Photographing Italy with an Insider’s View
Join Diane Epstein on a private photo excursion in Rome and/or other Italian cities, hilltowns and the countryside. Give yourself the gift of insightful, personal guidance as you receive solid, encouraging suggestions from a seasoned professional photographer. Step out of automatic, beyond your comfort zone, leave behind pre-conceived notions, as you open yourself up to an exhilarating experience and capture some spontaneous, magical moments. Wander around the winding cobblestones and come upon magnificent piazzas, ancient ruins, colorful open markets; meander into hidden alleyways and courtyards, turn another corner and discover Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, or Rococo Churches, reflecting the layers of time. As you practice seeing more creatively, looking around, noticing potential photos in the everyday, you will likely fall more in love with the photographic medium as you develop a greater ability to reveal your own vision, style and spontaneous expression.
By approaching street photography from a new perspective you will not only develop a greater awareness of textures, shadows, silhouettes, depth of field, lines, form, movement, and composition, you will learn to focus on other considerations — thinking less, being present, following the light, finding your spot, waiting patiently, positioning the frame from a different angle, softening your gaze and seeing with another eye, and learning to move and shoot more gracefully. As you do this you will have more opportunity to capture the gestures found when others are interacting, as well as connecting with the characters and people you come into contact with in a manner that creates more compelling, original images. You will come away knowing that photographic opportunities are everywhere, no matter where you live.
The journey is one that is more about exploration and insight and less about “mastering” technique. Still, achieving better exposure and composition will be addressed — keeping in mind your level of proficiency and personal direction, whether you are a novice or a professional photographer. Your aim may be to capture the romance, the juxtaposition between the deterioration and the grandeur, the eclectic neighborhoods, the cobblestone alleyways or secret gardens, the architecture and fountains, or the daily goings on of the local artisans, and with this new awareness you will have a better understanding of how to express what you see and turn it into a work of art.
A Photo Journey with Joshua in Umbria
The goal is to observe the sounds, the aroma, the rhythm, the mood, the emotion so you can bring it all together in your own unique portrait of the city or landscape while meandering through the heart of history. As part of the experience, you will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and sit in a picturesque café or trattoria, discussing your purpose and focus – how you see the world, what you are trying to say, and what you expect it to mean to others. In this way you will be able to empty your mind and make your images draw the viewer deeper into the story you are trying to create and tell.
With Diane Epstein’s background as a creative coach and fine art photographer, along with her experience living and photographing Italy since 1995, she understands the layers of the people and the place. If you would like to go deeper into the process you may choose to spend one day or several with Diane Epstein in Rome, Umbria, Tuscany, or Venice and explore the cities and countryside.
“As a photographic “sense” Diane Epstein was superb. I found her instructional and photographic vision as inspiring as her photography. She has the unique quality to inspire, challenge, and convey critical information to her private clients. Her ability to engage people in the community and involve them in the photography was incredible — impressive and very instructive. I found her artistic insight and knowledge extremely helpful to advance my growth as a photographer, and our time together was invaluable to my photographic journey in Rome. I was extremely satisfied with the training, and it exceeded my expectations. I look forward to working with Diane again in the future, both in Italy and New York.”
– Peter Geller
Photographer
“I’ve taken several photo journeys with Diane as my creative coach in Rome, Umbria, and Sicily and learned so much! Diane knows all the hidden nooks and crannies–she’ll take you to unknown rooftop terraces and secret courtyards. She’ll encourage you to shoot from odd angles (we were both lying on our backs for some shots). She helps you to capture the sharp light and deep shadows of Rome and to develop a photographer’s eye for all things Italian. With her encouragement and guidance, you’ll compose photos you love.
– Jann Huizenga
Writer/Photographer
“We hired Diane for a photo shoot at our Palace in Filacciano/Rome/Italy, she’s provided an excellent service and her art work went way over and above what we had expected and requested. We highly recommend her for her skills and her creativity!”
– Guglielmo Parasporo
Art Collector & Entrepreneur
If you are coming to Italy for a special occasion, a honeymoon or anniversary, or spending a holiday with your family, you may want to engage Diane Epstein to photograph you amongst the myriad sites in Rome and the surrounding countryside for a day or two. Diane will make your stay playful and enjoyable, exploring both secret angles and well-known scenes. Become a part of the romance of Rome and carry these special memories home with you. She’lll take you to the hidden scenes where Roman Holiday was shot, or introduce you to the locals and take photos of you together with them, or to the verdant part of Rome and walk up the Palatine Hill to explore some hidden views above the Forum. Whether you choose to be in the picture, or not, Diane will find just the right light and locations for you with the most authentic Italian scene as your backdrop.
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