I’m always observing, but cautious of being intrusive when photographing people in public. This shot just about created itself.

As I was sitting in the shade of a tree in Lisbon’s Rossio Square, I could not help but notice this street beggar wandering the square and asking for spare change. One person finally relented and gave her a cigarette, which she quickly lit up and started enjoying.

As I sat watching the scene play out, I was fascinated with the rise of the smoke, the texture of her hair, and her casual attitude to the world around her. Maybe a small moment where she could simply exist in peace, no thought of her situation or the people around her. She was at ease and I think that’s what made the photo for me.

The more I look at the photo, the more details pour out and expand the story in my mind.

After a few minutes, she got up and started begging again, the moment was over.

iPhone 17 Pro Max
Main Camera — 100 mm
1/136 sec, ƒ/2.8 ISO 50