Tom England 2026-10-01 Tom England 2026-10-01

Keeping It Light in Portugal: What I Packed for a 2-Week Adventure

Travelling solo as a photographer feels like complete freedom, and in many ways, it is. But it also pushes you to be more intentional about what you carry. Travel naturally involves constant movement; as you explore a city, the steps add up quickly.

Tom England 2026-09-24 Tom England 2026-09-24

Closing Out a Summer of Photography

It pains me to say it, but the summer of 2026 is over, just like that. It was an interesting summer: unseasonably cool throughout May, with the warmth not really arriving until June. This was discouraging, as summer is easily my favourite season; however, once the warmth started to set in, I made the most of my time with leisure and travel.

Tom England 2026-09-10 Tom England 2026-09-10

Photography in Porto: What You Should Know

Lisbon and Porto are easily Portugal’s most popular destinations for photographers. And it’s justified: both cities are beautiful and offer a wealth of opportunities for stunning photography. I’ve been to both locations twice, and I previously wrote tips and practical advice for Lisbon if you plan to visit.

Tom England 2026-09-03 Tom England 2026-09-03

A Lesson in Slowing Down

I still think back to our 2019 trip often. It is strange how distant it feels now, like a completely different chapter in life. Lisa and I had set out on what, in hindsight, was an incredibly ambitious European itinerary: seven destinations in under two weeks. At the time, though, it felt exciting rather than overwhelming.

Tom England 2026-08-20 Tom England 2026-08-20

Photographs from Nazaré

My final stop in Portugal before heading home was Nazaré. Conveniently located between Porto and Lisbon, it seemed like the perfect place to spend a slower, more relaxed few days before leaving the country.

Tom England 2026-08-13 Tom England 2026-08-13

Photographs from Porto

Porto, Portugal, is a bucket-list destination for many travellers and photographers. Easily reached once you’re in Portugal, the northern city is connected by a direct train from Lisbon, where many visitors begin their trip. And although the two cities are relatively close, Lisbon and Porto feel very different.

Tom England 2026-07-30 Tom England 2026-07-30

Photographs from Coimbra

It’s always interesting arriving somewhere completely new, especially when you don’t know much about it. For the more popular destinations, information is everywhere, and chances are someone you know has already been there. Places like that rarely feel like a mystery.

Tom England 2026-07-23 Tom England 2026-07-23

Portugal Beyond the Usual Destinations

A few years ago, Lisa and I visited Portugal for the first time, and like many first-time visitors to the country, we spent our time in Lisbon and Porto, the most popular places to visit. Lisbon was everything we expected, but Porto was a different story. It wasn’t that the city wasn’t what we expected; it was that the weather conditions for our time there were less than ideal.

Tom England 2026-07-09 Tom England 2026-07-09

Photographs from Lisbon

Returning to Lisbon, I felt a familiar excitement. A first visit often feels like an introduction to what’s possible. Everything is new, but within a few days, you begin to understand the city’s rhythm, its distances, its opportunities, and even its quirks. Four years later, I was back with a different perspective.

Tom England 2026-07-02 Tom England 2026-07-02

Photography in Lisbon: What You Should Know

Lisbon is vibrant, photogenic, and full of character. It’s also incredibly popular with visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Getting around Lisbon is easy, and while you can absolutely explore much of Lisbon on foot, be prepared: Lisbon’s hills are no joke.

Tom England 2026-06-25 Tom England 2026-06-25

Lisbon vs. Porto: From a Photographer’s Perspective

When you first plan to visit Italy, the cities that are commonly suggested are Rome, Florence, and Venice. Fantastic choices, and they are all great cities to visit. For Portugal, the must-visit cities are Lisbon and Porto.

Tom England 2026-06-18 Tom England 2026-06-18

The Sentiments That Matter Most in Travel Photography

I’m wrapping up my time in Portugal. I’ve got one more full day here in Nazaré, then a final night in Lisbon before heading home. It somehow feels like I’ve been away for a month, in the best way. It’s been an incredible trip, but I’m ready to reset and settle back into home life.