Photoshoot tips for photographing in Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood which cascades down the hillside from the Castelo de São Jorge to the Tagus River. It is also one of the most touristed neighborhoods in the city.
Due to its popularity, I highly recommend doing your photoshoot at sunrise. I know, it’s early! I am not a morning person, but it is beyond worth it to wake up early for the most flattering, glowy light and to avoid the crowds of tourists.
It is especially important to photograph early if you want to have photos at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, or the iconic Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Otherwise those areas fill with vendors and tourists that are shoulder to shoulder there for the entire day.
Family photoshoot at Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
The most known part of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is the upper-terrace. A lovely spot for engagement photos and solo portraits.
Be sure to not skip the lower-level terrace at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which is to the right of the main viewpoint if you are facing the Tagus River.
Solo portrait at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia lower-level terrace. The bougainvillea really makes a statement in front of the traditionally painted blue and white Portuguese tile. This is personally my favorite part of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
This beautiful tile mural is also part of the lower-level terrace at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. A great spot for families and couples portraits.
Up the street from the Miradourous in Alfama is the famous cobblestone portrait mural titled "Calçada", which is commonly known as the “Calçada da Amália”. It is a tribute to Amália Rodrigues, the legendary "Queen of Fado" music. It was created by world-renowned Portuguese urban artist “Vhils” as he is known, but his real name is Alexandre Farto. Check out his incredible large scale work on his Instagram here. It is a super unique photo spot too!
Alfama is a great neighborhood to explore and have your next photoshoot. Send me a message if you’d like to do a family photoshoot, surprise proposal, couples photo session, or solo portrait photoshoot in Alfama!
