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.
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.
