Frequently Asked Questions

A guide to the questions we hear most often, from how we work and where we travel, to what to expect between your wedding day and your final gallery.

Where are you based, and do you travel for weddings?

We are based in Olhão, in the Algarve, Portugal. We photograph destination weddings across Portugal, Italy, France, and Europe. Travel is part of what we do. No destination is off the table. Travel costs are factored into the investment depending on location.

How many weddings do you photograph each year?

We limit ourselves to ten weddings per year. This is a deliberate choice. It keeps each project personal, gives both of us the space to be fully present on the day, and ensures the editing meets the standard our work requires.

Will you be the photographers at our wedding, or could it be a different team?

Rui and Savannah photograph every wedding together. There are no associates and no situations where a different photographer covers your day. When you book The Lopes Photography, you are booking us specifically.

What does the booking process look like?

It begins with an inquiry through our contact page. We read every message carefully and respond within a few business days. If the fit seems right on both sides, we arrange a call to talk through your day. From there, we send a proposal and contract. Your date is secured once the contract is signed and the initial retainer is received.

How far in advance should we book?

Most couples book 12 to 18 months before their wedding date. Peak dates in Portugal and Italy, particularly from late spring through early autumn, tend to fill earliest. If your date is sooner, it is always worth reaching out. We occasionally have availability for weddings with shorter lead times.

Do you photograph elopements?

Yes. Elopements are a significant part of our work. Whether it is two people on a clifftop in the Algarve or a quiet ceremony in a Lisbon courtyard, we approach elopements with the same editorial intention we bring to larger weddings. Coverage is tailored entirely to the format of your day.

Do you shoot on film?

Yes. Alongside our digital work, we shoot on 35mm and medium format film throughout the day. Film is not a separate service or add-on. It is woven into the coverage. The resulting images carry a quality of light and grain that is distinct from digital. We also offer Super 8 film video as an optional addition to photography coverage.

Do you also offer videography?

We do not offer traditional videography. Our focus is entirely on photography. We do offer Super 8 film video as an optional addition to your coverage: short, cinematic footage shot on 8mm film alongside your photography. It is a separate investment, and availability is limited each year.

Do you offer drone coverage?

We do not operate a drone ourselves. Our focus is entirely on what happens on the ground. We do work regularly with dedicated drone teams and are happy to coordinate aerial photo and video coverage as part of your day if that is something you want.

Do you work with videographers you can recommend?

Yes. We have a small group of cinematographers we trust and whose aesthetic is compatible with ours. Reach out, and we can make an introduction based on your style and budget.

Do you deliver RAW files?

We do not. The edit is not a finishing step that can be separated from the photography. It is part of the work itself. What you receive is a complete, finished gallery.

How many photos will we receive?

The number varies based on the length and structure of your day, but we never pad a gallery for the sake of volume. Every image we deliver is one we stand behind. Most full-day weddings result in 600 to 900 finished photographs.

When will we receive our gallery?

For wedding and elopement coverage, you can expect your full gallery within 12 to 14 weeks of your wedding date. We confirm the exact timeline in your contract and keep you informed throughout the editing process.

How do you deliver the photos?

Via a private, password-protected online gallery. You can share access with family and friends, and all files are available to download at full resolution. The gallery remains accessible for an extended period after delivery.

What does the investment look like, and how are payments structured?

Wedding day photography begins at €8,000. The total varies based on coverage length, travel, and any additions. Payments are divided across several installments, beginning with a retainer to secure your date. Full details are in the Investment Guide, which we share after an initial conversation.

If you have a question that is not covered here, or if you are ready to start a conversation about your wedding, we would love to hear from you.