DOIS Foto

Carlos and Nelson, how did your journey in photography begin? Which of you started first, or have you always worked together?

Hello BPW! It’s a huge pleasure to be here with you! Our journey goes back a long way, but we remember those early days as if it were yesterday. It all started in high school, where we first came into contact with the world of photography through a club that would surely shape us for the years ahead.

In those days, photography wasn’t very interesting for many of our classmates, but for us, it was magical — using a professional analog camera, developing film, and experimenting with enlargements. That experience influenced our decisions for higher education: we needed a course that included photography in its curriculum. Nothing else would do! Without knowing much about the future at that time, we ended up shaping it — or at least carving a path that makes us very happy. Carlos started professionally first, in Stage and Performance photography. Nelson had already been first at mastering the tricycle and the bicycle, but this time didn’t mind being second when it came to photography. There has always been a healthy competition between us, and as Nelson eventually brought photography into a more serious, professional level, it all came together naturally.

Both of you have parallel academic or professional paths — how did the decision to create “DOIS” as your own brand come about?

Our academic path was marked by studies in Fine Arts in Coimbra. The course included Fine Arts, Design, and analog photography, where we explored technical, artistic, and aesthetic processes in depth. Teaching filled part of our lives, but photography was always present — both in education and professionally. The DOIS® brand was born in 2016 with the creation of our photography studio, a project we had long dreamed of. This space was essential for taking our photography to the next level, allowing us to explore concepts and genres, emphasizing conceptual, storytelling, and fine-art photography. It was an excellent way to develop a set of responses for different clients. The more commercial areas soon became part of DOIS®, as we started photographing events that year. Gradually, our “core business” became clearer, and today weddings are a source of work we are very proud of.

Since we are twins with shared interests, and photography as a form of communication requires both a sender and a receiver, and if our parents always told us (half jokingly) that everything we have “is for both of you,” and if weddings are the story of two people — told with that duality to preserve and reflect memories for the future — then there really was no other possible name. Our logo reflects this: a mirrored “2” that complements itself.

What is it like working as a duo (twins)? How do you complement each other, what are the greatest strengths each of you brings, and what are the main challenges?

Photographing together for so many years, and sharing a similar vision of photography, allows us to work with total dedication and determination on reportage assignments. Our communication is constant and almost instinctive — some even say we transmit thoughts! Myths about twins! Perhaps being twins gives us a special ability to understand or even anticipate the framing or shot the other is making. This complementarity always reflects in the many moments captured from different technical and aesthetic approaches, enriching the events we photograph.

Is there a funny situation that happened because you are twins that you can share with us?

There are many funny situations! Often, we appear with very similar “dress codes,” which enhances our physical resemblance. Guests often get confused, thinking they see one photographer capturing multiple spots at the same time, only to realize the truth later. They approach us, astonished, and ask: “Wait… are you two?”

How do you define the aesthetic of your work?

We often say that we’re not always good with words, but we compensate with images. That’s where our commitment lies: creating authentic, emotional, and unforgettable visual narratives. We value lightness, empathy, and a genuine connection with each couple, capturing subtle moments, shared glances, and natural gestures — often unnoticed — always with discretion and sensitivity. It’s genuine storytelling through images. Even when directing a model, we always adjust the staging to the individual’s characteristics. Empathy is the key to a true aesthetic, using visual rhetoric that not everyone recognizes but which enhances and strengthens the impact of our photography.

Are there specific inspirations (art, cinema, painting, architecture, travel) that influence the way you work?

Absolutely! Our journey in the arts has influenced us greatly. The painting of the great masters, who worked light and shadow so exquisitely; cinema, which is photography in motion; architecture, which highlights spaces and visual compositions; theater, which shows human expressiveness in all its glory — all of this is inspirational. Even travel — not necessarily to exotic locations — can unlock creativity! Art is everywhere, and we use these references to recreate moments with originality.

What was the most challenging wedding you photographed, and how did you solve unexpected problems?

In truth, every wedding is challenging. Events with such ephemeral characteristics carry high risk, and unexpected situations constantly arise: rings hidden in fingers, happy faces obscured by hands, guests taking photos and interfering with our shots… There are also times when a camera battery dies or a memory card fills up. Anticipation is key; using experience to solve these problems with discernment and empathy is essential. Mastery of technique and aesthetics alone is not enough — pressing the shutter is only part of the job.
What feedback from a couple touched you the most?
Trends and styles are constantly emerging — and disappearing — in the world of wedding photography. We are constantly absorbing influences and aesthetics from other creative fields, but many of these have only a short lifespan.

However, simplicity and good taste in imagery always surpass trends — they are, and will always be, timeless.

What feedback from a couple touched you the most?

Over the years, the feedback from couples that touches us the most comes from knowing that we’ve created memories they will treasure. When a couple continues to call us for family events or recommends us to others, it fills us with joy. Happy couples mean fulfilled photographers! The greatest satisfaction is receiving heartfelt words of appreciation after completing a reportage.

How do you feel at the end of an intense wedding, after reviewing the photos you captured — emotion, pride, reflection?

After 12 or more hours of continuous work, our backs hurt a bit! But seriously, after physical and mental effort, and reviewing the first digital proofs, we always feel emotion and pride in what we’ve achieved. Feedback is almost immediate when the gallery is presented to the couple and guests. Modesty aside, there’s always room to reflect on processes and approaches that can be improved — which is key for growth in quality.

What has been the greatest personal learning from photographing weddings?

It’s always about people! Photographing a wedding is about understanding our presence — being more or less unobtrusive at certain moments. Capturing an instant and generating empathy with everyone involved. Being helpful and part of the day. A wedding is only remembered as perfect when everyone contributes with professionalism and empathy.

Are there new techniques or trends you would like to explore in the coming years?

We always watch technical and aesthetic evolutions, adapting our services to market trends. That said, we’re not big fans of “trends,” which often copy an original idea repeatedly. This creates the ephemeral, which goes against the very idea of photography. We aim to be as original as possible, using inspiration and trends only to reinvent ourselves.

Where would you like to see Dois Fotografia in the next 5–10 years?

Event photography is constantly evolving. We believe that doing what we love with passion and determination will allow us to continue carving a consistent path, becoming a reference, and a trusted choice for future couples. Our goal is to keep photographing with meaning and purpose, honestly capturing people’s stories. If we continue this way, in 5–10 years, we will undoubtedly be happy. We don’t aim to be the best, but we want to remain a choice that makes our future couples proud.