Photography in Italy

Where we photograph - click on a region

Our landscapes in Italy are familiar from the background of so many paintings – our task is to decide whether to evoke this timelessness or reframe the views in a contemporary light.

In Tuscany we stay in the charming walled village of San Quirico d'Orcia, in the province of Siena. This is quintessential Tuscany, with its honeyed stone architecture; and the view from our hotel is the softly undulating Belvedere, the foothills of the Apuan Alps.

It's a short journey away to other photographically rich locations: the stunning architecture of Sant Antimo abbey, where monks still chant. All around are hilltop towns tumbling down the wooded hillside. There is inspiration at every turn in Montalcino with its churches and medieval buildings, and Montepulciano, with its grandly castellated palazzos, bell towers, domed rooftops and vaulted stone archways across the streets.

Venice is a dream location for photographers and artists – sunlight on the open sea at the Lagoon, moonlight reflected on the atmospheric canals, footbridges with a lonely gondola passing silently underneath, the grandeur Piazza San Marco with its formidable landmarks of St Mark's Cathedral and the Doge's Palace, the eery sadness of the Bridge of Sighs beside the dungeons, and the upbeat mood at Rialto bridge. We also visit the island of Burano with its pastel painted buildings, and glass blowing workshops. You will come away inspired by memories captured on film or in a sketchbook.

Our photography holidays in Abruzzo take us to the high mountains of the Appenines. This is Italy's primary National Park, and home to the brown bear, lynx, chamois and wolf.

We will not only walk and photograph amidst this grand wilderness, but also within the intimate streets of the many medieval villages that abound.

Our hotel is set beside a lake so there is no shortage of reflections and hotel manager, an ex singer, is usually ready for the odd and slightly raucous, late evening!