The person behind the photographs

Beyond the camera

I'm Orlando Rivera. Father, husband, photographer.

I was born in Perú, grew up between worlds, and found my home in Barcelona since the 90’s. Here I live with Julia, my wife, and Siena, our daughter, who reminds me every day why moments matter. I trained in photojournalism at IDEP Barcelona. I learned to observe before shooting. To respect the moment. To be invisible when needed and always present.

I've photographed weddings across three continents. I've learned from masters in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. But what really taught me how to photograph was becoming a father. Because now I truly understand what it means to want to stop time.

Why I photograph weddings

I understand why you hire a photographer. It's not for pretty photos. It's because of the fear of forgetting. That such an important day will fade with the years.

And that fear is legitimate.

That's why I only accept a limited number of weddings per year. Because each couple deserves my full attention, not a fraction of it. Because I want to know you before photographing you. Because your wedding isn't just a job for me — it's a responsibility.

I photograph in a documentary, honest, invisible way. No forced poses. No fake smiles. Just you, being you.

If you're looking for perfection, I'm not your photographer. If you're looking for authenticity, let's talk.

When I'm not photographing

You'll probably find me exploring Barcelona with Siena, pulling espresso shots on my home setup, experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen, or watching a film I've seen too many times to count. I'm a coffee obsessive — a trained barista who takes the ritual of a good cup as seriously as a good photograph.

There's something about the process that connects: the attention to detail, the patience, the pursuit of something honest and well-crafted. Food and gastronomy are another deep passion. I believe the best meals, like the best photographs, are the ones made with care, shared with people you love, and remembered long after they're gone. Cinema taught me how to see. How a frame can hold a story. How light shapes emotion. How silence can speak louder than words. Every film I watch is a lesson in visual storytelling — and that shows up in how I photograph your wedding.

Family, coffee, comfort food, cinema, and light. That's what my life looks like outside of weddings. I believe the best version of any photographer is someone who lives fully, loves deeply, and pays attention to the small things. That's what I try to do — behind the camera and away from it.

Where this journey has taken me

Over the past 10 years, I've photographed weddings across Spain — from Barcelona to Girona, the Balearic Islands, and beyond — and on three continents, in places I'd never heard of until someone trusted me to document their story there.

Hundreds of weddings later, the only thing I know for sure is that every couple teaches me something new.

Shall we connect?

I'm based in Barcelona but photograph weddings throughout

Catalunya. See my work in Barcelona and Girona.

I'd love to hear about your wedding — where it's happening, what matters to you, and how you imagine your day. No pressure, just a conversation.