Capturing Ljubljana: Stories from the Streets
A visual journey through everyday moments in the heart of Slovenia’s capital
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, with its narrow streets, a river flowing through the heart of the city, and a blend of modern and old architecture, is the perfect city for street photography. In everyday, seemingly ordinary moments, lies the beauty of life passing in front of the lens – from passersby, delivery workers, to quiet corners along the Ljubljanica. Every frame tells its own story, and the streets become a stage for countless scenes waiting to be captured.
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This is a scene from Prešeren Square, one of the most famous landmarks of Ljubljana, where people pass by daily, heading towards Tromostovje or nearby cafés. Two elderly passersby sit on the edge of the city's model, perhaps resting after a morning walk, observing the passersby hurrying across the square.
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The Ljubljanica River flows calmly through the center of Ljubljana, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding old town buildings. The houses with red roofs, whose architecture exudes history, overlook the river, as if watching the passersby strolling along the banks or sitting on benches, enjoying the sunshine. This part of the city exudes tranquility, while the few walkers and cyclists cross the bridges, and in the distance, modern architecture serves as a reminder of the intertwining of past and present.
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Of all times of the day, I love photographing during the golden hour the most. Here, I came across a woman walking along a façade with her dog during the golden hour, as the sun casts long shadows on the building’s wall. She’s carrying a yellow bag that stands out against the dark silhouette of her figure, creating a contrast in this peaceful urban scene. The small, energetic dog follows her pace, while their reflection on the pavement and the shadow on the wall seem to tell their own story.
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Walking further, I came across three delivery workers with blue Wolt bags, briefly stopping in the shade of a tree next to a gray building façade. This moment, though ordinary, reflects the everyday work rhythm in the city. The delivery workers are talking, perhaps planning their next delivery or simply enjoying a short break in the middle of a busy day. The space around them is empty and quiet, which further emphasizes the calm of this spontaneous pause before returning to the dynamics of city life.
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Two passersby accidentally cross paths on the streets of Ljubljana, each moving at their own pace, completely unaware of one another, and of me photographing them from the hip. The sunlight illuminates their profiles, creating a contrast with the dark shadows of the buildings in the background. The street scene exudes everyday life, with simple and fleeting moments that make up the rhythm of the city. In the distance, other passersby continue on their way, while Ljubljana quietly moves along in its slow but steady pace.
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An elderly woman, wrapped in a heavy coat, stands at a bus stop on a cold winter morning. Her face, lined with age, is turned toward the camera, and her breath forms a visible mist in the frigid air. Surrounded by socialist-era buildings and melting snow along the curb, she appears deep in thought. Buses come and go, and people hurry on their way. Perhaps she's heading into the city, or just on another routine ride, while behind her, the city quietly breathes in the grey day.