Based in the western Algarve, my professional work spans from Albufeira westward to Sagres and then northward along the western coastline, reaching into the lower Alentejo region. I love introducing clients to the beautiful, unspoilt beaches of the western Algarve, where you can often find a deserted beach even in the middle of summer.
Why not let me suggest the perfect location for your portrait or family shoot? I have a go-to list of favourite locations and beaches that I am very familiar with, and I know the light well and how to best use it for your session.

I am happy to receive cash on the day, or payment by bank transfer in advance. For regular property rental companies, I can invoice monthly at the end of each month.
I am a fully registered company and can provide you with a professional invoice and a fatura recibo – green receipt.

My normal turnaround time for properties is 48-72 hours – often sooner. Video compilations usually take an extra 1-2 days. For portrait shoots, your images should be with you within 7-10 days.

All of my work is delivered via email to clients through a professional online platform. Your images will be organised in a secure, password-protected album, with full instructions on how to download them in either web-sized or full-sized JPEG format.
Your album will be available for a minimum of 6 months after your photoshoot. I try to store files indefinitely, but cannot guarantee the storage of images once the final album has been delivered. I always recommend that when you download your gallery, you back up your files on the off chance that something happens to mine.

Booking a session with me is simple: find the Contact page at the top of this website and fill out the form. You can also email me directly at dave@davesheldrake.photography

I’m a natural lifestyle photographer. I specialise in capturing authentic moments and genuine expressions through my photography, focusing on a natural and unposed approach.
I’m looking to document the genuine love and authentic connection between you and your family, focusing on candid, unselfconscious moments instead of stiff, posed smiles.

Expect to have fun! Forget about telling your kids to stay still and pose for the camera! Let them explore, play, run around the beach and be themselves. My goal is to capture special moments that you will always remember.
During the session, I might guide you into some natural positions that will look great in your photos or move you into certain locations where the light is the best – but that is about the extent of my involvement in directing you. I will encourage you to interact with your partner or family members as much as possible, of course.

It is important to choose clothing that you think best represents you.
Layers work well since you can adjust them to suit the environment and the weather. Try to avoid busy patterns and opt for solid, neutral colours that flatter your skin tone.
Please don’t wear anything too formal or distracting, especially if we are heading to the beach. I always suggest that clients choose an outfit that is comfortable, classic, and timeless.

Late afternoon /early evening (the ‘golden hour’) provides the softest, most flattering light. I love catching a sunset too!

I don’t put a fixed time on how long a portrait session lasts.
I normally allocate between 1 to 2 hours, but I always factor in a bit of extra time to allow for waiting for favourable light or the sunset. Start and end times for a beach shoot can vary depending on the tide tables.

There is always a chance we’ll get a rainy forecast, especially if you book your session in winter. If it is raining, we can reschedule the session. If the forecast looks wet, we can either make the call the night before or play it by ear and wait until that morning to decide.

Sorry – but no, I can’t do that. I believe in capturing and celebrating people as they really are. I will individually edit each of your photos to correct any colour, contrast, or exposure issues, and I will fix minor skin blemishes and marks if you ask me to in advance. If you want further retouching or editing, this will incur an additional hourly charge and will be outsourced to a professional editor.

A standard 1-2 hour portrait shoot typically yields around 200 photos, from which I will select and edit a minimum of 40 final images.

High-quality images can significantly impact a property’s perceived value and appeal. In the highly competitive market we find ourselves in today, eye-catching and professional photos can attract more potential buyers or renters and help properties sell or rent faster.
When advertising your home to tourists and holidaymakers, vibrant blue skies and a coherent series of crisp, clear images will spark their interest and guarantee a booked property.
As a professional photographer, I have the specialised camera equipment, experience, and knowledge that will deliver breathtaking images of your property that will attract potential buyers or renters. I will help you to bring out the best in your property and create images that will make a lasting impression.

An average home (2-3 bedrooms) takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Larger properties or those with outbuildings and more land can take 2-3 hours.

All cleaning, decluttering, and staging should be completed before I arrive to take the photographs. Common tasks include clearing countertops, cleaning floors and windows, hiding pet items or toys, closing toilet lids, and turning on all the lights. I always recommend that you create a clean, uncluttered, inviting atmosphere to promote your property to its full advantage for potential buyers/renters or holidaymakers.
Removing any unnecessary items and tidying up spaces before the shoot commences is a much more affordable way of getting rid of distractions than asking me to edit all the clutter out later from the final images (which would, I’m afraid, come at an additional cost).
I will send you a full preparation guide prior to the day of your shoot to help you ensure your property is ready to photograph.

No, I am sorry, but I do not stage properties for several reasons. The first is simply a matter of time, and there are also issues of liability and practicality. If you require an interior designer, I can happily recommend someone to you.

Not at all! I am fully self-sufficient and don’t require client attendance, but you are more than welcome to be involved in the process as much as you’d like. If you do not plan to be at the property during the appointment, just provide me in advance with any information needed for access.

It is very important to me that you get what you need when you commission me. And that you are happy with the results. Please call or email me before the day of the shoot, and we can talk through your specific requirements.
When I arrive at the property, if you are present, I will do a walk-through and discuss the photo shoot again with you, reviewing which spaces will be photographed and which angles will work best for your requirements. A property that is being rented out for holidays or long-term rental will obviously require different images from a property being advertised for sale.

I produce magazine quality luxury real estate imagery. I have almost 20 years’ experience producing high-quality images. You’ll receive exterior and interior photography images that will be clean, crisp, and technically flawless with colour that pops. Blue skies are a trademark of the Algarve, and you can rest assured your photographs will highlight the very best attributes of your property.

Overcast days are often fine, as I can edit in bright blue skies. However, heavy rain or strong winds may require rescheduling.

My editor can do this for you – there’s no need for me to return to your property. There will be a nominal extra charge for this service.

I do not have a drone. But I can create a wonderful video package to showcase your property to its full potential instead. The requirements surrounding drone photography in Portugal are too restrictive, and I like to ensure that my practice is always legitimate and legal. Most photographers are using drones illegally – I will not.

Yes, professional editing is included. I will fix any lighting issues, white balance, and sharpness, and remove minor distractions.

Yes, I am able to add these enhancements at no extra charge.

As the photographer, I retain the copyright, as is standard practice in the photography industry. You are welcome to share your images with your potential customers and online, but are prohibited from reselling them.