Lisbon Street Photography Guide: Best Spots, Walks & Workshops
Ill be talking about and sharing the best locations to shoot street photography in Lisbon giving you my favorite locations a few suggested photo walks and some great places to eat that Ive personally experienced, some tips for layered street photography and finally a little info should you wish to join me on a future workshop.
All the photos taken were done in two 3 day sessions proof of how much you can capture in just a short time.
Bairro Alto neighbourhood
Definitely my favourite which may come as a surprise to many street photographers. Early morning its generally more quiet with locals frequenting Leitaria Bairro Alto on Rua da Rosa, right in the heart of Bairro Alto. Its been open since the 1920s, and still has the traditional marble counter, wooden shelves, and a real neighbourhood feel and is real authentic lifeI it’s one of those places where elderly locals drop in for a quick breakfast or mid-morning snack, and it feels almost unchanged for decades. Just get a coffee and a croissant to start the day of and photograph locals outside.
This single street offers so much opportunity to capture beautiful layered images late into the afternoon and early evening when the vibe changes again with more locals and a smattering of tourists slightly of the beaten track drinking , chatting and socialising. Ive definitley taken some of my favourite street photography layered shots along this short stretch just walking up and down and then taking a short break.
FOOD TIP
Into the evening try a meal at Tasquinha Canto do Fado” its a cozy restaurant-bar on the same street with a small menu but the food is local and traditional. We went there a couple of times it was so good and you may even get to hear some traditional Fado music. But be warned you have to stay quiet whilst they are performing !
Praça do Comércio,
Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio is iconic this whole area is a goldmine for street photography in Lisbon and although its very touristy the opportunities are ample for capturing life. The main square is always busy but walk on towards the Targus river and its full of people chatting and enjoying the sun.
You’ll see children playing around the bubbles but walk a little further along the river and you’ll come to a great cafe on the river front with a mirrored background, position yourself so your not reflected in the windows and wait for the perfect multi layered moment….. How many layers can you get ?
People often ask how I see these multi layered images , Its difficult to say but the more you watch and practice they then just seem to jump out at you when presented.
Belem Tower
Its definitely worth getting an Uber as its about a 2 1/2 hour walk from Praça do Comércio. Id recommend being dropped of at Maat museum of architecture and then strolling up to Belem tower along the river. Lots of great photo opportunities with these busy mainly touristy areas, You’ll find street entertainers along with interesting characters. Here’s a sample of a few layered photographs Ive taken along the walk.
Alfama
A traditional hunting ground with its narrow streets where you’ll see apart from tourists many locals with kids playing and elderly ladies sitting on benches sipping cofffee and the odd local hanging out their washing. My best advise here is to just wander and get lost around the narrow streets and see what you stumble upon.
We also found a couple of great places to eat here with one being a standout for a traditional experience. But be warned book and turn up early as even a few mins late and your table could be gone as this little gem called A Baiuca always has a que outside only holds about 28 people ! Opposite is a lovely wine tasting bar Lautasco where you can go prior.
Different techniques we tried
As the light is so beautiful and magicalwe walked a lot and tried many different techniques to add a little flavour and depth from ‘Light & Shadow ” Colour Matching and a little humour !
Ill be running a few small intimate workshops in Lisbon each year taking you to the best places to get phototographs of authentic Lisbon . Ill help you with composition and technique and how to spot those layered photo opportunities. My trips have a max of 5 photographers so we can share the experience together from shooting all day thru to having a great dinner and conversation in the evening plus critiquing your work should you want to share your images with me .Ill be with you every step of the way.
Please get in touch if your interested and let me know if you’d be interested in a downloadable zine featuring all my images and locations as a Lisbon Street Photography Guide ?
Many thanks
Mark
Gear used
Gear used.. Im using just a single Sony A1 with a Zeiss 35 f2.8 and a Gordy wrist strap. All the images here were taken on this combo
