Rome photography guide: Best photo spots, tips, and what to capture
Discover the best photography spots in Rome with practical tips, gear suggestions, and creative inspiration from a travel photographer who captured the city’s essence.
Saint Peter’s Square on a rainy day – wide shot with leading lines
This Rome photography guide will help you discover the best photo spots and capture the city through a travel photographer’s lens. I want to help you identify the best locations in Rome to see and photograph, as well as some tips to get the most out of your time in this historic city.
Rome is a must-visit for travelers and photographers alike because of its rich history and vibrant nature. In Rome, you will feel like having dived into the history books, jumping from era to era one street at a time. Suddenly, and despite any and all expectations, Rome will find a way to surprise you, despite how many times you've seen the same place or building on the internet. I can assure you it will still feel unique.
Best places to photograph in Rome
The Colosseum is hands down my number one place in Rome. My favorite movie to this day is Gladiator, and walking through the halls that gladiators walked sent chills through my body. There's no bad area to take a photograph here. Outside, inside, details, wide-angle, and zoomed in. All of it is going to work. Just let your emotions pull you to what interests you the most and let the shutter do the rest. I recommend focusing on the visitors and their reactions to the Colosseum. These make for great candid photos.
Colosseum visitor – candid moment inside ancient Romes
The Vatican. Spiritually and materially rich. Here you will find all kinds of artifacts and magnificently decorated rooms to see and photograph. There will be places you just want to admire. Others, you won't want to miss the photo opportunity. Spend some time truly observing (almost meditating or praying) in the center of St. Peter’s Square. There's literally a million angles to photograph. If you happen to be there during the mass, try to bring a long lens so you can get a close-up of the pope since you'll be somewhat removed from him (physically).
Reflection of Saint Peter’s Basilica – symmetry and architecture
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and surrounding areas is also a must. This place is also easily accessible and you will most likely cross it on your way to one of the other historic sites, so it's easy, free, and dare I say magnificent? Your phone will do just fine, but if you have your camera with you, a wide-angle lens of 50mm or under will be your best friend here. I really like this photo I took because it highlights the magnitude of the structure and statues relative to the size of people.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.
Creative Rome photography ideas
For Rome, the most important tip I can give you is the focus on the landmarks. This is, after all, one of the most important reasons why travelers from all over the world come here anyways. However, put your own twist to it.
Outside of Saint Peter's Basilica
If you like nature, try comparing and contrasting any hint of nature against the backdrop of the Colosseum, for example. If you like people watching, notice how every person interacts with their surroundings, especially if it seems like it's their first time there.
But don't worry. There's plenty more to see and do in Rome, so don't be discouraged if landmarks or history aren't your thing.
Practical tips for photographing Rome
Whether you are a tourist, a photographer, or both, this tip is very important. Book in advance! Rome can be hectic in the peak season of April to September, so booking your top attractions and transportation in advance is not only recommended but also necessary. Don't miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences due to poor logistics.
Metro station in Rome – modern architecture and movement
If you have a camera with detachable lenses, you will be best suited with a wide-angle lens. 35mm or 50mm should do the trick. A long lens will not only be overkill but it will also drag you down as you make your way through the city.
Needless to say but I'll say it anyways. Safety is paramount. Don't be flashy and always stay attentive to your personal belongings.
Oh, and for my photographers out there, bring extra camera batteries, high-speed SD cards, and a lightweight backup lens. Insurance is the name of the game. That also means that if you are primarily photographing with your phone, it should be fully charged for the day and you should have plenty of space for photos and videos. Trust me, you will want to photograph everything.
Final thoughts: Seeing Rome differently
I left Rome a new person and I think you will too. I learned that even the most touristic spots can be tailored to fit any photography style if one takes the time to make it work. Yes, it's busy and touristy, but it doesn't have to feel that way. Slow down and take it all in.
Capturing Rome's streets, its history, and its people was very fulfilling. As a traveler and photographer, I highly recommend including Rome in your list of places to visit.
If you are interested in seeing more of Rome and other gems from Italy, check out these postcards and sign up to the newsletter at the bottom of this page to download a free mini travel photography guide and for more photography guides, tips, and photo stories from around the world.
Have you traveled to Rome? Let me know in the comments if there is anything I left out that others would find useful.
Bye for now!
JG
