Seeing beyond the ordinary in your local surroundings
Question: Who takes better pictures than a professional photographer? Answer: A former professional photographer turned art photographer. As one of those, I often travel somewhere far from home, for the purpose of photographing unfamiliar sights.
The excitement of seeing new things gives me a feeling of having fresh eyes. But … this summer I decided to try something different, and have a “stay-cation”, and photograph close to home. I chose Portimão, a city near my home, on the dazzling Algarve coast.
I am normally there to eat, shop, attend cultural activities, bike-ride, swim, get my car fixed, go for a boat ride, and so on. I would soon discover, however, that Portimão has much more to offer, including friendly people and a magical vibe. By “magical”, I see it as the culmination of many different kinds of energy, resulting in unpredictably good experiences.
It is a working city, a tourist city, home to a diverse community; and in addition to the urban area, it has a colorful harbor and majestic beaches with famous sculptural rock formations. Then, if you go a little north, there are rural villages and countryside scenery. In other words, a photographer is blessed with a wide variety of visual opportunities, and all contained in a small area.
At the onset of my first outing, I began hunting for pictures that excited me. As I walked around, things just looked average and ordinary. At this point, I was not inspired. This can happen when you are used to a place, and you look at it, but you don’t really see it.
With some patience and effort, I tried to see beneath the surface. Great photographs are not created, they are discovered. You cannot force them because they need to have a life of their own. So, I began to set the camera free. Now, the task is to explore visions of images that have universal appeal and lasting value.
Over the course of the summer, my persistence and passion for photography propelled me into proceeding with the project. I returned to the greater Portimão area (it also includes Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande) many times on this quest. Here are some of my favorite photos.
Since moving to the Algarve a few years ago, I have felt welcomed and embraced by good people and beautiful views. This is especially liberating for a photographer, because we have to fit in and become comfortable in our surroundings. To enjoy seeing, capturing, and sharing visions that uplift and communicate. It’s what I live for.
Thank you, Portimão.
By ERIC ROTH
|| features@portugalresident.com
Eric Roth is a lifelong photojournalist who has recently emigrated from Boston, USA to the Algarve. He loves nature and wildlife. 926 742 687 | ericrothphoto@gmail.com
