I have five full days to take in as much of Rome as possible. Photography is a particular emphasis for me. Suggestions for photography sites, photography guides? Other general suggestions beyond Rick Steves' guidebook? Thanks.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Bob,
There are so many incredible historical sites and photo op's in Rome, it's hard to know where to begin. I'm sure you'll want to get some shots of the "usual places" such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's, etc.
I found it useful to get photos either early in the morning or later in the afternoon as the lighting is better. Night shots are always good but having a Tripod really helps with those (so far I've avoided packing along a Tripod, as they're not allowed inside most Museums, Galleries, etc.).
I normally pack an external Flash, although they're also not allowed in many sites. They're good for "fill" under certain conditions.
You'll get a good view of Rome from the top of St. Peter's, although it's a bit of a climb to get up there (especially with a lot of equipment). I also like to get "street scene" photos of people engaged in their daily activities.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Newark, DE, USA
74 posts
Bob, one of my favorite spots for photography is beyond the Piazza Campidoglio (behind the Vittorio Emanuele monument at Piazza Venezia). If you walk through the Piazza and down the little alley on the southeast end (via del campidoglio) you end up in a pretty much empty little spot that overlooks the Roman Forum, and you can see all the ruins and the Colosseum. Great shots in the early morning with the sunrise, and great shots in the evening with the sun setting behind you...
I will actually be in Rome from the 23rd through the 27th! Happy and safe travels!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
As I recall, there's also a good vantage point of the Forum from the Capotolini Museum and also Palatine Hill.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Having traveled to Rome and being a professional phtotographer I can tell you there are photo opportunities at every turn. As far as tips, definitely try to go very early in the morning, be up at dawn. Sunset is good, however you will have millions of other people in your images, if you are truly interested in good images get up early. A good camera with a zoom lens is a must. Also, take the 'hop on hop off' bus as you can get an interested vantage point from the top of the bus. You can also decide where you want to go back to. A few other tips... take lots of closeups of details...architectual details, menus, wine bottles, store displays, and of course the people of Rome. You can buys postcards of the 'typical views' of many of the tourist sights, so make it your own trip. Don't forget to take pictures of your wonderful food... it can almost bring back the smell and taste!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
671 posts
I am not a professional, just a decent amateur or hobbyist, but I second getting the details- my favorite pics are the signs above, details on doors, close-ups of windows and window displays, and the FOOD! The side benefit of the food pictures is you can really use that to torture your friends when you get back.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Bob,
You can take pictures every where because everything in Rome looks amazing.
However, I took pictures of majority of the Plazzas. They all have a statutue or a monument in the middle.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Many museums don't allow photos with a flash or a tripod. For that reason, it's best to buy postcards of paintings you like, or bring a higher end camera such as a digital SLR that will give reasonable resolution in low light conditions. And use the automatic shutter feature or focus on holding the camera very still as you press the shutter.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
The view from the bathrooms on the upper floor of the Capitoline museum is pretty incredible. If it is views that you are looking for, try the Gianicolo hill and also the Aventine hill.
Posted by
Sonora, CA, USA
100 posts
I took 1,037 pictures on our trip! I'm just your average pic taker, but they are my biggest souvenirs! I end up enlarging and printing/framing them all over the house! I took alot of the food we ate - right in the restaurants, no one minds, especially since they know you're a tourist. I wish I'd take MORE of our meals! More of the market stalls! Yes, the everyday "people" shots, everybody loves seeing the gelato displays as well. I took quite of bit of the artistic window displays - just lovely. Many of the museums/churches don't let you take shots - which I respect - and the postcards and books have better quality than I could do anyway. Yes, somebody mentioned architechural details, etc. - every shot that yells "culture." Also, from the top of the Victor Emanuelle monument is some incredible, vast, sweeping panoramas. (not the pricey elevator, but up the stairs, along the side.)