STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN LISBON (Part 1)
Exploring Lisbon Through a Lens
Hello everyone, I did it: I pivoted my newsletter! From now on, this space will no longer be about Pop Culture. I will use this newsletter to share my photography work with all of you. This week, I will dive into my favorite genre of photography—Street Photography. Since I have way too many Street Photography photos that I want to share, I'm splitting this into two parts. For this one, I'm using only color photos. Next week, Part 2 will be in black and white.
Quick note: Substack’s Image Gallery does not work very well on emails (who would've thought?) So I would suggest you download the Substack app if you want to see the photos in their original crop.
Doing Street Photography In Lisbon
I highly recommend Lisbon, Portugal if you're looking for the perfect destination to practice your craft. I have over 16 years of experience as a photographer, I’m based in Lisbon, and I’m doing a lot of street photography here. So, I would like to share some tips and insights that make this city one of the best locations for capturing the spirit and essence of daily life.
Why Lisbon?
First and foremost, why is Lisbon such a fun city for street photography? The city has some amazing architecture, vibrant street art, and a rich history and culture. The city's streets are alive with colorful characters, lively locals, and a bustling energy that is unmatched in most other cities. Additionally, the city's Mediterranean climate also makes it an ideal location to capture natural light and shadows.
When it comes to the best locations to shoot street photography in Lisbon, there are plenty of options. The classic downtown districts are home to iconic landmarks like Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and much more. The narrow streets and alleys of these areas are perfect for capturing candid moments of everyday life, bustling city scenes, and the stunning architecture that surrounds you.
Lisbon Cliche Photos
Lisbon is full of cliche photos that no one can resist. These include the historical electric Tram 28 that passes through many neighborhoods, the charming pastel-colored buildings, and the amazing view of the many viewpoints in the city. However, the challenge, as a photographer, is to look past the stereotype and try to capture something unique, be it a subtle facial expression or an unusual camera angle. In a sense, cliche photos can become a starting point for the next level of photography.
It's great to see you back, Gilby!