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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.
Editorials
Members
Commissions
Research
Image Licensing
About
Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.
FCS-ID: 020/BC10325—351
LOCATION: ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
DATE: MARCH 2025
FCS-ID: 020/BC10325—351
“You can’t really escape football, even in the more touristy zones. I went to Benfica’s Champions League Playoff match against Monaco and played some casual pickup I found in the middle of a 5-mile run through Lagos.”
In Sagres, a mellow village located in the southwestern-most point of continental Europe and reminiscent of northern California’s coastal towns, a concrete pitch- the go-to spot to play football in the area- stands out like an oasis in this dry and arid corner of the country.
Sleepy and secluded and more known for its surfing than street football, Brian wasn’t initially expecting to come across any football while visiting Sagres. “It felt surreal to see a cool pitch and have people playing on it in the southwestern-most corner of the country. The game was super casual, but the players were very skilled- the perfect melange. There were lots of quick one-twos and laughs.”
Elsewhere, a local stood in the village square reading a sports paper and looking unamused. The previous day Benfica had progressed into the Champions League Round of 16, a game Brian was in the stands for. “Photographing the guy with the newspaper was funny. I thought the overall scene was cool from afar, but when I got closer I noticed the photo of Orkun Kökçü and exchanged an interesting glance with him after I took a couple of frames. Maybe he was a Sporting fan!”
Brian’s work as a photographer has taken him around the world and used to working to strict deadlines and following shot lists, his trip to Portugal offered an opportunity to get away from it all and shoot at his own pace.
“I try to drop myself into more densely populated zones and feel my way toward areas that have some local flavor. I like documenting personal travels on my Nikon F3 and Fuji GA 645.”