“Walk Rua Augusta slowly — Lisbon reveals itself one storefront, one smile, one sunbeam at a time.” – Ed Lehming

Yesterday’s image of the Praça do Comércio inspired me to do something that I don’t often do: post a photo with lots of people in it. Realistically, it’s hard to avoid on Rua Augusta unless you are out very early, and even then, this main thoroughfare is bustling with activity.

I chose the accompanying quote quite carefully, trying to capture the essence of the avenue in the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa district. The street is lined from top to bottom with stores, bakeries, and restaurants. You could spend an entire day here and not take it all in. Further up and not quite visible in this image are numberoud restaurants with table sit up in the middel of the braod street, allowing you to fully enjoy all the activities while savouring local dishes. The servers are quite agressive in trying to get you to eat at their establishment, but don’t seem offended when you move on.

The other feature that stood out for me as a photographer is the beautiful lighting. The bright buildings and the reflective cobbles produce amazing light and minimize shadows. When you look at the image, you will see people’s reflections on the ground but only a hint of shadow. Despite how busy it is, it never feels overly congested. People, especially locals, take their time, often chatting with a friend or co-worker. It’s not unique to Lisbon, but it sure is a nice way to adjust to a better pace.

iPhone 14 Pro Max
Main Camera — 24 mm
1/5525 sec, ƒ/1.78 ISO 80