Streets revisited: Rediscovering street photography in Lisbon with Fujifilm

My name is Andy Furtak. I was born in Warsaw, Poland, but I now call Lisbon, Portugal, my home. Photography has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a passion, a way of seeing and engaging with the world. By profession, I’m a website publisher, a journey that began after nearly a decade of working for Google in Dublin. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and listening to music—interests that harmonize beautifully with my photography. Each of these hobbies feeds into my creativity and keeps me curious about the world, always looking for that next inspiring moment.

My journey into photography began at the age of 12, when my grandfather gifted me a Zenit 12XP and all the equipment to develop my own film. I built a darkroom and spent hours creating black-and-white photographs. It was an immersive and rewarding experience that laid the foundation for my love of the medium. Those early days of experimenting with light and composition taught me patience and how to see the world differently.

Later, in my early 20s, I bought a Nikon D70s and discovered Street Photography, albeit unknowingly. Living in Central Warsaw, I would roam the city at night, capturing its mood and atmosphere. These were solitary yet exciting walks, with the quiet streets providing an ideal backdrop for experimenting with low light and urban scenes. Over time, I also developed an interest in travel photography, especially during trips to Southeast Asia, which further broadened my perspective on photography. This initial foray into photography was put on hold for many years until 2024, when my wife’s interest in photography reignited my own passion.

In 2024, during a long family trip across Europe, I picked up my wife’s Fujifilm X100V and rediscovered the joy of photography. It was like meeting an old friend again—the camera’s simplicity and charm pulled me back into the world of creating images. However, I felt limited by the fixed lens and realized I wanted the flexibility to change lenses and adapt to different scenes. Inspired by this rekindled passion, I purchased a Fujifilm X-T5, which allowed me to explore the art form more deeply and experiment with various focal lengths.

My current kit includes the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens and three prime lenses—the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4, and the Fujinon XF 90mm f/2. Each of these lenses plays a unique role in my work. The Fujinon 18-55mm zoom lens is versatile and great for everyday shooting. The Fujinon XF 35mm is a fantastic all-rounder, perfect for capturing a variety of scenes with its natural perspective. The Sigma 56mm is sharp and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use on the streets. The Fujinon XF 90mm, on the other hand, excels at isolating subjects and highlighting intricate details in street photography.

Starting with Fujifilm felt like a fresh beginning for me, inspired by the X100V’s exceptional colors, image quality, and character. Fujifilm’s film simulation recipes and the ability to shoot high-quality JPEGs have streamlined my workflow, enabling me to focus on composition rather than spending hours in post-processing.

Fujifilm’s lenses also stand out for their sharpness and character. The XF 90mm, for example, delivers incredible clarity and a beautiful depth of field, making it a joy to use. The camera and lenses feel like tools designed specifically for street photographers—compact, reliable, and capable of handling any lighting condition. However, I believe that no matter how great the equipment is, it’s ultimately your own creativity and vision that make a photograph truly impactful.

Street Photography in Lisbon
Lisbon’s golden light, narrow streets, and vibrant colors create a dreamlike setting for street photography. Each corner of the city holds its own story, waiting to be captured. I’m drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, bold colors like yellow and red, and the city’s natural framing elements—walls, trees, umbrellas, and even waste bins. These elements often help me build layers within my compositions.

On cloudy days, I embrace a different approach, looking for abstractions and reflections in shop windows or mirrors. The Tagus River also becomes a favorite spot on such days, offering a calming, dreamy atmosphere where the water blends seamlessly with the overcast sky. No matter the weather, Lisbon provides endless opportunities to explore and create.

Tools of the Trade: Primes vs. Zooms
While zoom lenses are fantastic for beginners to find their preferred focal lengths, I’ve grown to appreciate the creative constraints of prime lenses. They challenge me to move and think differently, enhancing my ability to compose compelling frames. My comfort zone begins at 50mm and extends to medium telephoto lengths like 90mm and 130mm, ideal for isolating details and creating layered compositions.

Prime lenses also encourage a more intentional approach to photography. With a fixed focal length, I’m forced to engage more with the scene, moving closer or farther to frame the perfect shot. This constraint often leads to more creative and thoughtful compositions.

Street photography is about storytelling. I often frame my subjects using natural elements, allowing light, colors, and shadows to take center stage. Patience is key—I’ll wait minutes at a single spot to capture the perfect moment. For example, I might position myself near a brightly colored wall and wait for the right person to walk by, creating a dynamic interplay between the subject and the background.

When natural light is scarce, I adapt by focusing on abstractions or subtle contrasts. Reflections, silhouettes, and textures often become the main focus. Planning isn’t my style; I prefer to wander Lisbon’s streets, headphones on, discovering scenes as they unfold. It’s this spontaneity that makes street photography so rewarding.

Post-processing is minimal for me. I shoot exclusively in JPEG, relying on Fujifilm’s film simulations to achieve a film-inspired look straight out of the camera. After selecting the best shots, I make minor adjustments using standard tools on my iPad, occasionally applying vignettes or cropping to enhance composition.

I’ve found that a good composition doesn’t need much editing. Less is often more. A carefully framed and well-timed shot often speaks for itself without requiring extensive post-production work.

Photography is about imagination and capturing fleeting moments. Lisbon provides endless inspiration, from its golden light to its vibrant streets, and every walk becomes an opportunity to create something new. My journey as a street photographer is ongoing, and every day offers a chance to learn and refine my approach.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shooting for years, street photography has a way of keeping you curious and engaged. All you need is a camera, a bit of patience, and an open mind to let the streets guide your next story.