Lisbon, your way!
These are the spots I keep coming back to, places that look like the city actually feels, not just the postcard version. Whether you already have somewhere in mind or you want me to pick, I'll make sure we end up somewhere that works for the kind of photos you're after.
Alfama
There is nowhere quite like Alfama. It is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, known for its tangle of narrow alleys, steep staircases, hidden courtyards, and sun-warmed tiled walls that seem to hold centuries of stories in every corner. While much of Lisbon was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, Alfama survived. It kept its winding Moorish street plan, its layers of history, its fishing village soul.
Alfama's layout dates back to the Moorish period, when Lisbon was under Islamic rule. The winding alleys and hidden courtyards were intentionally designed to provide shade and cool air during hot summers and they still do. The neighbourhood later became a Jewish quarter, then a working-class fishing district, and today it carries all of those layers at once. The Castelo de São Jorge watches over everything from the hilltop, the Sé Cathedral anchors the lower end, with the Fado Museum in the south, a reminder that this is the neighbourhood where Portugal's most iconic music was born and still lives.
Alcântara & o Ponte 25 de Abril
Along the Tagus river, past where all the tourists usually stop, you hit this old industrial neighborhood called Alcântara. This is home to one of the most iconic views in all of Portugal. The Ponte 25 de Abril stretches across the river with the spectacular view of the Christ statue in the background. It looks like it's straight out of a postcard and everyone with a camera ends up there eventually.
The Ponte 25 de Abril is one of the most recognisable structures in Portugal and one of the most loaded with meaning. Completed in 1966, it was built by the American Bridge Company using steel imported from the United States, which is why it bears such a striking resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. When it opened, it was named after Portugal's dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar. On April 25th, 1974, everything changed. The Carnation Revolution was a peaceful military coup that ended nearly five decades of authoritarian rule. In Lisbon, citizens took to the streets and placed red and white carnations into the barrels of soldiers' rifles. The bridge was renamed that same day, and has carried that date ever since. Every time you see it, you are looking at a monument to freedom.
O Praia do Guincho
Praia do Guincho is not a normal beach, it is a wild, dramatic, and completely untamed coastline. There are no high-rises here, no beach bars blasting music, no rows of matching umbrellas. Just golden sand, towering dunes, and the kind of light that makes everything look cinematic. The wind is constant and the waves are powerful, and somehow that makes it even more beautiful. Your hair will move. The light will shift every few minutes. The horizon stretches all the way to somewhere and nothing. I chose Guincho because it produces images unlike anywhere else near Lisbon. It is raw, romantic, and completely alive.
Guincho has been shaped by wind and water for centuries. The 16th-century Fortaleza do Guincho is a coastal fort built to defend against sea invasion and still stands at the edge of the beach, now transformed into one of Portugal's most celebrated luxury hotels. The beach sits within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a protected landscape that has kept the area beautifully undeveloped. And for film lovers: the opening scene of the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed right here on this beach. The drama you feel when you arrive? Even 007 felt it.
Note: If you would like to book a shoot at o Praia do Guincho, I would recommend an earlier time slot. It can get pretty cold and windy in the evenings.
FAQ
What should we wear for our session?
The golden rule: colour cousins, not siblings. Do not match exactly, instead choose colours within the same family that complement without being identical. Think harmonious, not uniform.
Here are a few colours that photograph beautifully in golden hour light:
- Warm neutrals (cream, sand, terracotta, warm white)
- Earthy tones (rust, olive, mustard, warm brown)
- Soft muted tones (dusty rose, sage green, soft lavender)
- Classics (navy, denim blue, forest green)
Try to avoid neons, stark white, bright reds and busy patterns.
The most important thing is to wear what you feel confident in. Confidence shows in photos more than any colour palette ever will.
Do you have any tips for the Summer heat in Portugal?
Your shoot is timed for the evening, so the worst heat is already behind us by the time we meet but it is important to do the following:
- Hydrate before you arrive and bring a water bottle.
- Apply sun protection before leaving the house. Use SPF on your face, neck, arms, all exposed skin.
- Breathable fabrics like linen and light cotton are your friends!
- Bring a small touch-up bag with makeup wipes, blotting papers, anything you need to feel fresh.
I monitor the weather closely and if extreme heat is forecast, I will be in touch. You will receive a questionnaire following your booking and if you are sensitive to high temperatures, I ask that you leave a simple note like "I struggle in heat above 32°C". You are also welcome to message me anytime, your comfort and safety always come first.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Good news first: Lisbon in summer is reliably warm, dry, and golden. The vast majority of shoots go ahead without a single weather concern.
The Week Before
I will send you a weather update email approximately one week before your shoot. This is usually a happy confirmation that everything looks perfect. If anything unusual comes up closer to the date, you will hear from me again.
If the Weather Causes a Problem...
- We reschedule. Either for later that same day or on a different date. My priority is always that you get the shoot you deserve.
- If you need to cancel rather than reschedule, that falls under the cancellation policy in your contract. If I am the one cancelling you will receive a full refund, no questions asked.
Do you have any safety tips?
Shoes. Alfama's cobblestones are uneven, steep, and occasionally slippery. Heels are not possible here. Trainers or flat-soled shoes with grip are ideal.
Crowds. Most of the spots I have selected are a little off the usual tourist trail, but Alfama is a living, breathing neighbourhood and there will be people around. This is part of its charm!
Security. Alfama is a busy tourist area and pickpocketing does happen. Please keep your belongings in a small, secure bag worn across your body. Do not bring valuables you do not need, and we will not be setting bags on the ground during the shoot.
This is a busy stretch. The Belém to Alcântara waterfront is one of the most active public spaces in Lisbon bringing tourists, runners, cyclists, groups on those famous beer carts, river cruise arrivals, and school trips. It is lively and sometimes chaotic. I know how to work around it, but come prepared for people and go with the energy rather than against it.
Near a major road and a train line. This waterfront runs alongside both. For clients with young children: please keep little ones close and hold hands near the road and rail edges. It is not dangerous if you are aware, but it requires your attention.
Riverside safety. The views over the Tagus are spectacular and you will want to get close to the water which is absolutely fine. Just please do not do anything silly near the edge. The river is deep and the current is strong.
Sun exposure. This is a very open, exposed stretch with minimal shade. Apply sun protection generously before arriving and bring it with you for any mid-shoot reapplication.
The wind is part of the deal. Guincho is famously windy — embrace it. Windswept hair in golden light is one of the most beautiful things a camera can capture. Fighting it will only cause frustration. Go with it.
The water. The Atlantic at Guincho is powerful. Strong waves, strong currents, and cold water (it rarely gets above 20°C even in summer). You do not need to go in the water for this shoot — I promise the beach itself gives us everything we need. If you want to get your feet wet, that is absolutely fine — but please stay shallow, no deeper than your knees. I will not be following you in, and the currents here are not to be underestimated.
Families with young children: please keep a very close eye on little ones near the shoreline at all times. The waves at Guincho can be sudden and strong. Hold hands, stay aware, and do not turn your back on the ocean.
A Note on the Cliffs
Choose the version that applies to your session:
Option A — Beach only session: We will be shooting on the beach itself, not near the cliffs. You will be able to see them as a dramatic backdrop, which is part of what makes Guincho so visually striking — but we will stay on the sand. No cliff edges, no uneven rocky terrain.
Option B — Cliffs included: For couples and solo clients, I offer the option to include a short section near the cliff area for some truly dramatic shots. Please note: this option is not available for family sessions. With a group — especially with children — there are simply too many people to keep safely together in a dynamic cliff environment, and your safety is more important than any photograph.
If heights make you uncomfortable, we skip the cliffs entirely — no explanation needed, just let me know.
For those who do visit the cliff area: please do not stand close to the cliff edges. The rocks and surfaces can be unstable and shift without warning. I will always guide you to safe positions, but please follow my direction carefully here.
What should I expect on the day?
We will meet at our designated meeting point (details provided in a message prior to the session) and from there, I will lead you. You do not need to know where we are going (that is my job). We will move through three carefully chosen spots within Alfama, with short walks between each one. In Alfama, the walk between locations is part of the experience. The streets are beautiful, unexpected things happen around every corner, and some of my favourite shots come from in-between moments rather than the planned spots.
Alfama involves more walking than my other locations, so come ready to move. Comfortable shoes are essential.
How long does it take to get our photos?
Within 24 hours of your shoot, I will send you a sneak peek with 3 edited images while I work on the rest.
Within 5 days, your complete gallery of 30 images will arrive in your inbox via a Pixieset gallery. This is a private online gallery where you can view and download your photos. It is important that you download your images promptly. Your gallery will be live for 60 days from the delivery date, after which it will be permanently deleted. Please download your photos as soon as you receive them.
Your Photos Are Yours
Download them, print them, frame them, send them, post them. They are completely yours, no restrictions. Print rights fully included. All images are colour edited and retouched in my signature style.
Don't forget to share the love! If you post your photos, I would love it if you tagged me on Instagram (@bysarajael). It means the world!
Like what you see? Let's make it happen.
Pricing packages
Solo Session
Just you, a location you love, and no pressure. Whether you want something natural and relaxed or you have a specific vision in mind, we'll figure it out together as we go.
Before the session I'll send you a short questionnaire so we can get on the same page about the vibe, the look, and what you want to walk away with. Everything is handled properly too, contracts, photo release forms, all of it, so there are no surprises. A 25% retainer secures your date, and within 5 days of the session you'll receive 30 edited photos delivered and ready to use. Any questions before you book? Just send me a message.
€100 per session
Pricing packages
Couples Session
Forget posing, we'll just walk, talk, and I'll catch the real stuff. An hour is plenty of time to get a mix of shots that actually look like you two.
Before the session I'll send you a short questionnaire so we can get on the same page about the vibe, the look, and what you want to walk away with. Everything is handled properly too, contracts, photo release forms, all of it, so there are no surprises. A 25% retainer secures your date, and within 5 days of the session you'll receive 30 edited photos delivered and ready to use. Any questions before you book? Just send me a message.
€125 per session
Pricing packages
Family Session
Kids don't do still and serious and that's honestly fine by me. I work around the chaos, the running, the silly faces, all of it, and that's usually where the best pictures come from anyway.
Before the session I'll send you a short questionnaire so we can get on the same page about the vibe, the look, and what you want to walk away with. Everything is handled properly too, contracts, photo release forms, all of it, so there are no surprises. A 25% retainer secures your date, and within 5 days of the session you'll receive 30 edited photos delivered and ready to use. Any questions before you book? Just send me a message.