Welcome back to the Film Archives, where I showcase my analogue photography from the period BB (before the blog). In this edition, we’re diving into a street photography session in Lisbon, captured using the Olympus Trip 35 paired with Ilford HP5 Plus film. This camera and film combination was my go-to at the time, and with the fantastic lighting conditions in Lisbon, I was confident in its ability to deliver excellent results.
Setting the Scene
Our cruise around the Canary Islands had one final stop in Lisbon before heading back to Southampton. After disembarking, we faced the usual checks—showing ID and ensuring we had no contraband. The docks were conveniently close to the city center, and I followed the crowd to the left as we exited. My family, however, decided to explore in a different direction and turned right.
Capturing Lisbon’s Essence
Lisbon is renowned for its distinctive tiles, and I was immediately drawn to their intricate patterns. My first shot aimed to capture these tiles, which were a striking shade of blue. Of course, the beauty of these tiles is somewhat lost in black-and-white photos, but the pattern’s appeal was undeniable. Perhaps a color photograph would have better showcased their vibrancy, but the monochrome shots still convey the city’s essence.
Having visited Lisbon before, I was eager to find the massive statue of a man on a horse located in the square. Finding it again brought back memories of my previous visit. The weather was quite warm—typical of that summer—but I sought refuge under the cool arches, which made for excellent photographic compositions. The leading lines and repetitive patterns of the arches created compelling visual elements in my photos.
One aspect I had forgotten about was the trolley buses. Their bright yellow color adds a unique touch to the city’s character. Although these buses are less striking in black and white, their presence adds to the city’s charm and energy.
Technical Insights
The Olympus Trip 35 is a straightforward, fully mechanical camera with a fixed lens and automatic exposure. It’s perfect for street photography due to its simplicity and reliability. The HP5 Plus film is known for its versatility and fine grain, which works well in various lighting conditions. On this bright day in Lisbon, the film’s wide exposure latitude allowed me to capture the city’s details with great clarity and depth.
Experiencing Lisbon
As I walked through Lisbon, it felt as if I had stepped back in time. The city’s mosaic pavements and vintage shop signs created a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the 1960s. While I’m sure some areas are more modern, my exploration was limited to the historic parts I could reach on foot. In these moments, I felt detached from the “real” world, fully immersed in observing and photographing the city. This sense of liberation of being a stranger in a new place is incredibly freeing.
During my shoot, a German lady, who was a resident of Lisbon, approached me on Instagram and was surprised when I told her these photos were taken just 15 days ago. It’s fascinating how a fresh perspective can capture the timeless quality of a place.
Conclusion
In summary, Lisbon, at least in the areas I explored, possesses a timeless charm akin to that of a gentleman in a linen suit with a Panama hat. The city’s classical style and foreign allure were captivating. Although I don’t speak Portuguese, I chose to keep to myself, relying on the universal language of photography to connect with the city.
The Olympus Trip 35 was ideal for this day of exploration. Its simplicity, coupled with the bright light of Lisbon, allowed me to focus on capturing the city’s spirit without being bogged down by complex settings. The vintage camera, combined with the city’s classic charm, perhaps contributed to the nostalgic vibe of the photos, adding to the allure that intrigued even my German friend.
IJM Photography 