José and João Raposo
PHOTOGRAPHERS
We are pleased
to present…
The story of photography for José Raposo began out of necessity: he needed to work to support his family. But what started as a practical need quickly transformed into passion, drive, and purpose. Photography became the center of his life, an art where he found fulfillment, recognition, and a deep connection with the people who trust him to immortalize the most important day of their lives.
With determination and a pioneering spirit, José Raposo built a career that crossed borders. Born in a small village in the interior of Portugal, he soon managed to project his work to both national and international audiences — at a time when social media and digital tools did not exist to facilitate such exposure. This achievement was, and continues to be, a reflection of his unwavering willpower and dedication.
More than a photographer, José has always positioned himself as a team leader, encouraging collaborators to grow, sharing technical and aesthetic knowledge, and keeping an eye on trends — all without ever compromising his vision: timeless images where glamour and class meet with a touch of irreverence and rock ’n’ roll.
Throughout thousands of stories captured, he also faced challenges and unforgettable moments — like the adventure of a wedding in Tuscany, where a flight delay almost jeopardized everything — until the solution was to rent a car and drive hundreds of kilometers to arrive on time. For José, every unforeseen event is just another opportunity to prove that dedication and commitment are always essential.
Over time, photography became more than a profession; it became a legacy. And within that legacy was born its greatest continuation: his son, João.
From childhood, João accompanied his father on assignments, learning to see photography as naturally as breathing. He grew up immersed in this visual language, transforming fascination into his own passion, and today proudly carries the responsibility of continuing this journey.
Working side by side is not just about sharing a profession. It’s about living a relationship of mutual inspiration and complicity: João admires his father’s honesty and approach to art, always attentive and dedicated; José takes pride in his son’s growth, how he has developed his own style, and how he imparts his personal vision to every image he creates.
When they work together, father and son share the same language, enthusiasm, and contagious energy. It’s not just about taking photographs, but about experiencing each wedding with truth, dedication, and commitment.
Today, José and João Raposo represent not only a business but a family story — built on passion, resilience, and love for wedding photography. Their future is rooted in continuity: maintaining authenticity, constantly evolving, and ensuring that every couple who trusts their work receives not just images, but memories transformed into heritage.
Because, for them, photography is exactly that: a higher art, capable of transcending generations.
Two generations, one photographic legacy…
José, how did you discover your passion for photography at the age of 14, and how did that discovery shape your career?
My journey in photography began out of necessity — I needed to work to support my family (my mother). Over time, what started as a responsibility turned into a passion, something that grew stronger every day and became one of the most positive forces in my life.
With almost three decades of experience, what are the main changes you’ve observed in wedding photography, and how have you adapted to them?
Throughout these years, one of the main secrets to staying active and serving our clients well is, quite simply, willpower — the constant drive to improve, to evolve, and to stay aligned with every new trend and development within this art form.
Could you share a remarkable story or an unforgettable moment you’ve experienced while photographing a wedding?
Over the years, thousands of people have crossed our path, each with their own unique and personal story — and hundreds of little adventures that, fortunately, have always ended well. One such story was when a flight delay almost made us miss a ceremony in Tuscany. If it weren’t for the last-minute adventure of renting a car and driving hundreds of kilometers, we wouldn’t have made it in time!
Your team consists of nine people (as we’ve learned) in the studio, along with additional professionals during the high season. How do you ensure that your artistic vision is maintained across all projects?
The artistic vision of our company has always been based on openness — openness to ideas, to collaboration, and to creativity. I’ve always encouraged everyone who works with us to share their perspective, whether it’s technical, aesthetic, or emotional. We are a team, and that has always been our foundation.
Having received several awards and international recognition, what would you say is the “secret” to maintaining excellence over so many years?
There are no real secrets, only dedication and commitment to this art. When that’s present, recognition naturally follows.
In your view, what makes a photograph truly timeless and memorable?
The timelessness of wedding photography lies in its ability to reflect emotions and the deep feelings people experience on one of the most beautiful and meaningful days of their lives.
It is our responsibility, as photographers, to preserve those sensations and turn them into everlasting memories. That combination is what makes this one of the greatest forms of art within photography.
As a photographer, what has been the biggest challenge of your career, and how did you overcome it?
Our biggest challenge has undoubtedly been our expansion — both nationally and internationally. To go from a very small village in the interior of Portugal to gaining recognition in many other places has been incredibly rewarding and motivating. Especially considering that it all happened in a time before the internet and social media — tools that today make global exposure so much easier and faster.
What new trends in photography do you see as having real potential?
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.
How would you describe your work without using the word “photography”?
Our work is a blend of glamour and class, with a touch of irreverence and rock ’n’ roll.
Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Future projects focus on investing in education and aligning our vision with the current and future reality of the market — always with attention, awareness, and purpose.
Father and son answer together…
João, at what point did you decide that photography would be your future? Was it out of passion or because of legacy?
JOÃO – Since I was little, I always accompanied my father in the work he did, and that made me develop a love for photography. It is very satisfying for me to be able to tell stories every week.
José, what was it like for you to see João follow in your footsteps in photography?
JOSÉ – It is very rewarding to see my son in this field and with the passion he has for what he does; it makes me proud.
João, what inspires you most about your father’s work?
JOÃO – What inspires me most in my father’s work is the way he approaches this art, always up to date with all trends and developments.
José and João, what would you consider to be an obstacle between you at work due to generational differences or opinions?
JOÃO and JOSÉ – At the moment, we don’t face any obstacles in what we do, as we share almost the same visual language and culture, which makes everything very well intertwined.
José, how do you allow your son to evolve and apply his vision in the work he develops alongside you?
JOSÉ – He still has room for growth, but at the same time, I see that the evolution he has had is enormous, and above all, he already applies his style and vision to what he does.
For both of you, is there a particular moment you remember as special while working together?
JOÃO and JOSÉ – There is always a strong connection and moments of great happiness when we work together, but above all, being able to do what we love most is what stays in memory.
José, do you feel that working with your son has brought new energy to you and your work after so many years of career?
JOSÉ – Yes, it helps a lot to receive the energy that comes from him, which makes the motivation very high.
João, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your father without him even realizing it?
JOÃO – The biggest lesson is seeing how my father treats this art and the people who choose us; the honesty and dedication he puts into his work is remarkable.
If you had to describe your professional partnership in three words, what would they be and why?
JOSÉ and JOÃO – Dedication, effort, and commitment, because without these pillars, you can never reach a good outcome.
What dream or future project would you like to accomplish together?
JOSÉ and JOÃO – At this moment, our dreams are simple: to maintain and continually evolve so that those who trust our work always feel satisfied, and so that we always know we did our best.
