Manuela, João & Gabriel's Family Photography Session at Fanal Forest
Capturing precious family moments in one of Madeira's most enchanting locations has become one of my favorite aspects of photography. This October, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the beautiful Portuguese family of Manuela, João, and their adorable son Gabriel at Fanal Forest, one of Madeira's hidden gems. From the moment we met, their positive energy and natural chemistry made it clear this would be a memorable session.
FANAL FORESTFAMILY FOTOSHOOT
Madeira Photographer Mihail Zhelezniak
10/23/20253 min read
Planning the Perfect Afternoon Session
When planning family photography sessions at Fanal Forest, timing is everything. We chose an afternoon slot, scheduling our shoot for around 4 PM. This timing is intentional—the late afternoon light filtering through the ancient laurel trees creates that magical, soft illumination that perfectly suits my photography style. The golden hour approaching sunset provides warm, flattering tones while avoiding the harsh midday sun that can create unflattering shadows.
October on Madeira brings unpredictable weather patterns, and this day proved no exception. As we drove up the winding mountain roads toward Fanal, heavy clouds dominated the sky. The dramatic cloud cover created an almost moody atmosphere, and I'll admit there was a moment of uncertainty about whether we'd be able to shoot in comfortable conditions.
When Nature Cooperates: Our Lucky Break
Then something magical happened. Just as we arrived at our shooting location around 4 PM, the clouds began to part. Sunlight broke through, transforming the landscape from moody to welcoming. This unexpected weather shift became one of the session's greatest assets. Rather than consistent lighting throughout, we experienced beautiful variations—clouds rolling in and out, creating dynamic changes in light, atmosphere, and mood.
The ever-changing conditions gave us incredible diversity within a single location. We captured images bathed in warm sunlight, ethereal shots with mist rolling through the background, and dramatic moments when clouds created softer, diffused lighting. This natural variety added depth and visual interest to the final gallery, something that would have been impossible with unchanging weather.
The Magic of Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest remains one of my absolute favorite locations for family photography in Madeira. This ancient laurisilva forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, features twisted, centuries-old trees covered in moss and ferns. The landscape feels otherworldly—almost like stepping into a fairy tale. The gnarled tree trunks and open grassy clearings provide natural framing elements and create intimate spaces perfect for family portraits.
The forest's unique character allowed us to explore multiple settings without traveling between locations. We photographed the family beneath massive tree canopies, used fallen logs as natural props for playful moments, and captured wide landscape shots that showcase the dramatic beauty of this highland forest.
Capturing Authentic Family Connections
What truly made this session special was the family themselves. Manuela and João are incredibly photogenic, but more importantly, they're genuinely warm and joyful people. Their little Gabriel, full of curiosity and energy, brought spontaneity to every frame. Rather than forcing posed portraits, I focused on capturing their authentic interactions—Gabriel's delighted expressions as his father lifted him high, the tender moments when Manuela embraced her son, and the genuine laughter they shared as a family.
Family photography works best when subjects feel comfortable and natural. We spent time simply walking through the forest, playing, and exploring, allowing candid moments to unfold organically. Gabriel's fascination with the ancient trees created adorable opportunities—peeking around massive trunks, climbing on fallen branches, and pointing excitedly at grazing cows in the distance.
