Yanidel Street Photography

As you turn the corner of a street in Lisbon, you might suddenly face a magnificient bougainvillea tree whose vivid colors will grab your attention. It was therefore quite tempting to play a bit on the theme of purple. (click on pictures for high res)

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/1500, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F2.8, 1/4000, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/1000, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F2.8, 1/750, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F1.4, 1/1500, ISO160

Portraying Lisbon would not complete without a post on its famous trams. They cruise all over the city at the sound of cracking wood and whistling steel. Going downhill, you almost feel they’ll never come to a stop. But they do, and suddenly you’ll see someone running after it in an attempt to jump on the trams’ stair steps. They are the free riders, putting their life at risk for a few cents under the impressed eyes of the passengers. (click on pictures for high res).

Note that I am especially proud of the last shot since I almost got my head banged when sticking it out of the tramway. I also add to withstand a series of “F..k Y..” with a wonderful portuguese accent ;)

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux at F2.8, 1/4000, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux at F1.4, 1/125, ISO640

Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/250, ISO160

Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/60, ISO160

Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/60, ISO160

Lisbon is the best kept secret in Europe. Indeed, many tour operators usually propose destinations such as Paris, London, Rome or Praga on top of their offering and Lisbon is therefore a little less known. Nevertheless, this city is beautiful and a wonderful place for street photography.
Lisbon is often called the city of the seven hills since due to its steepy landscape. Unless you move by tramway or car, your legs will definitely be put at work. And once you get to the top, a long contemplation of the great cityscape with a little rest is always a must. (click on pictures to enlarge)

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asp at F1.4, 1/4000, ISO160, ND 0.6 filter

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asp at F1.4, 1/4000, ISO160, ND 0.6 filter

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asp at F8.0, 1/500, ISO160

Decades ago, Nazaré was a small and humble fishermen town of the Atlantic Coast. Nowadays it has becomes one of the main beach resort of Portugal. Be it in the tiny streets by the beach, or on the neighbourhood located over the cliffs, it will be tough to spot a fisherman. And don’t be fooled by the net on the third picture, the only catch it might get is a football.  (click on pictures for high res).

Note that the last shot was taken with a marvellous 50mm F2 Nikkor-H from 1951, such a great lens for a sunny day. It was lent to me today by Miguel and  Gina, our wonderful hosts during these days in Central Portugal.

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F8.0, 1/750, ISO160

Leica M9 with 35mm Lux Asph at F8.0, 1/750, ISO160

Leica M9 with 50mm Nikkor-H at F2.8, 1/4000, ISO160