READING TIME: 3 min 37 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/26/2025
UPDATED: 06/26/2025
Not all photographers begin with a camera in hand—some begin in swimming lanes. Before entering the world of wedding photography, the founder of Momento Cativo was a competitive swimmer for one of Portugal’s top clubs, FC Porto.
“Being a high-performance athlete from such a young age gave me a strong sense of responsibility, taught me how to handle pressure, work towards goals, embrace teamwork, and make sacrifices.”
After finishing school, he supported his studies by working in various fields—until a second-shooting opportunity at a traditional studio sparked a passion for weddings that never left. A degree in Digital Arts and Multimedia led him to work under a university professor, and eventually, an Australian company recruited him for video animation projects. But the lifestyle didn’t feel right.
“That’s when Vanessa, my girlfriend, partner, and now editor at Momento Cativo, suggested we create our own photography brand together.”
Vanessa became an integral part of Momento Cativo—not behind the camera, but behind the scenes. While he brings the eye and instinct, she brings clarity, care, and refinement to every frame.
“Since she doesn’t shoot, she’s able to go through the selection process more effectively, she has no emotional attachment to the couple, the moment, or the image itself, which allows her to make decisions with a more critical eye.”
Vanessa’s touch goes beyond culling. She ensures every photo carries the soft luminosity and precise skin tones that define their work. “After color correction, she goes the extra mile by refining the images, removing distracting objects that don’t add to the composition and making subtle adjustments when needed.”
Classic, luminous, and everlasting—Momento Cativo’s style transcends trends.
“Our style is timeless, romantic, and classic, the kind of photography that doesn’t follow fleeting trends or fashions. It’s designed to remain original and meaningful throughout the years, no matter how much time passes.”
This commitment to longevity is what sets their work apart. Every image is composed with the idea that it should be cherished not just today, but decades from now.
Canon has always been their go-to.
“I use a variety of gear, but I’ve been loyal to Canon ever since I first fell in love with photography. My go-to lens is the 50mm, it’s the one I use most often and for those more epic, cinematic shots, I love incorporating drone photography, which has become my second favorite tool.”
While they once leaned into film with Contax cameras, today, they use digital in a way that emulates that nostalgic beauty.
“For many years, I shot on film cameras, especially the Contax. But over time, I found that digital photography, when approached thoughtfully, can emulate many of the beautiful characteristics of film.”
Behind every click is intention—and a desire to create something that lasts.
“What I love most about being a photographer is the ability to be preserved in time, to live on through the stories I tell and the families I photograph. It’s a powerful feeling to know that something I created will remain, passed from generation to generation, becoming part of someone’s legacy.”
It’s not just about documenting a day. It’s about preserving emotion—capturing love in its most authentic, raw, and joyful form.
For Momento Cativo, building trust with couples is the foundation of everything.
“Our first step is always to understand the couple’s expectations and see if there’s a natural match between what they’re envisioning and the way we work.”
There’s no forced posing, no rigid framework. Just a desire to let the couple’s natural rhythm shine.
“It’s all about creating a relationship of trust so that, on the day, they feel completely comfortable and present and we can capture them just as they are.”
And if a couple needs guidance?
“We do share some tips when needed, from color suggestions for outfits to gentle posing guidance, especially for portrait sessions. That said, our approach is always to observe and adapt to the couple or family in front of us. It's important to preserve their essence.”
No two weddings are alike—and neither are Momento Cativo’s offerings.
“We’re always happy to create a custom quote if none of these fits exactly what you’re looking for. We want to make sure the coverage suits your day perfectly.”
From intimate elopements to grand destination celebrations, they adapt their services to reflect the couple’s needs while maintaining the consistency and care their brand is known for.
Though Portugal is home, the world is their canvas.
“Yes, absolutely, we love destination weddings! We've had the privilege of traveling abroad to photograph love stories in different countries, but since Portugal is already such a popular destination for weddings, many of our couples are actually from abroad and choose to get married here.”
Among their favorites?
“As for favorite destinations, it’s hard to choose but Italy and Morocco definitely hold a special place in our hearts!”
With 17 years of experience and an unwavering love for their craft, Momento Cativo is more than a photography brand—it’s a living archive of love.
“Ultimately, the key is finding the right fit. When that happens, the result naturally reflects everything the couple dreamed of, and everything we love to create.”
They don’t just capture weddings—they honor the beginning of legacies.
Explore their work and learn more about their art at Momento Cativo on Wezoree.
