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Eclectic Photography
Photographing Lisbon’s Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28 

Photographing Lisbon’s Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28 

by | Jan 5, 2024 | Lisbon’s Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28

Lisbon’s Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28

Open a Lonely Planet Pocket Guid To Lisbon and the city is described as “a roller-coaster city of seven hills, crowned by a Moorish castle and washed in an artist’s pure light” Lisbon is cinematically beautiful and the Remodelado trams make Lisbon very unique. No other European city employs such old trams which originally date back to the 1930’s. These Remodelado trams are still used today as the modern longer trams cannot cope with the tight twisty inclines, narrow streets and undulating terrain. Classic Remodelado Trams routes not to be missed include:

Remodelado Tram number 12 is a one-dimensional loop (Clockwise) through Baxia, Mouraria and Alfama districts, following part of the route of the Tram 28 and makes a good alternative at busy times.

Remodelado Tram number 24 route connects the Prac Luis Camoes Plaza with Campolide, to the north of the city, passing through Bairro Alto, the affluent district of Principle Real.

Remodelado Tram number 28 connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, passing through the popular districts of Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca.

All three of the above routes deserve exploring and although Tram 28 is just a normal line of public transportation in Lisbon, it happens to go past many of the city’s most significant landmarks in districts like Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. Because the route also uses some heritage-style tram carriages, it’s become the most popular tourist attraction in the city, so in order to get a seat you need to be up early in the morning. Should you be lucky enough to get a window seat, (we were) it’s far better than any hop on and off tourist bus if you want to see the main sites in Lisbon and costs a fraction of the price.

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Fran and I boarded tram 28 at its starting point at Martim Moniz, ridding the trams entire route from start to finish which can take 40 minuets to an hour. The end of the route is Campo Ourique, but the front of the tram will read (Prazeres) As the internal tram windows can raised and closed, this makes it ideal for photography or videography. Passing through each of the distinct districts, the ride is a photographic goldmine, from watching people go about their daily life, to the sunlight blasting through the narrow streets and passages. Riding the entire route to the end at (Prazeres) also had another purpose, I wanted to visit the Cemitério de Prazeres. This cemetery is described as one of the most beautiful in the world and I will be covering Cemitério de Prazeres in another blog.

Practical points

We purchased a 24-hour public transport ticket from one of Metro stations which is exceptional value as you can use it on trams, buses and the Metro for 24 hours, allowing you to explore Lisbon and give your feet a rest.

All of the images we took were with a 24mm – 105mm. I personally find this focal range very practical when traveling.

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Exploring Lisbon’s Unique Prazeres Cemetery 

Exploring Lisbon’s Unique Prazeres Cemetery 

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Exploring Lisbon's Unique Prazeres Cemetery 

Personally, I think Lisbon is a city with a lot of character, especially if you enjoy exploring and experiencing hidden gems. Many tourists will ride the Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28 but few will ride to the end of the line or be aware of Prazeres Cemetery let alone visit it. The Remodelado trams make Lisbon very unique as no other European city employs such old trams which originally date back to the 1930’s.

As Fran and I had planned to ride tram 28, from its starting point at Martim Moniz and ride the trams entire route. I have been interested in cemeteries with mausoleums since I visited Highgate Cemetery in London as a child, so after using Google Earth to see the surrounding area of Campo Ourique, when I discovered that there was a large cemetery where the tram terminated, I was determined to see it. Interestingly, the front of the tram 28 reads (Prazeres)

Prazeres Cemetery stands out as a unique and historically significant place, it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The Cemetery is a treasure trove of art and stories that span almost 200 years and if you are in Lisbon and have the time it is worth visiting as it is so unique

Located in the western part of Lisbon, Prazeres Cemetery was established after cholera broke out in 1833. The name “Prazeres” translates to “Pleasures” in English. While this may seem unusual for a cemetery, it reflects the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere that envelops this burial ground. The cemetery covers almost 30 acres and is the second largest in Lisbon.

 

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What sets the Prazeres Cemetery apart from many others is its remarkable collection of sculptures, mausoleums, and tombstones. They serve as both memorials to the deceased and works of art in themselves. As you wander through the cemetery’s paths, you’ll encounter an astonishing variety of styles and motifs, ranging from neoclassical and romantic to art nouveau and art deco.

The mausoleums, in particular, are art pieces in their own right. Intricately designed and adorned with sculptures, stained glass, and elaborate decorations, these structures stand as a testament to the wealth and status of those interred within. Each mausoleum tells a unique story, reflecting the individuality of the people who found their final resting place here.

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the Prazeres Cemetery, ensuring that its historical and artistic significance endures for future generations. The restoration work has included the conservation of sculptures, mausoleums, and tombstones, as well as the improvement of the cemetery’s infrastructure.

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Tourism has also played a role in raising awareness about the Prazeres Cemetery. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its beauty and historical importance.

Prazeres Cemetery is conveniently located just at the western end of the Tram 28 line. If there is a long line for the next tram, take a short walk over to the cemetery and dive into the fascinating part of Lisbon’s history. There are also restrooms at the entrance.

Address: Praça São João Bosco 568, 1350-295

The cemetery is open from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. from May to September and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from October to April.

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Photographing Dogs Outdoors With Flash & A MagMod MagBeam 

Photographing Dogs Outdoors With Flash & A MagMod MagBeam 

by | Dec 9, 2023 | Photographing Dogs Outdoors With Flash & A MagMod MagBeam 

Trying to photograph dogs outdoors with flash can be challenging, although It’s often beneficial to use a little fill flash in brighten up the shadows on a backlit animal or add some catch light into your subjects’ eyes to help a dog look a little more alive.  As Rio our Border Collie is only 9 months old, he still needs three good walks a day to keep him happy and healthy. I decided to leave the usual lighting modifiers at home such as a soft box or umbrella and though I would experiment with a MagMod Mag Beam. Why opt for the Mag Beam? Simple, its small, can throw light a good distance and I can pair it with a Godox AD100, attached to a Phottix Padat Carbon Fibre Compact Light Stand 198cm. This provides an ultra-portable lighting kit that can be taken on a dog walk easily due to size and weight.  

MagMod claims the MagBeam will increase the effective flash power by 2-3 stops. To be clear about this, obviously, the flash has a finite amount of power that it’s able to pump out at any given setting, but what the MagMod MagBeam does is simply funnel all of that light into a much tighter circle, effectively increasing the brightness of the light in that one particular spot by 2-3 stops.

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The MagBeam has three incremental telescopic settings, which narrows the beam of light, thereby intensifying it, as you extend the rubber tube. Another advantage of the MagBeam is that you can place it out of frame and if you are simply using it for some fill, it’s providing a good balance in relation to using a softbox. Moreover, as the light is intensified you can reduce the flashes power output, resulting in faster recycling times and longer battery life.

For an ultra-portable lighting setup that I can take on a walk with Rio, I am pleased with the results.

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DJI Mini 3 Pro Adventures Around Tixall Gatehouse & Essex Bridge

DJI Mini 3 Pro Adventures Around Tixall Gatehouse & Essex Bridge

by | Sep 10, 2023 | DJI Mini 3 Pro Adventures Around Tixall Gatehouse & Essex Bridge

Nestled to the northwest of Shugborough Hall, the quaint village of Tixall beckons with its unassuming charm—boasting a modest village hall, a diminutive church, and a scattering of quaint houses. However, Tixall Gatehouse, a hidden gem, often escapes notice. Positioned discreetly along the left-hand side of Tixall Road as you journey toward Great Heywood, this historical treasure might elude your attention unless you are specifically seeking it out.

The rich history of Tixall Gatehouse is entwined with notable events involving Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington plot, a fascinating narrative too extensive to delve into within this blog. A cursory internet search will unveil a trove of information on this subject. Originally a part of Tixall Hall, dating back to the 1580s, Tixall Gatehouse stands as a lone sentinel today. The demise of Tixall Hall in 1927 saw the Gatehouse’s gradual descent into disrepair as the estate was parcelled into smaller tracts and sold off in 1960

In 1968, the Landmark Trust came to the Gatehouse’s rescue, embarking on a meticulous and extensive restoration effort. Today, this historic structure is available for holiday rentals, offering visitors a unique and memorable stay.

Having always been intrigued by the distinctive character of Tixall Gatehouse, I yearned for the chance to experience it firsthand. In 2023, that long-awaited opportunity finally materialized. Fan and I joined a group of three other individuals for a four-night stay at Tixall Gatehouse. Its strategic location served as an ideal base for exploring Shugborough Hall, where we also had the chance to explore Patrick Lichfield’s apartments, and offered excellent hiking opportunities in the scenic expanse of Cannock Chase.

Our visit took place during the first week of September 2023, where we were graced by exceptional weather with temperatures in the 30s. Regrettably, I only seized one exceptional sunrise for my photography endeavours, prompting me to leave my DJi drone dormant in my room. When the next opportunity arrived to take flight, the sunrise seemed to vanish, resulting in flat although bright conditions. Undeterred, I flew the drone in above and around Tixall Gatehouse. Later that evening, Fran and I walked to Essex Bridge, England’s longest pack horse bridge, and captured some aerial perspectives of this architectural marvel. The experience left an indelible impression, and I intend to return in autumn to further explore this photographic wonderland. However, I doubt I’ll ever encounter another opportunity to lodge in such a distinctive and historically rich edifice as Tixall Gatehouse.

A link for information in relation to DJI Mini 3 Pro

A link for information about The Lanmark Trust 

Which Style Of Horse Portrait Photography Do You Prefer? Poll

Which Style Of Horse Portrait Photography Do You Prefer? Poll

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Which Style Of Horse Portrait Photography Do You Prefer? Poll

Thank you for taking the time to take part in this poll, we really apricate it. As photographers we know the style of horse portrait we like to photograph, but we would like your opinion as to which of the following styles you like the most. You can only vote for one style or the image you prefer, or you can choose I like all or none of the images.

To take part in the poll, please click on the image.

Horse portrait photography, Equine photography,

Take Me to The Poll