Capturing Lisbon's Beauty
A Journey of Photography: Capturing Lisbon's Beauty
Belem Tower, the Supermoon, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge
Lisbon is a city that rewards the wandering photographer. From the timeless elegance of Belem Tower at sunset to the supermoon rising over the Ponte 25 de Abril and the sweeping lines of the Vasco da Gama Bridge at dawn, this journey through Portugal's capital was filled with unforgettable moments. Here's the story behind the images — and the techniques that brought them to life.
Here we are in Lisbon, a city with a rich history and captivating charm. As I stand beneath the imposing Belem Tower, I reflect on the journey it took to get here. Though we faced delays along the way, we finally made it to this iconic location, and the sight before me is nothing short of breathtaking. The sky is painted with vibrant colors, and I couldn't be happier to have this opportunity to capture its beauty.
Photographing Belem Tower at Sunset and Blue Hour
Belem Tower at sunset — vibrant colours and timeless elegance.
Hunkered down beneath the Belem Tower, I am surrounded by its timeless elegance. I've been to this spot a few times before, attempting to capture its essence in a photograph. However, this time feels different. The lights have been turned on, creating a magical atmosphere that I had missed on previous visits. Armed with my camera, I experiment with different exposures, hoping to blend them later into a perfect shot.
Our original plan for the evening was to photograph this year's super blue moon rising over the Cristo Rei statue. Unfortunately, a thick bank of clouds on the horizon threatens to obscure our celestial subject. As a result, I decide to focus on capturing the Belem Tower instead, finding consolation in its timeless beauty.
As I compose my shots, I realize that the best angle to capture the tower's grandeur is by crouching low and shooting upwards. Although this perspective might not align with traditional architectural photography principles, the resulting images during the blue hour take on a unique charm, emphasizing the contrast between artificial and natural light. The tower's illumination against the dimming sky creates a captivating scene that I am more than satisfied with.
Belem Tower at blue hour — the contrast between artificial and natural light.
August 2023 Supermoon Rising Over Lisbon
The supermoon rising over the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge.
Zoomed in — using crop mode to get closer to the action.
Later in the evening, I attempt to capture the super moon as it rises over the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, a colossal suspension bridge that spans the Tagus River. The moon's size and brilliance leave me in awe, and I make adjustments to my camera settings to ensure I capture its grandeur. Despite the rush and challenges of photographing the moonrise, I manage to snap a few frames that showcase the moon's scale and beauty against the backdrop of the bridge.
For the second image, I enable the crop factor mode that is available in the menu of the Sony Alpha A7 III. I zoom in to emphasize the moon's size as it continues its ascent. Despite the limitations of the composition, I am satisfied with the level of detail in the moon's surface, thanks to the post-processing techniques that I used.
Using the crop mode on the camera essentially transforms the Sigma 100-400mm lens into a 150-600mm (equivalent) lens. This gives us a much greater range to capture these kinds of images and bring the world closer.
Bucket List Photography in Lisbon
The following morning, I find myself at the Vasco da Gama Bridge, a location I had meticulously researched and anticipated for a long time. The bridge's colossal presence leaves me speechless, and I set out to find the perfect composition. While I had hoped for the bridge's lights to be on for my shot, I arrive just before they go dark. I manage to capture a beautiful long exposure image that highlights the bridge's grandeur against the soft, pre-dawn light. Using a frame that captured the last moment of the lights on the bridge, I blend all these images to create something I am very proud of.
Sunrise at the Vasco da Gama Bridge — a bucket list shot come to life.
Long exposure at the Vasco da Gama Bridge — capturing the last moments of light.
The day unfolds with stunning moments, and I continue to explore different compositions and techniques. With ample memory card space, I am free to experiment and make the most of the ever-changing conditions. One of the highlights of my journey is the blending of images to create a single, captivating photograph. The resulting image combines the best elements of the blue hour and sunrise, creating a natural yet surreal scene. The architectural lines and shapes blend seamlessly with the evolving sky, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
The Beauty of Photography
As I conclude this photographic journey, I find myself by the water's edge, reflecting on the experiences and images captured during my time in Lisbon. The tranquility of the morning and the soft, diffused light create a serene atmosphere, making this moment truly special.
Photography, to me, is about capturing these unique moments, blending art and technique to tell a story through images. Lisbon has offered me a canvas of beauty and history, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with others. Each photograph represents a piece of my journey, a snapshot of a city that continues to inspire and captivate me.
📷 Gear Used For This Shoot
- Sony a7R V — My main camera body
- Sony a7 III — Used for the supermoon shots
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 — Telephoto lens for the supermoon
- 3 Legged Thing Winston Tripod — Essential for long exposures
- Polarizer Filter — For controlling reflections on the water
- Rain Cover for Camera — For unexpected weather
- Headlamp with Red Light — For early morning and evening setup
- Peak Design Capture Clip — For carrying the camera securely
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