A Secret Proposal at Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes
When Henler contacted me from Miami to plan a surprise proposal for Eli, he knew exactly what he wanted: the iconic Santa Maddalena church with the dramatic Dolomite peaks rising behind it. Val di Funes delivered everything we could have dreamed of—snow-dusted mountains, that picture-perfect alpine church, and a quiet winter afternoon that felt like it was made just for them. As a photographer who specializes in capturing authentic moments, I stayed discreet in the background while Henler got down on one knee, preserving Eli's genuine surprise and joy against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the European Alps.
This Miami couple's proposal is a beautiful reminder of why the Dolomites are the perfect destination for life's most romantic moments. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal, celebrating your engagement, or simply want to capture your love story in an unforgettable setting, the Italian Alps offer organic beauty that needs no staging—just two people in love and mountains that have witnessed countless perfect moments. Scroll through their gallery below to see the magic unfold.
Rediscovering a place
We know that doing the same things over and over again is creating a routine. For work this often helps us. We save time and effort. For creative work, however, leaning on the guaranteed outcome of a routine can be quite dangerous. It may work for a while, but we know that our clients trust their moments to someone who - besides good photos - will guide them through some paths a little different from common sense, always looking for a beautiful, pleasant result that reflects the feelings involved in that occasion.
As we work in many cities, I often don't know anything about the place where I'm travelling to photograph. I end up studying and researching as much as possible about the city and its points of interest.
But when it comes to a big city in Italy, like Milan, Venice, Rome or Florence, we tend to think we already know almost everything. To do a 30 minute, 1 or 2 hour photo session it helps a lot, but we can't always have the same photos and the same poses in the portfolio. We need to create something different in those same places and whenever possible get to know new ones.
I've been researching more about Venice, a city that is so requested for photos. And I've realized that there's still a lot to see. And even though most of the clients will ask for photos in front of the Basilica of San Marco, besides the different angles that we can create there, it's always nice to include in the photo shoot a different place from the path through which everyone passes and come back with photos in the suitcase much more dynamic and creative.
In August we already have some photo shootings scheduled for Venice, and I can't wait to explore new perspectives in this enchanting city.
Venice for fun!
It's no secret that Venice has carried a magical atmosphere for centuries. The scenic is part of Venetian culture, with Carnival, the masks and the most famous Film Festival in Italy.
It was in this fun atmosphere that I met Sherry. She came from Phoenix, USA, where she lives, to get to know Italy and wanted to record this moment with a photo shoot in Venice.
She was travelling alone. It is always an honor to collaborate with someone to portray their image in a city far from their home country.
It rained a little that day, but we did a beautiful and fun photo shoot.
Yesterday the New York-Venice route was resumed with Delta Airlines. We hope it will be the return of those dear American travellers.
How about to photograph at 7am?
Engagement session in Florence, Tuscany at 7am
Today I came here just to remember a very nice couple that I photographed in Florence. I've met so many travellers from Asia who come to spend their holidays in Italy and ask for a photo shooting. And with the pandemic and travel restrictions I end up missing so much these dear ones who shared great experiences with me.
When Roberta spoke to me she asked that we do the photos early in the morning to avoid the large number of tourists near the Duomo di Firenze. I love shooting at this time of the day because the light is fantastic. If one day you have the opportunity, wherever you are, don't miss it!
And if you come to Italy, I will be happy to photograph at 7am in Florence, Rome, Venice or any other destination you choose.
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Solo Portraits - besides the selfies
When I started photographing people travelling in Italy I immediately imagined couples on their honeymoon. And when I was looking for inspiration on Instagram profiles and travel blogs about the cities I would work in, most of the photos were actually of couples.
But as requests for photo shoots came in, so did families, small and large groups and yes, people travelling alone!
At first it seemed a bit strange, but soon I got used to the idea and looked for more inspiration on how to photograph people alone.
I can say that the most interesting travel stories that clients have shared with me have been exactly in this type of session.
Emma was one of those nice clients who chose Florence to illustrate her solo trip through Italy.
Milan is fashion
A fashion photo shoot for an NYC blogger on Instagram
Among the largest and best-known cities in Italy, each has its own peculiarities. If Rome, Florence and Venice preserve an atmosphere that harks back centuries of history, Milan has a touch of modernity. The business centre is also one of the world's leading cities for fashion.
Near the Cathedral of Milan is the Fashion Quad, a set of streets that concentrate the most famous brands in Italy and the world.
On a cloudy day I met the New Yorker Jenn Notaro, for a photo session whose photos would illustrate the launch of her fashion blog on Instagram.
Honeymoon photo shoot in Venice
Honeymoon 1 hour shooting in Venice
With a consistent reduction in cases of covid-19 across the country, Italy is once again re-establishing tourism by allowing travellers from some countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. The most popular destinations remain Venice, Florence and Rome, with the Veneto Capital seemingly the favourite for honeymooners.
Alyssa and Lucian came from California to spend their honeymoon in Venice, and we had the pleasure to photograph them. They chose the 1 hour photo package, which is enough to cover most of the major sights of this beautiful city. When we schedule the photo shooting I try to identify with the clients the kind of photos they are looking for, if they are more fun or romantic, posed or spontaneous, and so the travel photographer in Venice can define the best route and times to suggest and make the experience as pleasant as possible without giving up a beautiful photo gallery to remember the dream trip.
Surprise Proposal shootings are back!
Surprise photographer for proposal in Italy
We are getting requests for surprise proposal photos again. This kind of photo is always a challenge because it is, in fact, a surprise and we need to be close without giving the impression that we are photographers. To be present in front of these kind reactions is a great gift for our work.
I can't remember exactly when was the first time I photographed a surprise marriage proposal. But I remember that as soon as I received the request, I loved the idea and days before the photos I was already anxious. I was a Secret Photographer for Proposal.
It was an idea that came naturally, to suggest being close to the scene as a tourist (and not as a photographer). Thus, the couple would position themselves in the place that I had previously indicated and the groom would ask me to take a picture of them with his phone.
I would readily accept and ask them to take a photo looking at each other. That was the "key" for the groom to get down on one knee and propose.
Over the years there have been more challenging situations than others, but the result is always surprising, and fortunately until today all requests have been accepted! :0)
If you are thinking of making a surprise proposal in any city in Italy or Europe in general we are at your disposal to discuss the details and choose the best scenarios with you and keep the occasion a surprise until the moment of unveiling.
Rome by Night
Sometimes we have the nice opportunity to photograph Rome at night
Rome is one of my favorite cities for night photography. Most of the monuments are lit up. And if during the day we are astonished by so much information or looking for the directions on GPS, in the evening some landscapes change and leave these monuments, or part of them in evidence. The Trevi Fountain, one of my favorite spots, is a must-see at night.
Some narrowest streets in Trastevere or around the Pantheon, increase their charm with the restaurant lights. There are many of them that only open for dinner, and with the tables outside, some streets are completely transformed. Of course, the flavors of the pasta and pizza dishes contributes a lot to this very inviting atmosphere.
I don't live in the city. So, when I have a photo shoot in Rome scheduled in the morning, I usually go the day before and take the opportunity to go out for dinner to take some pictures.
Caroline hen party
Caroline and friends, a hen party in Rome
12 Parisian friends in Rome to celebrate Caroline's hen party. A Rome different from the main touristic itineraries, walking through the streets of the Trastevere district and Jewish Ghetto.
Best places to photograph in Florence
My selection of places to photograph in Florence in Vacation Portraits, Surprise Proposal and Honeymonn sessions
When we think of a destination in Italy, Florence can not be left out. The capital of Tuscany could be simply recognized for its cultural richness associated with the Renaissance. But it is much more than that. Most attractions are nearby and the city is flat, being possible to do everything on foot. A little out of this rule is the Piazzale Michelangelo, a must see to appreciate the city from above. Even so, with a bit of disposition it is possible to walk up the hill leading there, or use some public means or taxi. The other points are all at the Arno River level.
I do not like to think about fixed routes. I prefer to have the points that I must see and follow a more dynamic, free path, according to the flow that the movement of the city offers.
What I usually do in the Photo Sessions and Surprise Pproposals is to ask if customers prefer the monuments closest to the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio or start from the top, and go to river, always with views that have the Ponte Vecchio as background.
Thinking in terms of Tourist Photography we will not delve into the significance of each monument. Each person has different criteria to define what is most important and can not miss in his collection of images in each city. Michelangelo's David, at the Galleria dell'Accademia, is one of my favorite monuments in Florence. But it is not an issue addressed as it is an enclosed museum. Although it is possible to photograph inside, I can not imagine how to compose portraits with clients.
This is a selection of mine, probably very similar to many others offered by route suggestions in Florence, but which I assembled from photographic work with clients and walks around the city at different times and seasons of the year. Let's go to them!
Duomo, Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore
An american couple at the Florence Duomo
Due the great proportions of the Cathedral, we can create innumerable positions next to it. The three colors of marble, the large entrance door, the dome of Bruneleschi allow us to produce a wide range of images. For those who make a point of capturing the piazza del Duomo without tourists it is necessary to arrive very early, like 6am in the morning.
Santa Croce Basilica
Silvia and Eduardo, from Brazil, at Santa Croce square
Besides being a beautiful church, it is an excellent option for those who want to avoid large crowds and get angles more remote with the whole church in the background, because there is a large piazza in front of. It is worth to follow the events of the city because the space is used for local fairs and is the stage for the famous and contested "Calcio Storico Fiorentino".
San Miniato al Monte
It is also a beautiful marble façade. Getting there can be a bit tiring for walkers. You need to climb the hill that leads to Piazzale Michelangelo, walk a little further to the right and still climb the entire staircase of the basilica. All the effort is rewarded by the view, more "clean" and higher than the one we have at Piazzale. It is the preferred point of the clients for the Surprise Proposal sessions.
The view from San Miniato al Monte
Ponte Vecchio
One of the classic postcards of Florence, can be pictured with walks along the bridge, capturing a small piece of Bruneleschi dome in the background, and is also great for photos with the river. Leaving a little of the bridge and walking the side streets we can explore angles with the bridge in the background, one of my favorite photos.
Sunset at Ponte Vecchio
Ponte alle Grazie
Outside of the traditional tourist circuits, it allows views of the river and centralizing the Ponte Vecchio in the background. If you're lucky, depending on the cloud formations, it's great to insert more "sky" into the photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Ponte alle Grazie view
Santa Trinita Bridge
Worth the same mention in Ponte alle Grazie, but on the opposite side of the Ponte Vecchio.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The most traditional point to see the city from above is also the most crowded. If you just want to have a top view and do not care about the crowd this is a great option. And since it's not all photography, after a few clicks, if you have time to contemplate the sunset, it's really fantastic!
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza della Signoria
Maybe it's the best "open air museum" that you will have the opportunity to visit. The large statues are an invitation to mount portraits of the most varied points of view. As it is one of the most touristic places in the city, here creativity must speak louder. One tip I would give is to photograph in half body, from the bottom up.
Piazza della Signoria
Galleria degli Uffizi
The central space, a kind of "patio" formed by the design of the building in "U", is great for those who like to photograph architecture and geometric shapes. Columns and exterior corridors also offer good possibilities.
Florence is much more. These are some points that easily come to mind when customers ask for suggestions. But what makes a collection of photos really special is to "live" a little the Fiorentine atmosphere. Stop to enjoy a spritz, a glass of Chianti or a delicious homemade gelato. Many façades of small shops are true movie sets. Allow yourself to walk quietly and you will certainly be rewarded with the best memories of the Tuscan capital.