Discover the Algarve’s most idyllic and untouched landscapes with immersive experiences guided by local photographers
– December 18, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Nuno Luís
Capturing exactly what our eyes see isn’t always easy, and it can even be frustrating when we don’t succeed, especially in a place like the Algarve with its paradisiacal landscapes in remote places that are often only known to locals or the more adventurous.
To help with this, Primeira Luz (Portuguese for ‘First Light’) is a unique project created by photographers Nuno Luís, Miguel Claro, and Luís Afonso and dedicated to capturing the region’s most idyllic and untouched landscapes through nature walks and photography workshops.
With a keen focus on the Costa Vicentina, Primeira Luz offers an immersive experience in the world of nature photography, where passion, knowledge, and artistry come together to create something that is more than just a picture.
What sets Primeira Luz apart is their inclusive approach to teaching. You don’t need to have an arsenal of expensive equipment or an extensive knowledge of photography to join in.
The workshops cater to all levels, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts, and cover an array of themes, ranging from creative flora photography to astrophotography editing. Participants can choose between group sessions or private lessons, conducted either online or in-person, allowing a level of flexibility that suits different needs and interests.
For the more experienced photographers, Primeira Luz offers tours tailored to various locations or specific topics. Although it helps to be familiar with a camera, the tours aren’t limited to those with a professional background. Instead, they encourage anyone with a creative mindset to join. These excursions aren’t just about photographing landscapes; they are designed to be an immersive journey into nature, where participants can expect to engage with their surroundings in a deeply personal and creative way.
Primeira Luz dates back to 2007 when Nuno Luís, a natural landscape photographer, partnered with his friend Pedro Bento to create accessible photographic experiences across Portugal and, later, also abroad, in countries such as Spain, Switzerland, and Scotland. Of the original team, only the Lisbon-native Nuno remained.
He later met Luís Afonso, who, like him, holds a degree in Information Technology and Management, and shares his love for photography. Professional photographer Miguel Claro joined next, also at the invitation of Nuno, who describes him as “a world reference in astrophotography”. The trio has been working together since 2012.
The three photographers work in different areas and times of the day. Whilst Nuno and Luís focus on daytime nature photography throughout the country, Miguel specialises in night photography, particularly in capturing the ethereal beauty of the Alqueva, explained the founder of Primeira Luz, emphasising that whatever the participants’ preference, they are guaranteed to have “a real photographic experience”.
Nuno is responsible for two tours: the Costa Vicentina tour and the Southwest Alentejo tour.
The first, spanning from Aljezur to Sagres, takes participants to some of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches, including Ponta Ruiva, Telheiro, and Castelejo; whilst the latter stretches from Zambujeira do Mar to Aljezur.
These tours, tailored to a small group of no more than eight participants, offer a personalised experience over 22 hours, across three days, and explore the region’s distinct climate, dramatic landscapes, and local gastronomy, all whilst fostering a sense of camaraderie.
What’s particularly striking about these experiences is the post-tour analysis sessions, conducted online, where participants can reflect on the photos they’ve taken.
“It’s curious to see that, even though everyone enjoyed the same experience, their photographs always look different,” underlined Nuno Luís.
These two routes, which follow well marked trails, are the result of the photographer’s fascination with the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, an area he has visited regularly for over 20 years, and his familiarity allows him to guide participants through “breathtaking experiences”.
Nuno’s passion for photography began in his youth and took a serious turn in 2004 when he bought his first camera. What started with the exploration of landscapes near his home and in Sintra has led him to explore more than 15 countries, combining his passion for photography with a love of travelling and getting to know different peoples and cultures. “I’ve progressed and evolved, especially in landscape photography, and I felt the need to share the knowledge I’ve acquired,” he highlighted.
Driven by a desire to share his knowledge, Nuno created Primeira Luz and began hosting workshops in 2007, starting with the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. His focus has always been on natural landscape photography, a genre he chose at the beginning of his career and has remained loyal to ever since.
He believes that having a specific genre to concentrate on allows a photographer to evolve and refine their craft. Yet, he emphasises the importance of being open to new trends and approaches, encouraging others to maintain a flexible mindset in their photographic journey.
One of the key lessons Nuno imparts is the acceptance of nature’s unpredictability. He believes that not every shoot will yield the perfect conditions, and instead of aiming for an unrealistic standard of perfection, photographers should learn to appreciate and work with what nature presents.
“We have to accept what nature has to offer without expecting everything to work out. We as human beings are’t perfect either that’s why I don’t try to achieve perfectionism in photography and art,” he said.
For those who are new to photography, Nuno recommends the beginner’s workshop on Digital Photography as a starting point.
Beyond his role as a guide and instructor, Nuno holds a certification in Pedagogical Training from the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), ensuring that he is well-equipped to teach and guide participants on their journey.
His tours are designed to be flexible, with adjustments made as necessary to enhance the overall experience as he wants Primeira Luz to be about more than just photography, encouraging participants to step out of their comfort zone and embrace a new way of seeing the world.
For those eager to explore new styles, hone their skills, and challenge themselves creatively, Primeira Luz offers an ideal opportunity.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an aspiring photographer, these workshops and tours provide a unique chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal’s landscapes whilst learning from experts in the field.
Bookings for the various tours can be made via the Primeira Luz website, where the details of each activity are listed, all of which exclude accommodation, meals, and travel.
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