On-location Fashion Shoots in Portugal
If you’re reading this because you’re looking for amazing (non-studio) locations to film and photograph fashion and lifestyle content in Portugal, here are some places you need to look at. We’ve broken these areas down by region and city: Algarve, Lisbon, Porto and the Silver Coast. Of course, there are plenty of locations in the outside these regions and cities, but these are a good place to start.
Algarve
Located in the southern-most part of Portugal, this region is well-known for its sunny Mediterranean climate, spectacular coastline of golden beaches and dramatic cliffs of limestone, sandstone and clay. The waters of the Atlantic ocean are composed of greens and blues which reflect the golden cliffs and beaches. This is a paradise in terms of shooting locations if you’re looking for natural, dramatic scenes. Step away from the coastline and you’ll find kilometers of citrus groves, quintas surrounded by vineyards, and small towns dotting the landscape.
Best for: Athletic wear, sportswear, high-end fashion.
Suggestions: Take a boat out and capture shots with the landmark cliffs in the background for a nautical look. Use a beach for a classic summer scene. Use the colorful buildings to accentuate your shots. Cafes on cobblestone streets make a perfect background.
Considerations: Tourism can be a factor along the coast and beaches especially during the months of July, August and part of September. However, the sun and natural beauty is available all year long.
Lisbon
This is Portugal’s capital city, and as a capital it has endless opportunities. Instead of natural wonders, the scenes here are more architectural with a blend of old and new. Cobblestone streets can be found all over, sun light filters down into narrow streets adding drama to your shot, modern buildings like the Gulbenkian and MAAT museums lend design elements, and must-sees like Pink Street, MX Factory and the Tagus River waterfront offer more whimsical possibilities. Rounding out this very incomplete list of Lisbon offerings are the 25 Abril bridge spanning the Tagus, city beaches, and all the numerous parks that populate the city. Don’t sleep on the sunset “miradouros” that give views of the setting sun and the beautiful cityscape below.
Best for: Street photography, urban wear, lifestyle, business and casual.
Suggestions: Take advantage of the full range of scenes the city offers - use modern streets, old streets, parks, beaches, the river front, museums, palaces, the castle and more.
Considerations: Tourism can be a factor especially during the months of July, August and part of September. Weather is warm/hot, dry and sunny in the summer, cool and breezy with a small chance of fog in the winter months.
Porto
While Porto gives a city feel just like Lisbon, Porto just feels...different. This is the “darker” of the two cities on this list. Porto is more traditional and feels dripping with its history. The city is a fantastic mix of architectural styles and blends Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical designs. The bridges of Porto arch majestically over the Douro River, and the afternoon and evening light floods the river valley with a golden, atmospheric glow. In the old city center you find narrow streets, unique architecture and countless spots for shooting. Traditional Azulejo tiles adorn buildings. City parks and walkways open more possibilities. The north side of the city provides more beach locations. While beaches in Algarve have a definite Mediterranean look and feel, the beaches of Porto feel more rugged. The city’s trams roll along the river and up the hills. Like Lisbon, there are far too many ways to describe what a production can take advantage of here. A good travel scout will find plenty of locations for a shoot.
Best for: Street photography, urban wear, lifestyle, business and casual.
Suggestions: Don’t focus on only one area or type of location. Porto can satisfy even the most challenging list of required locations. Integrate the traditional tiles into your shots to add flare. Get some shots on one of the old trams. Get into the area where the big bridges cross the Douro River for dramatic shots with activity in the background.
Considerations: Tourism can be a factor especially during the months of July, August and the first half of September. Summers bring warm days of sun and some clouds here and there, winters are cool and moist with breezes sometimes bordering on windy.
The Silver Coast
Although its name suggests a region made up of beaches and with a focus on the ocean, the Silver Coast continues inland for miles and delivers some of the most naturally stunning areas as well as old towns, monasteries, castles, forts, lagoons, pine and eucalyptus forests, boardwalks, vineyards and orchards. And yes, it includes beaches. Miles and miles of them actually. The Silver Coast is ‘softer' than the Algarve but just as striking. Its name is derived from the weather that occurs here. The microclimate means fog from the ocean - even in summer. And it means (generally) breezy days with cooler temperatures than many other areas of Portugal. But don’t let the microclimate scare you. We’ve filmed numerous projects there and can report it’s completely possible.
Best for: Athletic wear, sportswear, high-end fashion.
Suggestions: Consider the full range of the area including historic buildings with ancient architecture, natural settings and the coast. Discover the possibilities with a good location scout.
Considerations: Tourism is heaviest during the months of July and August, but is confined mostly to the beach areas. Inland spots and historic areas are much more tranquil during these months. As mentioned in the synopsis above, weather on the coast can play a factor so planning is essential.
