PHOTOGRAPHER | Atelier Memória

Maria Abranches of Atelier Memória is an award-winning photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. With a background in architecture, Maria's work is deeply influenced by her understanding of space, light, composition, and detail. She works with both film and digital formats, always including 35mm film in her collections. A passionate traveler, Atelier Memória explores new places and photographs weddings internationally.

Tell us about your business!

Hi, I’m Maria Abranches! I’m a destination wedding photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. My work is for the rebels of romance: the ones who love boldly, live freely, find beauty in the imperfect and celebrate love in all its forms. A home for the beautifully unconventional.

What would you like couples to know about you?

My couples often describe me as a calming presence. I’m naturally smiley, observant and very into the little things. My main goal is for you to feel comfortable, enjoy your day and forget you’re being photographed. I’m there like a friend with a camera, quietly paying attention to everything happening around me.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Lisbon, Portugal.

Do you travel for weddings?

Absolutely. I regularly travel around Europe and beyond for weddings and personal projects: Paris, London, Italy, Spain, Mexico City, Brazil and wherever the next story takes me.

How would you describe your style?

Intimate, cinematic and colorful, with an eye for atmosphere, emotion, architecture, fashion and all the little moments in between.

What is your most memorable career moment?

Some moments stay with you for reasons that go beyond the recognition itself. For me, receiving a World Press Photo Award for my work MARIA is one of them. The story explores gender inequality, racism, and colonialism, subjects deeply important to me. Having that work seen and recognised on such a global scale felt incredibly special.

Another moment I hold close is being named by PhotoVogue among 150 leading female photographers worldwide. Both recognitions were unexpected, and a lovely reminder to keep making work that feels honest and meaningful to me.

What inspires you?

Beauty: nature, art, cinema, photography, architecture, literature, music, fashion and design. Anything that makes me stop, look and feel something.

How would you describe your working style?

Discreet and observant. I like to understand the flow of the day, but I’m not there to direct everything. Most of the time I let things happen naturally, stepping in when you need a little guidance.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

Both. It’s a balance between the two, and all my collections include both digital and 35mm film. There’s something about the way film makes you stop and really see, and I absolutely love the colors, grain and little imperfections.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

Definitely 35mm film. I love the way it captures color, atmosphere and emotion, and there’s something about the process that makes you slow down and really look.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

Sicily is very high on my list. I’d also love to photograph weddings in Japan, Los Angeles and New Mexico.

Who is your dream client?

People who are deeply in love and care about the experience as much as the photographs. Couples who are drawn to art, cinema, music, design, and beautiful things, but don’t need everything to be perfect. They trust the creative process, stay present, and want a wedding that feels entirely and unmistakably like them.

Atelier Memória

Website: ateliermemoria.pt

Instagram: @atelier.memoria