In the castle of Lisbon, I had the pleasure of encountering a breathtaking peacock that caught my attention with its impressive beauty and grace. Actually, there were several of these beautiful animals walking around and presenting themselves there.
The Castle of Lisbon, also known as Castelo de São Jorge, is one of the most impressive landmarks in the Portuguese capital. The castle is built on a hill and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Tagus River. The historical architecture of the castle attracts visitors from all over the world, which has led to the introduction of an admission fee. This fee, or entrance ticket, can be purchased online in advance.
During my visit to the Castle of Lisbon, I walked through the gardens inside the castle. Suddenly, a magnificent peacock appeared before me in all its splendor. Its plumage shone in vibrant colors, from deep blue to shimmering green. I was super excited, thinking it was the only animal, and immediately took a few photos.
Peacocks are not only known for their beauty but also have symbolic meanings. In many cultures, they are associated with pride, beauty, and grandeur. The peacock is a symbol of wisdom, kindness, and spiritual enlightenment. I later had a spiritual enlightenment myself when I realized that hundreds of these species of birds were freely moving around and living in the castle. So, my excitement was in vain…
Photography Tip: Bokeh Effect
The secret to achieving beautiful bokeh lies in selecting a lens with a wide aperture of at least f/2.8. Unfortunately, most entry-level cameras come with a kit lens that only offers a maximum aperture of around f/4.5 or f/3.5.
While it may be just two f-stops away from the ideal aperture, it falls short in providing the essential background blur required for captivating bokeh.