We began with the girls. They are close friends, so the energy was already there. They laughed, played, and made each other smile, which gave us the best kind of photographs: real expressions, movement, and the friendship they share.
We also made individual photographs of each mum with her daughter. The view over Lisbon gave the photos a strong sense of place, but the focus stayed on the connection between them. For family photos, these quieter moments are often just as meaningful as the larger group portraits.
The families were very close, so we spent most of the session at the viewpoint creating different combinations: the girls together, each mother and daughter, and everyone as a group. I gave them simple prompts when needed, then stepped back to catch the natural moments in between.
For the final part of the photoshoot, we walked into the narrow streets near the viewpoint. The mood changed completely. Instead of the open city view, we had old walls, tiled façades, small streets, and a more intimate Lisbon atmosphere.
The girls also wanted a few personal portraits. They enjoyed posing for a moment, and that made the individual photographs feel confident and fun.
This session showed why sunrise works so well for families visiting Lisbon. It is easier to use popular viewpoints without crowds, the light is gentle, and the city still feels calm. If you are travelling with family or friends and would like photographs that feel personal rather than staged, an early-morning session can be a beautiful choice.
