Creating Memorable Family Photos in Lisbon’s Inclusive Playgrounds
Lisbon, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, is an ideal location for family photography. Recently, the city has taken significant steps to make its playgrounds more inclusive, providing perfect settings for all-ability family photos. Here’s how you can make the most of these accessible family photography opportunities.
The Rise of Inclusive Playgrounds in Lisbon
The Lisbon City Council has approved a proposal to evaluate and adapt the city’s playgrounds to make them more accessible for children with disabilities. This initiative aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy playgrounds without facing discrimination.
Key Features of Inclusive Playgrounds
- Accessibility: These playgrounds are designed with accessible equipment, reserved parking, lowered floors, and adequate pavement to ensure that children with disabilities can easily navigate the area.
- Adapted Equipment: The playgrounds include a variety of equipment adapted for children with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible swings and slides.
- Supportive Environment: The surrounding areas are also adapted to support people with disabilities, including public restrooms and cafes with accessible facilities.
Choosing the Right Playground for Your Family Photos
Lisbon offers several playgrounds that are not only fun for children but also provide excellent backdrops for family photography.
Parque Eduardo VII
Located atop the posh Avenida da Liberdade, Parque Eduardo VII is a massive green space with a playground that includes a riding zipline, slides, swings, and a climbing rope. The nearby Estufa Fria Botanical Gardens & Greenhouse adds a beautiful natural backdrop to your photos.
Jardim da Estrela
This pentagon-shaped green space features a radical playground with a two-story spider web tent and a kiosk that serves nice tostas and ice cream. The adjacent restrooms and library kiosk make it a convenient and enjoyable location for family photography.
Parque Recreativo do Alvito
Located in Monsanto North, this playground is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained equipment. It features an elevated house, a boat with ropes and bridges, swings, hidey-holes, and multiple slides. The nearby cafe and picnic tables provide a perfect spot for parents to relax while capturing memorable photos.
Tips for Accessible Family Photography
When planning your family photo shoot, here are some tips to ensure that everyone feels included and comfortable:
Posing with Wheelchairs
- Close Proximity: Encourage family members to snuggle in close to the wheelchair user, even touching the wheelchair wheels or leaning against the back. This helps create a sense of unity and closeness in the photos.
- Angles and Poses: Adapt poses to include the wheelchair user naturally. Use sitting, standing, and moving poses to capture a variety of moments. Ensure that the wheelchair is not a distraction but an integral part of the family dynamic.
Location and Setting
- Open Shade: Choose locations with open shade to avoid harsh sunlight and ensure everyone is comfortable. A dense foliage backdrop or repetition, such as an avenue of trees, can add visual appeal to your photos.
- Accessibility: Ensure the location is easily accessible for all family members, especially those with young children or disabilities. Avoid busy or distant locations that might cause fatigue.
Clothing and Composition
- Color and Patterns: Encourage a mix of colors and classic patterns to add visual interest to your photos. Avoid big blocks of the same color standing next to each other.
- Interaction: Focus on capturing interactions between family members rather than trying to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time. This creates more relaxed and natural photos.
Preparing for the Photo Shoot
Equipment and Settings
- Aperture: Use a mid-range aperture (around f/7.1) to ensure everyone is in focus from front to back, while still maintaining a decently blurred background.
- Consistency: Keep the photos consistent in terms of location, backdrop, and editing style. This makes it easier for the family to select and print their favorite photos.
Capturing the Moment
- Multiple Shots: Take multiple shots of each grouping to ensure you capture the perfect moment. Zoom in on your LCD to check for sharp focus and consider head swapping in Photoshop if necessary.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Create a relaxed atmosphere by encouraging family members to touch or hold each other. This helps convey connection and warmth in the photos.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Lisbon’s inclusive playgrounds offer a unique and welcoming environment for all-ability family photography. By choosing the right location, following tips on posing and composition, and ensuring accessibility, you can create memorable and inclusive family photos.
If you are looking for a professional photographer to capture these special moments, consider reaching out to Ekaterina Belova – Photographer in Lisbon. With her expertise in family photography, Ekaterina can help you create beautiful, accessible, and inclusive portraits.
For more information on her services and to see her portfolio, visit her About page. You can also check her Pricing and Contact her directly to schedule a session.
Remember, the goal of family photography is to capture the love and connection within your family, and Lisbon’s inclusive playgrounds provide the perfect setting to do just that.