Lisbon Portugal Photo - A Photographer's Dream
Lisbon Portugal Photo. Autumn 2009. Lisbon is a great subject. It is hard not to take photos all the time. Lisbon is so photogenic some have called it narcissistic and vain. It seems to recline in the sun and just wait to be taken yet again. The beautiful weather in Lisbon in September and October makes the city seductively attractive.The geography of Lisbon, built on seven and more hills, makes for vantage points where it can be seen spread out before you. These "miradors" are integral to Lisbon's culture, Lisboetas pass an hour with friends drinking coffee above the crowds under the sun or the stars. The views from the ruins of Carmo Monastery overlooking the city with the Elevator of Santa Justa on the right are unforgettable. 
There are so many places to look at the city. The highest are to the east at Graca and Penha de Franca, the most famous are probably from the Castle or Sao Pedro de Alcantara on the opposite hill. You can also vist dozens of smaller garden terraces like Santa Catarina in Bica or Porta do Sol in The Alfama where you can take a coffee and relax. Some of the churches have great viewing possibilities from their high domes. Santa Engracia National Panteo or Estrella in the west. You can also climb the Monument to the discoveries or the tower at Expo for great shots of the city.
Lisbon LightLisbon Portugal Photo. Every photographer knows the importance of good light. Lisbon is a dream in this respect. The city is usually bathed in a soft whitish light which gives monuments and nature a lovely gentle aspect.
On a warm day in March we took photos of Belem, aimimg to put the Lisbon monuments in a context. Here Jeronimus monastery can be seen in the distance but the beautiful park and the pastel shades of the houses show another aspect of Belem.
Lisbon River TajusLisbon Portugal Photo. Lisbon is a city almost surrounded by water. The Tajus comes down from the north and east of the city and forms a wide estuary to the east of the city center where the vast Vasco de Gama bridge reaches to the opposite side, before narrowing as the April 25th bridge spans the banks of the river. In the areas of Oeiras and Cascais the river opens to the ocean and there are lovely beaches and a series of fortresses guarding the entrance to the city. Lisbon Districts
Viewing the city from the other side of the river is another unforgettable experience and one that is sure to keep the shutter clicking. Take the boat to Cacilhas from Cais Sodre on a good day the journey itself is a memorable ten minutes then climb the hill above Cacilhas for the best views. You can also visit a Portuguese frigate from the 19th Century and their are good seafood restaurants close by.
Lisbon Squares and GardensLisbon is a city of beautiful squares and gardens where you will surely want to capture the beauty and take pictures of family.
Lisbon Portugal Photo - So many places to take shots of nature and people relaxing. Principe Real, Estrella, Edward V11, Praca Flores are some of the most famous but there are innumerable places to hang out where people sit under trees and read or chat. Taking photos here is a delight in the warm Lisbon weather because the light gives contrast and brings out the details. Often the parks have azulejos, decorative tiles, which make great backgrounds to people shots.
Lisbon Sights
Some of the Lisbon Sights and attractions have great photo opportunities. The churches are full of beautiful paintings and decoration
The zoo is a great place to take Lisbon pictures, not only for the animals,it is also high above the city and the views from the funicular are great. The Botanic Gardens in Principe Real and Belem have beautiful old trees and a wonderful almost tropical atmosphere. The Gulbenkian Gardens and Belem Cultural Centre have Art works in the grounds and are beautiful places to take family shots. The Estufas in Edward V11 Park are full of lovely shots of exotic plants and the lake area is especially beautiful.
Lisbon People
Lisbon Portugal Photo Lisboetas are the heart of this city so if you want to really photograph it you need to people watch too. The Alfama is a great place to see people going about their lives, it is old fashioned quirky there is always something curious happening. Here a local notices a duck on the loose whilst the rest of the world gets on with it's business.The Santos area and the Ribeira market are good places to see real chaotic Lisbon life, as is the unfashionable Almirante Reis Avenue but be careful with your things here. Praca Londres has a beautiful light, there is plenty of buzz around Saldhana at all times of day and North Lisbon can be very photogenic in general.The Bairro Alto is a good place for night shots of people as it is full of trendy bars. The Chiado and North Lisbon are fashionable, and Lux disco in Santa Apolonia has the most glamourous crowd. Lisbon Surroundings
Lisbon Portugal Photo - The Coast. Oeiras, Cascais, Caparica, and Sintra.Lisbon is surrounded by beautiful places to photograph. The beaches just outside the city or across the river are wonderful.There are often surfers riding the waves and yachts gleaming in the water. Caxias is nearest beach. St Amoro,Oeiras and Carcavelos are wide bays, Guincho beyond Cascais is the most spectacular beach of all facing the Atlantic. In the picture above in early spring wild flowers are growing in front of the vast bay. Sintra is a romantic dream, Moorish Castles in the mist, horse drawn carriages, lovely old streets to walk along and capture the atmosphere. Whatever the weather Sintra is a must visit location for any photographer.
Lisbon Portugal Photo
Enjoying Lisbon
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Lisbon Sights
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