At the Largo di Torre Argentina cat sanctuary in Rome,…
How To Get the Best Photos in Rome, Italy
Rome is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic cities in the world.
But frankly, it’s not that easy to get the best photos in Rome.
Why?
Crowds are probably the biggest challenge. The most famous sights, like the Trevi fountain for example, are inundated with tourists. And, if you have a short amount of time, those sights aren’t all within an easy walking distance from one another.
Then there are some other distractions: pizza, pasta and gelato, to name a few. There are a lot of things to do in Rome.
So, what’s the answer?
A Rome photo tour
Piazza della Repubblica
Fortunately, it’s a small world and an online friend recommended Rome Photo Fun Tours as the best photography tour in Rome. It’s run by Guilio D’Ercole, a true local and a professional photographer in Rome. His photos from Rome and his travels have been exhibited and published around the world.
Most importantly, Giulio knows the best photo spots in Rome. Sure, the most iconic sites in Rome are well-known. But it saves a ton of time and produces better results if you have advice on the best vantage points and the time of day both for the best lighting and to deal with the crowds. He’ll also show you some of the lesser-known photo opportunities in the city. Giulio says his goal is to “share what I know about the eternal city and how to capture its timeless beauty through the camera lens.”
Giulio offers a wide range of photography workshops and tours so that you can focus on certain times of the day (eg. night-time, sunrise) or specific locations or neighbourhoods. Naturally, I wanted a little of everything, so Giulio put together a tailor-made tour for me.
What’s in my camera bag? I use a Nikon D5300 DSLR with an 18 – 140 mm lens
Rome night photography
Piazza del Campidoglio
Imagine a visit to the Trevi fountain in Rome when there’s no one else there! It was so quiet, I could have scooped out a few coins, but I was more interested in taking photos than dashing the hopes of many to return to Rome.
I met Guilio at 4 a.m. so that we could fit in a few shots of classical Rome by night. As we went along, he gave me plenty of photography tips to improve my night photos. At the Piazza della Repubblica, Giulio showed me how to go beyond the standard white balance settings (cloudy, shade etc.) to make manual adjustments to produce, in this case, a warmer looking photo.
From there, he drove me to a spot near the Trevi Fountain at about 5 a.m. Later, at the blue hour, we climbed the steps to the Piazza del Campidoglio. This is surely one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, designed in the sixteenth century by Michelangelo on the Capitoline Hill.
Bliss tip! Looking for an affordable hotel in Rome? I stayed at Hotel Canada, a 3-star hotel in an elegantly restored building near the Termini Station. A Best Western Premier Collection Hotel, it was very comfortable and clean, with friendly service and an old world charm.
Morning photography in Rome
The sunrise dawned that day without much fanfare. But its lack of dramatic flair was redeemed by a puddle reflection of St. Peter’s Basilica.
At last, the morning golden hour arrived as we crossed the Tiber River and Giulio knew just the right spots to capture the morning glow on the Eternal City and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Travel photography in Rome
No photography trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Pantheon. After daybreak, Giulio parked the car and we began a walking tour of the ancient centre of Rome. The Roman Pantheon, built between A.D. 118 and 125, is considered to be the most preserved building of ancient Rome. Giulio noted that it’s not very busy first thing in the morning, but when I passed by later in the afternoon, the lineup to get in ran the full length of the square.
The oval-shaped Piazza Navona was originally built in the first century as a stadium for games and events. It was paved over in the 15th century when Bernini designed the now-famous statue, the Fountain of Four Rivers. Giulio explained that each figure on the statue represents rivers from different continents, the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata. In this photo, you see the Nile’s head is draped with a loose piece of cloth because, at the time, the source of the Nile was a mystery.
A church photoshoot in Rome
Giulio offers a tour dedicated to “churches, angels and art”, a topic on which he has extensive knowledge. As the tour wound down, we popped in to the baroque Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius. It was an oasis of calm compared to many of Rome’s so-called “must-see” sites.
The fresco paintings on the ceiling depict Saint Ignatius entering paradise. But it also creates an optical illusion. As Giulio explained, the painting uses a forced perspective to expand the building skyward, and to the right, the artist, Andrea Pozzo, painted a life-sized fake dome. It seems fake news isn’t new at all.
Rome street photography
“Capturing life as it unfolds” is one of Giulio’s favourite types of photography. As he says, seeing the world around you is the most important element of photography. Throughout the tour, Giulio was pointing out unique moments to capture. His suggestions, and his street photography workshops are intended to help you “capture the real soul of Rome and its people”. (Or horses…).
After the Rome photography tour
At the end of the tour, I came away with a memory card full of photos and many more suggestions for the rest of my visit to Rome. Thanks to Rome Photo Fun Tours, I learned a great deal about photography, and even more insights about the fascinating city of Rome.
More Information:
Tour details: Rome Photo Fun Tours
Where to stay in Rome: Check prices and availability at Hotel Canada in Rome or click here to review all hotels in Rome.
Tourism Information: Turismo Roma, Discover Italy, plus see Essential Travel Tips for Rome before planning your trip.
My photography gear: I use a Nikon D5300 DSLR with an 18 – 140 mm lens
Suggested Reading: Rick Steves Rome 2018
Rome Photo Fun Tours provided a media discount to Travel Bliss Now, but my opinions are always my own.
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Love the dolled-up horse with forehead doily. I’m going to try that!
It’s a good look. It looks great on the horse and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I predict it will catch on. Thanks Leah!
I have never thought about taking a photo tour of Rome! How far in advance did you need book this? I feel it would be worth every single penny. Your photos are the proof! Breathtaking!
Thanks so much Stephanie! I visited in low season so it didn’t take much notice at all. It’s probably best to book at least a couple of weeks in advance to get the time you want during busier times, however.
That is such a great idea. I want to take a photography tour next time. But it must be very expensive because you have an expert with you for several hours.
It’s a great way to see the city, and reasonable considering that it is a private tour and a photography lesson all in one.
We love photography but haven’t been on a photography tour just yet, but we have considered it and after looking at these photo I see what we really should. I love that not only do you end up with great photos but you get to experience the city in a new way and also learn more about photography too, that seems well worth paying for.
Thanks Nic. It’s a great way to improve your photography, and, as you say, also to learn about the city from a local. Giulio was very knowledgeable about the local history, architecture, art and even had some restaurant tips.
Your photos are absolutely amazing ( and I love the post on Lisbon too). Grrr.. getting up early almost always is a sure bet for great shots! I love the concept of the photography tour. I did a meet up with a photographer in Paris ( his social media followers were invited) and I learned a lot. Keep on shooting!
Thanks so much Alison! The tours have really helped my photography and it’s a great way to see a city. Plus, booking a tour makes sure that I get up for those morning shots (not a morning person!).
I’ve never been to Rome before but you made me fall in love with it! Especially the pictures in the morning with the reflection in the water are amazing!
Thanks Lola. The tour made me fall in love with Rome too!
This photo tour sounds like such a blessing for photographers that want to get some great tips and photos of Rome without tons and tons of people. By the photos you took, I can tell it was worth every cent. Thanks for sharing this with me as it would be something I’d be interested in doing when the time comes and I find myself in Rome.
Thanks Lara. It is definitely a wonderful way for photographers to enjoy Rome.
Wow, these photos are incredible! I think I’d be willing to wake up at 4am too to get these. I’ve only been to Rome once and would love to get back to soak in the culture vs visit all the touristy places. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks so much Angela! It was my first time to Rome too, so we did a mix of the tourist sights and the local culture on the tour. But like you, I’d love to go back and just soak it in.
OMG, I am so stinking jealous! Those morning photos are exquisite! My Rome pictures just suck for all the reasons you mentioned, especially Trevi Fountain. This photo tour is a must!!
Thanks so much Melody! It is definitely a great way to get photos that don’t suck.
Having been to Rome twice, I completely agree about how photogenic it is! We had the experience of both fall and summer and the difference in crowds was incredible. But love the idea of this photo tour with a local who knows the best of “when and where”. Beautiful captures and I would totally do this if we visit again.
Thank you Amy! It was my first visit to Rome, but the photo tour can also be customized for return visitors to do the less touristy stuff.
Oh my God, the crowds in Rome! We visited in July (not a very clever idea, but there was a concert we longed to hear) and the crowds were at their peak I think. It was probably the worst around Fontana di Trevi, I can’t believe you got to see it without the crowds (we went both in the morning and in the evening, but to no avail). Your photo of that elegant gentleman sitting on the terrace of a restaurant made me realize just how much I miss Italy!
Thanks so much Anja. I was happy that Giulio at Rome Photo Fun Tours spotted that elegant man at the restaurant. I thought it really captured the essence of Rome.
Stunning photos! I have to admit, a few of them made me laugh… at myself! especially the first one. I have a “photo” of the Piazza della Repubblica that I tried to take in the rain with a cheapo point and shoot about a decade ago that’s just a few streaks and blurs… but I hold onto it for memories sake 😂 Definitely wish I had your camera and your skills back then… guess I’ll just have to go back to Rome! 🙂
Thanks so much Erica! Yes, you’ll just have to go back and take the tour….
This post makes me so want to go back to Rome. Such an incredibly picturesque city. Your photos are beautiful and really capture the essence of the city. Thanks.
Thank you so much James. I hope you get the chance to make a return visit!