Nonlinear absorption dynamics of Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺ tetrapyridyl porphyrins in chloroform/methanol solutions were investigated at 532 nm with the Z-scan technique. Additional techniques such as UV−vis absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence were used to obtain parameters that are important for the analysis of the population dynamics. A marked difference was observed in the nonlinear absorption and excited-state dynamics of closed (ZnTPyP)- and open-shell metalloporphyrins (CuTPyP and NiTPyP). ZnTPyP presents a reverse saturable absorption whose dynamics can be completely described by means of a simple five-energy-level diagram. On the other hand, CuTPyP and NiTPyP have a different excited-state dynamics, presenting a saturable absorption behavior and faster relaxation rates that were attributed to the presence of unfilled d shells of the central ion.