at the camera.
But there will also be plenty where nobody is.
Those are often my favourites.
Family photography in Lisbon
Lisbon is full of beautiful places for family photographs — from quiet gardens and leafy parks to historic streets, viewpoints and the waterfront.
For families who live in Lisbon, we can choose somewhere close to home or explore somewhere completely different for the afternoon.
And if you’re visiting Lisbon on holiday, a family session can be a lovely way to document your time together without spending the whole experience trying to get everyone to pose for a photograph.
We’ll walk, play, explore and let the city become part of your story.
Setúbal, Palmela, Azeitão & Arrábida
This is home for me, and one of my favourite areas for family photography.
The Palmela and Setúbal region gives us a little bit of everything: vineyards, countryside, pine forests, beaches and the beautiful landscapes of Arrábida.
Sessions here can be relaxed and outdoorsy, with plenty of space for children to run around and be themselves.
If you’re local, we can also photograph your family somewhere that already has meaning to you — your favourite beach, a family home, a place you visit every weekend.
The best location isn’t always the most photogenic one.
It’s the one where you feel like yourselves.
Family photography in Comporta & the Alentejo
Comporta and the Alentejo are made for slow family days.
If you’re spending a holiday here with your family, it’s the perfect opportunity to document the people you don’t always get to have all together in one place.
Think barefoot children running through the sand, grandparents joining in, long lunches, villa gardens, golden-hour walks, quiet countryside and everyone being together without the usual rush of everyday life.
I photograph family sessions in Comporta, Melides, the Alentejo coast and further across the Alentejo, including holiday sessions for families travelling to Portugal.
The goal isn’t to interrupt your holiday with a photoshoot.
It’s to make photographs out of the holiday you’re already having.
Maternity photography
Pregnancy deserves to be remembered too.
My maternity sessions are relaxed, intimate and focused on connection rather than elaborate posing.
We can photograph the two of you together, include older siblings, bring the whole family along or keep things quiet and simple.
Sessions can take place outdoors, at home or somewhere that feels meaningful to you.
Whether you’re in Lisbon, Setúbal, Palmela, Comporta or spending a few days in the Alentejo, we’ll choose a setting that fits the feeling you’re after.
And if you’re already thinking about photographs with your baby once they’re here, we can make your maternity and family photographs part of the same story.
Meet Rita
Hi, I’m Rita.
I’m a photographer, but more importantly for family sessions, I’m someone who understands that children don’t always follow the plan.
And that’s completely fine.
My approach is patient, relaxed and observant. I don’t expect children to sit still, smile on command or cooperate for an entire hour.
In fact, I usually prefer it when they don’t.
I’ll give you simple prompts and ideas to keep things moving, but I’ll also leave plenty of room for your family to simply be together.
The photographs should feel like your family, not like a catalogue.
Get to know Rita.
Real family stories
A few families, a few seasons of life, and all the little moments in between.
What families say
How does it work?
Let’s begin
Tell me about your family, where you are in this season of life and what kind of memories you want to hold on to.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby, celebrating a birthday, bringing the grandparents together or simply realising that the children are growing far too quickly, tell me what matters to you.
I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with availability and everything you need to plan your session.
If I’m unavailable, I’ll still do my best to point you towards someone I trust with your story.
Make a plan
We’ll choose a location that feels right for your family, talk about outfits and decide on the best time for the light.
I’ll help you plan the practical details without over-planning the actual experience.
Whether we’re wandering through Lisbon, exploring the Arrábida coast or spending golden hour in Comporta, we’ll make sure the location fits your family and the kind of photographs you want.
Be yourselves
This is the easy part.
Come as you are.
We’ll walk, play, cuddle, explore and let your children set the pace.
I’ll guide you when needed and photograph everything in between.
No forced smiles required.
Delivered with care
Within three weeks, you’ll receive a carefully curated online gallery filled with the moments that mattered most.
You’ll also have access to a beautifully designed online store where you can order prints, albums and other ways to bring your photographs off the screen and into your home.
Have a Question?
FAQ
You’ll find answers to the most common questions below, but if there’s anything else on your mind, feel free to reach out.
I’m always happy to help — just send a message to rita@ritasantanaphotography.com and I’ll get back to you within 24-72 hours.
I photograph families throughout Lisbon, Setúbal, Palmela, Azeitão, Arrábida, Comporta, Melides and the wider Alentejo region.
Sessions can take place outdoors, at your home or somewhere meaningful to your family.
If you’re visiting Portugal, I’m also happy to help you choose a location that fits naturally into your trip.
Then we’ll photograph that too.
Seriously.
Children don’t need to sit still for a good photograph. I work with their personalities and energy rather than trying to make them behave like tiny adults.
If they need a break, we take a break. If they want to run, we run.
Choose clothes that feel comfortable and like you.
I’ll send you a simple guide with suggestions for colours, textures and outfits that photograph beautifully without making everyone look overly coordinated.
Most maternity sessions take place between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully visible but you can still move comfortably.
That said, every pregnancy is different, so we’ll choose a timing that feels right for you.
Most sessions take around one to one and a half hours, depending on the location, ages of the children and the kind of session we’re creating.
There’s no need to rush.
Absolutely.
If you’re all together in Portugal for a holiday or special occasion, that’s often the perfect reason to photograph everyone.
Just let me know how many people will be joining so I can plan the session accordingly.
Yes.
Lisbon, Comporta and the Alentejo are particularly beautiful for families travelling to Portugal.
If you’re planning a holiday, we can choose a location that fits naturally into your trip and make the photographs part of the experience.
Shall we tell your family’s story?
Your children won’t be this age forever.
The way they fit into your arms will change. Their little voices will change. The chaos will change.
The photographs give you somewhere to return to.
Reach out. I’m already excited to meet you.
