I just returned from Italy after leading a really fun workshop for Strabo Tours. Italy is rich with history, great good, art and terrific photography. I’m still sorting through my images.
The challenge photographing any iconic location is finding a unique angle or subject. And for that to happen you have to just get out and shoot. Be there, not in your hotel room, to find the shots. This nun is a good example. I went out at sunrise to photograph the Duomo in Florence, and found some nice images without tourist crowds. I liked the shot down this alley, interesting convergence of lines and reflections in the windows. But then a nun walked right down the deserted sidewalk headed to the Duomo. This was the perfect balance and story element this image needed to really take it to the next level. I captured the nun for a few frames and she was gone. No set up models, just lucky street photography. So many workshop participants ask me what they can do to create better shots. Often it is simply get out and shoot…no matter where you live, get out and shoot. Shoot in your backyard, your house, on your street…these simple moments of shooting develop style and technique, and maybe you will get lucky with an unscripted moment.
I found this reflection shot the same morning. I methodically explored every alley that was near the Duomo, and found this interesting view. Remember, reflections dramatically change depending on your position. I walked past this store window at first and saw no reflection. But after I pressed my camera against the window, the shot came together. If you were three feet away from the window, there was no reflection.
Anytime you travel, always look for high angles. Rooftop bars, parking garages, bell towers…getting a high perspectives is always going to produce some fresh angles. In this case we were in a hotel, and I was able to lean out a window and photograph diners directly below us. Nothing like Italian food in Italy!