This photograph captures one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams in motion, a vibrant symbol of the city’s character and history. My intent was to convey the energy of the tram as it rattled along the cobblestone streets, while keeping a sense of the bustling urban environment. The dynamic motion brings the image to life, inviting the viewer into this fleeting moment.
The shot was taken wide open to create a shallow depth of field, isolating the tram while letting the motion blur of the background amplify the sense of speed. Shooting at a low ISO ensured minimal noise and retained as much detail as possible, but it also required careful balance to manage the exposure in the bright midday sunlight. Tracking the tram with precision was critical—not only to maintain focus but to achieve just the right amount of motion blur to tell the story of movement.
The challenge here wasn’t just technical—it was the fleeting nature of the moment. The tram passed quickly, leaving little margin for error. Panning with a moving subject while keeping the frame balanced and the composition intact demanded focus, instinct, and practice. The cobblestones underfoot added another layer of difficulty, making stability and timing all the more essential.
This image was one of the most challenging I’ve captured, blending technical precision with the unpredictability of the streets. It’s the kind of shot that reminds us why we do this—freezing a moment of energy and motion into something timeless.