2024 was a very good year!
I hope for you too.
I don’t know if these are my best photos from 2024, but it isn’t the most important.
Many of you have already discovered this small but very beautiful country, and I’ve been privileged to contribute something to help you take some good memories with you.
And that’s what matters most in this selection of 12 photos, which are mainly meant to remember some of the places and moments we visited during our photo tours and to celebrate this country that I love so much.
I hope you enjoy them and that they help you to relive some good memories and perhaps make you want to come back one day. We’ll be here waiting for you!
Douro’s river fog
Of course we had to start with Porto, and one of its characteristics at certain times of the year is waking up with fog on the Douro river, which, let’s face it, is an excellent way to start exploring unique photographic opportunities.
Sunrise in Porto
Another moment when the city of Porto has a special charm is at sunrise. Along this year, we have offered several moments to our guests (just a few, because getting up early sometimes doesn’t work very well). The eastern part of the city, which is less touristy, is the ideal place to wait as the sun rises behind the nearby mountains.
Sunset in Porto
The sunset in Porto is such a magical moment that it has become a true icon for anyone visiting the city. Every day, countless people gather at the main viewpoints to watch the spectacle. The privilege of being here almost every day, allows us to choose other places that may not be as popular, but are particularly impressive.
Douro Valley’s terraces
Another popular destination, and a veritable paradise for photographers, is the famous Douro Valley.
There are countless majestic viewpoints to visit, but strictly speaking, and those who have been there with me know this, everywhere you look is a photo opportunity. The hard part is not clicking and moving on.
Guimarães – Cradle of Portugal
The city of Guimarães, less than an hour from Porto, is not only the cradle of Portugal and (like Porto) a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It’s all history, but it’s also life, so it’s worth spending some time there to feel and photograph our lovely country roots.
Válega Church – an (almost) well-kept secret
Another destination worth discovering, not far from Porto, is the city of Aveiro. It has a very unique beauty and is surrounded by the largest lagoon in Portugal, which in itself justifies a visit.
But on the way back, we like to surprise our guests with an unannounced visit to one of Portugal’s most spectacular churches, which most of our visitors have never heard of.
The Church of Válega, completely covered in hand-painted tiles inside and out, is magnificent, breathtaking. Anyone who has been there with me knows what I mean. Not to be missed.
Viana do Castelo – the most breathtaking views
A town I love to visit is Viana do Castelo, famous for its fantastic Christmas illuminations, but above all for the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, located on a hill to the north of the town from where you can enjoy one of the most impressive views in Portugal. It offers the chance to take home a photographic memory made the good old-fashioned way. And, as you can see from this photo, that’s exactly what I did.
Porto by night
Back in Porto, in this case in the neighbouring town of Gaia, there’s a privileged place to take the most beautiful pictures at night of the Douro river and the city behind. This little-known viewpoint is my favourite place to watch the fireworks that are launched from the river and the Luiz I Bridge during the São João festivities in June.
Luiz I Bridge in Porto
Crossing the Luiz I Bridge on the upper deck is always exciting. It is one of the privileged places for thousands of people to watch the sunset every day. But in full blue light, the magic happens when the lights come on and become a mystical scenic environment.
Porto curiosities
Despite its infinite beauty, Porto is a lively city where you can experience unique moments with characters from all over the world. This one, whose origin I don’t know, must have gone out on the street to be photographed and of course I didn’t miss the opportunity, and here’s the result. Thank you, Mr. Cat (they look like family!).
Porto candid moments
As a photographer I’m always looking for inspiration. I have many references and I’ve had the privilege of walking the streets of Porto with some of them, such as Robert Holmes, Bryan Peterson and, more recently, Ovidiu Selaru. But I don’t know why, the moment depicted here reminds me of a Joel Meyerowitz or an Alex Webb, or even a Martin Parr. What I want to say, without wanting to compare myself to any of them, is that it’s worth continuing to look for the “light” in order to get more and more out of ourselves, wherever we are. And if it’s in Porto, even better.
Porto’s Street photography
Speaking of inspiration, this year I had the great pleasure of attending a two-day street photography workshop in Porto with the stunning romanian photographer Ovidiu Selaru. He’s a new discovery of mine. I’m always learning, especially from the classics. In addition to those mentioned above, Saul Leiter is a light for me and I think for Ovidiu too.
This moment was all created by him in an improvised and instantaneous way (see the photo he took here) and I, from a distance, created my photographic moment. Certainly one of the highlights of 2024.
If you want to see more, follow this YouTube link with the photos I took during the workshop.
2024 is over and 2025 is almost starting. Portugal is always here waiting to be (re)discovered. And if you want to do it with me, certainly will be a pleasure and a privilege.
Be very welcome to Portugal. Let’s Make 2025 an Unforgettable Year!
