Wedding Film Photography in Portugal

The texture, the grain, the softness of tones… each frame becomes a tangible piece of memory that feels timeless and alive.

 
 
 

Why Choose Film for Your Wedding Day?

Trends come and go, but film is everlasting. Shooting on film means every click of the shutter is intentional, a meditation on presence. Film invites slowness, emotion and imperfection — which is often where the beauty hides. It brings back the nostalgia of family albums and gives your wedding gallery a depth that feels both classic and daringly modern.

My Approach to Film Photography

I shoot film the way I shoot digital: documentary in style, focusing on honesty, movement and unexpected moments of joy. But with film, there’s an added layer of artistry. Each roll becomes a narrative, each frame a page in the story of your day. You will receive a carefully curated selection of film photographs alongside your digital images, blending the best of both worlds.

Portugal as the Perfect Backdrop for Film

From the golden light of Lisbon to the vineyards of Setúbal and the olive groves of Azeitão, Portugal offers an endless palette for film photography. The textures of stone streets, the blue of the Atlantic, and the intimacy of historic venues all come alive through film.

Testimonials

Rita is an absolutely amazing photographer. You should definitely use her for any engagement or wedding photos. As she has a great grasp of knowledge of how to make a photo pop and look the best. We were extremely blessed to have someone special as her capture one of the biggest moments in our lives.




lisbon proposal photographer
Kendall & Emily
April 2025
I’ve never been one to enjoy taking photos—I tend to get stiff and nervous in front of the camera—but Rita made the entire experience so much fun and put all my anxieties to rest. She chose two stunning locations for our shoot that perfectly captured the magic of Portugal, and we couldn't be happier with the results. We’re absolutely thrilled with our photos and will definitely be reaching out to Rita again the next time we're in Portugal. Highly recommended!
A couple walks together on a stone pathway beside a grand, columned building on a sunny day, surrounded by tall trees and greenery—captured beautifully by a Lisbon wedding photographer.
Albert & Morgan
August 2024
Rita was amazing! She was very helpful in planning how things should go in regards to photography for my proposal and she genuinely cared about the proposal going well and cared about the pictures being as perfect as we could make them. Rita was also very informative, responsive and generally very nice and I always had a great conversation with her any time we talked to each other. The pictures came out amazing and me, my fiancée and my family couldn't be happier! Thank you so much Rita!
Timothy & Julia
June 2024
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.

Film creates a unique texture, depth, and timeless feel that digital can’t replicate. While digital allows for speed and volume, film slows everything down, making each frame intentional and artistic. I shoot both, so you get the best of both worlds.

I typically shoot a curated selection of film rolls during the wedding day. This results in around 30–60 film photographs, carefully chosen and scanned in high resolution, delivered alongside your full digital gallery.

I primarily shoot digital for full coverage but include film for its artistry and magic. The combination ensures you have complete storytelling coverage while enjoying the unique beauty of film images.

On the other hand you can hire me just to complement the digital service you may already have!

Portugal’s light, textures, and landscapes are ideal for film. The golden tones of Lisbon, the vineyards of Setúbal, and the historic charm of Azeitão or Sintra translate beautifully on film, creating images that feel timeless and full of emotion.

I work with trusted professional labs that specialize in wedding film. Your negatives are processed, scanned, and returned as high-resolution digital files, ensuring your film photographs have the same quality and consistency as your digital gallery.

The Perfect Imperfect

Ready to Begin Your Film Journey?

If film speaks to your heart, let’s connect. Your story deserves to be told with presence and intention.