Portrait photography for me is always a collaboration. I bring my full presence to the session, and you bring yourself.

My role as a portrait photographer in Lisbon is to create a space of trust where you feel comfortable enough to open up. That is the secret recipe for meaningful portraits.

During my portrait sessions, you don’t need to pose or worry about how to stand or where to put your hands. I’m not trying to turn you into someone else. If you look through the portraits below, you’ll notice that the “poses” are very simple. They don’t come from a list in my head — they come from the moment. And they belong to you.

Portrait sessions can take place in many different locations across Lisbon and Portugal: in the city, in nature, in a studio, or in your own home. Sometimes even public transport becomes part of the story. I’m always happy to help choose the perfect setting for your portrait session.

I especially love photographing artists and creative people — painters, musicians, ceramic artists — but my portrait sessions are open to anyone who wants honest, natural photographs.

For people who don’t want to pose. If you don’t like posing, feel awkward in front of the camera, or simply don’t know what to do with your hands — you are exactly the kind of person I love photographing. My portrait sessions are relaxed and natural.

For those who don’t need “perfect” photos. If you are not looking for perfection but for something real — honest moments, quiet expressions, and images that feel true to you.

For those who want to see themselves with kindness. Sometimes we rarely see ourselves through a warm and attentive gaze. My role as a portrait photographer is to look at you with curiosity, respect and care — and translate that into photographs.

For people in a transition moment of life. Portrait photography can be a way to capture a moment of change — when something new is beginning or when one chapter of life has just closed. These sessions become a quiet record of who you are right now.

For artists and creative professionals. If you are a painter, sculptor, musician or any kind of creative person, we can create portraits that reflect your work and environment — in your studio, workspace or another meaningful location in Lisbon.

LOOK AT THESE SESSIONS:

Before the Session

I like the preparation for a portrait session to feel simple and relaxed.

First, you tell me a little about yourself and why you would like to have portraits taken — whether the photographs are simply for yourself or connected to your work. You might already have a clear idea for the session, or you might simply want natural photographs and trust the process. Both approaches work perfectly.

Second, we choose the location together. The session can take place in your home, in your workspace or artist studio, on the streets of Lisbon, in the nature or in a photography studio. The most important thing is choosing a place that feels natural to you. If you don’t have a specific location in mind, I’ll happily suggest beautiful spots for portrait photography around Lisbon, Cascais or Setúbal.

The next step is thinking about what to wear. The level of my involvement here can vary depending on what you prefer. I can simply give a few general recommendations, or you can send me photos of your outfits and I’ll happily give more detailed suggestions. There is never any need to buy something special for the portrait session unless you truly want to. Very often the best choices are already in your wardrobe.

During the Session

During the session, we work as a tandem. A photoshoot is not about producing images from a checklist. It is a living process where we pay attention to how you feel in the moment — your mood, your energy, whether you want to pause for a moment or even change the location or outfit. Everything stays flexible.

Sometimes I might suggest very simple actions or guide you slightly in relation to the light or the background. But I never place you into rigid poses. The photographs grow naturally from the moment.

After the Session

After the session, I take some time to carefully select and edit your portraits. This part of the process is just as important to me as the photoshoot itself.

Your photographs are usually ready within 2 weeks. During the summer months the turnaround time may occasionally be a little longer due to a higher number of sessions.

Once the portraits are ready, I upload them to a private online gallery where you can comfortably view, download and share your images. The gallery will remain available for one year after your portrait session, so you will always have time to return to your photographs.

Olga Moreira — Portrait and Family Photographer

Based in Palmela, working in Lisbon, Margem Sul, Cascais and Sintra