If you are organising your prewedding or engagement portraits abroad, discovering the best spots for photography in Florence is tough. Although it’s easy to find out through Google Maps and Trip Advisor the most picturesque places, gardens and tourist attractions, it’s impossible to estimate from abroad lighting conditions and tourist crowds. That’s why, thanks to my experience as a international photographer!
Galleria degli Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most enchanting places in Florence, but also one of the busiest! The arcades with the antique columns, the niches with the sculptures of the most important artists of the Reinassance, the tower and the background of Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo della Signoria are just some of the reasons that make this place perfect for portraits. The lighting is always stunning, but given the high amount of tourists, the best time to take photos is on Monday, when the museum is closed to visitors. You may find there lots of couple having their pre-wedding photos taken!
Ponte Vecchio
Until a few years ago, you could take engagement portraits on Ponte Vecchio with just a few tourists around. Lately, it’s impossible. I recommend going to one of the two nearby bridges. On both Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie you can shoot impressive portraits of the couple with Ponte Vecchio in the background. The most beautiful lighting is at sunrise and sunset.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is the most famous area for photography in Florence. Every photographer in the world would love taking some snaps here. Dozens of couples choose this lovely terrace with a view for a toast and some quick pictures after the wedding ceremony. Please know that it’s the most crowded spot in Florence. Even if the lighting is not great, the best time to take photos is in the morning, as it gets more crowded close to sunset.
Il Giardino delle Rose
The Rose Garden is also very popular. It’s located at the bottom of the Piazzale Michelangelo. You can access it through a stunning wisteria tunnel. Here you can spend some time relaxing on the lawn overlooking Florence. Among flower beds, ancient walls and breathtaking sceneries, you’ll find tons of good places for photography in Florence.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens is the best-known garden in Florence. It is a vast park that might be visited in no less than an hour. There are so many spots for beautiful pictures! If you walk to the top, you will find there a fabulous villa with a view, where you can snap fantastic photos. There are also unbelievable tunnels along the main roads and large fountains. Even if it seems weird, you cannot create professional photo shoots in there. Therefore, if you look “like a pro“, or taking portraits for money, you will be forced to quit.
Here’s a map of the best spots for photography by a professional photographer. Download it to your smartphone and visit each of them in just a day! Or drop a line if you need my help!
And you? What is your favourite place for photographs in Florence? Please, let me know so that I will add it to this list!
