In My Hood: Out and About in Cedofeita, Porto

“For me, it’s easier to see the world in black and white,” says photographer João Cabral. “It makes my images more precise – I transform reality and leave my own mark on it.” Cabral finds the subjects for his ​photography while roaming around with his camera through Porto – the city where he was born, raised, and still lives today. He’s primarily interested in people, but also in ​street art and ​architecture. “I use long focal lengths and try to combine different elements within one frame,” he explains. “Most of the time I improvise – and try to tell the city’s stories.”

As a local, Cabral prefers to stay away from the main tourist hotspots. Instead, he spends time in places like Cedofeita, a neighborhood known for its ​artists and creative scene – which he guides us through in the video.

For a photographer, one thing is essential: the right light. And in that respect, Cabral is lucky. “Because of Porto’s proximity to the Atlantic, the humidity here is quite high,” he says. “That creates a particularly soft light – in summer, it’s almost magical.”

Every now and then, Cabral thinks about moving away, about living somewhere other than his hometown for a while. But something keeps him here. “Of course, I see Porto differently to people who come from elsewhere, because I associate many places with memories,” he says. “Some I pass by every day, others I don’t see for years – and when I return, I remember things that happened there ten years ago. So I have a lot of memories tied to this city. And I really like that.”

João Cabral works as a photographer in Porto, where he was born and still lives today. During his painting studies, he became increasingly interested in photography and later completed a two-year photography program. In Porto, Cabral offers photography workshops; prints of his work are available through his website.

1. Discover art at the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis: just a short walk from Cedofeita, this is Portugal’s oldest public art museum, named after the sculptor António Soares dos Reis. Alongside an extensive painting collection featuring many works from the 19th and 20th centuries, you’ll also find sculptures – including pieces by the museum’s namesake.
2. Take photos in Jardim da Cordoaria: this idyllic park, better known as Jardim da Cordoaria, is an ideal spot for anyone looking to get creative with a camera. With its old trees, winding paths, modern sculptures, and passing pedestrians, new compositions are always emerging. The late afternoon offers particularly beautiful, soft light for photography.
3. Feel the creative energy on Rua Miguel Bombarda: Rua Miguel Bombarda is considered the heart of Porto’s contemporary art scene. Galleries, concept stores, and small studios line the street, regularly hosting new exhibitions and events. Art lovers will find a constant source of inspiration here – and exactly the kind of urban life that Cabral captures in his images.