Ascensor da Glória

This yellow funicular has been hauling passengers up one of Lisbon's steepest streets since 1885, and its narrow track, worn tiles, and peeling walls make it one of the city's most characterful urban subjects. You can shoot the car head-on as it descends toward you from the top of the hill, using the track and surrounding buildings as natural leading lines that draw the eye straight into the frame. A wider lens in the 24-35mm range works well for capturing the full context of the street, while a longer focal length lets you compress the scene and isolate the tram against the textured facades behind it. Late afternoon light rakes across the hillside beautifully, adding warmth and shadow detail to the weathered surfaces. Position yourself near the bottom of the run on Avenida da Liberdade for the most dramatic angle, and time your shot to catch the funicular mid-descent with a pedestrian or two for scale. (Lisbon, Portugal)