Selarón Steps and Santa Teresa Photoshoot in Rio

The Selarón Steps are 215 steps covered in tiles from many countries, created over decades by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. They sit between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods and are one of the most photographed places in Rio.

The area around the staircase is as good as the steps themselves. Painted walls, doors in green and yellow, a wall of colorful ribbons and a mosaic with the Brazilian flag give you many different backgrounds within a few minutes of walking.

Why shoot in Santa Teresa and Selarón

  • Very colorful backgrounds that need little styling.
  • Many different settings within walking distance.
  • A different side of Rio, away from the beach.

Best time of day

Go early in the morning, when there are fewer people on the steps. Late afternoon can also work, but the stairs are usually crowded.

What to wear

The background is busy, so a simple outfit in one or two colors keeps the focus on you. White, denim, yellow and green all look good. Wear comfortable shoes because there are steps and cobblestones.

Photos from Santa Teresa and Selarón

Woman in a green and yellow feather Carnival costume next to the yellow tram in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a green and yellow feather Carnival costume next to the yellow tram in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Close portrait of a Carnival costume with feathers and beaded headdress in front of a colorful mural in Santa Teresa
Woman in a Carnival costume walking on the street in Santa Teresa in front of a green wall and a mural with the tram and Sugarloaf Details of the feathers and beadwork of a green and yellow Carnival costume in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a long peach crochet dress sitting on the colorful tiled Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a long peach crochet dress sitting on the colorful tiled Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a peach crochet dress in front of the red tile wall and the yellow mural at the Selarón Steps Woman in a peach dress leaning on a red tile wall in the lane beside the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa
Woman in a peach crochet dress in front of the wall of colorful ribbons near the Selarón Steps Woman in a blue dress sitting on the colorful tiled Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a blue dress sitting on the colorful tiled Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a sequin top in front of the red tile wall at the Selarón Steps, and a green coconut on a graffiti street corner Woman in a sequin top in front of the red tile wall at the Selarón Steps, and a green coconut on a graffiti street corner Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a yellow Brazil outfit at the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a white blouse and jeans at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow ruffled outfit on the colorful Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow ruffled outfit on the colorful Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro
Woman in a yellow ruffled outfit on the colorful Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro Woman in a yellow ruffled outfit at the red tile walls and ribbons of the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa Woman in a yellow ruffled outfit at the red tile walls and ribbons of the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa

Sessions at this location

Questions about Santa Teresa and Selarón

Is the Selarón staircase crowded?

It is a popular stop, especially later in the day. An early start gives us more space and cleaner photos.

Can we combine Selarón with a beach?

Yes. A session that starts in Santa Teresa and ends at Praia Vermelha gives you a very different set of photos in one day.

Book your photoshoot in Santa Teresa and Selarón

Send me your dates, the area where you are staying and the pack you like. I reply with availability.

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