By Dominic Siano, Huffington Post
No matter if you are snapping with a smartphone or the most complex DSLR, Italy is probably one of the most picturesque and photogenic countries in the world. You can take snapshots of cobblestoned streets, sparkling seas, church domes and medieval towers. The photography possibilities are literally endless in Italy, and believe us when we say that a week is far from enough to capture scenic sights.
The key to getting the best photos while you’re in this historic, culturally rich and naturally beautiful nation is prioritization. Knowing just where to go will eliminate wasted time and energy from guesswork. With that, here’s our list of the 15 best Italy locales from a photography perspective. See if you agree with them:
Rome
With its soft, golden light and its curvaceous baroque architecture, the Eternal City makes shooting photos a dreamlike affair. Rome is the ideal starting point if you’re touring Italy with pictures in mind. We suggest visiting three main spots for some serious photo ops and lots of fun in the process.
1. The Coliseum – The massive Coliseum is difficult to capture in its entirety when you’re up close. Head to the nearby Colle Oppio park which puts you about mid-level and provides a great vantage point on this iconic site for ancient Roman sports and entertainment.
Roman Colosseum
2. Aventine Hill – Head towards the once-Patrician Aventine hill in the early evening to the Giardini d’arancia for the best sunset picture opportunity in Rome. Also known as the Parco Savelli, this spot has a view over treetops and terracotta roofs out towards the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
3. The Trastevere neighborhood– In the mood for great morning views? This enchanting Roman neighborhood is just the place for you. Wake up early for some fresh air to go with a calm and quiet environment. Snap away at ochre and ivy-covered buildings and visit amazing courtyards that combine world-class gardening with classy architecture.
Venice
If you’re in search for a place that’s unique, magical and mysterious, Venice is just the Italian city for you. As you probably know, Venice is built on water and lovely gondolas is the way to get around. Hop aboard one of these small boats and you’ll immediately discover why this city has the reputation of a place that’s just begging to be photographed. During fall and winter, she is shrouded with soft mist. In the spring, Venetians enjoy clear blue skies with the greenery in full bloom. On the other hand, summer brings spectacular contrasts to Venice’s horizons along with warm weather that’s conducive for roaming around. Each season offers a different charm and the choice of which one sounds most appealing is entirely yours.
4. Accademia Bridge – Climb up the bridge and stand right at the middle for a scenic view of the Grand Canal. Look down to get a snapshot of the vaporetti ferrying commuters.Lastly, look up for a view towards the church of Santa Maria della Salute. If you have a zoom function on your camera, that will come in handy for this part of Venice.
5. The sestiere of Castello– one of Venice’s quieter parts of town. Walk the wide via Garbaldi and find the market boat piled high with fruits and vegetables. The street is lined with typical cafes and storefronts. Duck under low-covered passages known as sottoportego for hidden alleys strewn with laundry.
6. Burano– this is a fishing village that’s a short water bus ride away from Saint Mark’s Square. You’ll immediately notice that what makes Burano special is the fact that its houses are all brightly colored with a rainbow-themed palette. Historically, this was done to make the area visible from far out in the sea. Colors also made good distinctions between individual property lines. Later on, Burano’s color made it a great attraction for tourists who are looking to photograph a fishing village with a twist.
Naples and the Amalfi Coast
The spectacular scenery along the Amalfi coast will take your breath away. Amalfi boasts of a dramatic coastline with colorful houses spilling down the cliffs. The water is equally amazing as it turns from steel gray to teal, then to turquoise and finally to cobalt blue in the span of a day. In Naples, you have the opportunity to shoot lively street life and a seaside castle all overseen by a pensive volcano. If you fancy a place where nature and people converge in a beautiful way, this is exactly the part of Italy for you.
7. Castel dell’Ovo– This Naples landmark sits in a pleasing marina that’s filled with sophisticated sailboats and rustic fisherman crafts. The best part? The infamous but dormant Mt. Vesuvius sits in the backdrop, producing some of the most photogenic sights imaginable…
Read the full article by Dominic Siano, Huffington Post.
