9 outfit mistakes that can totally mess up your photoshoot (I’ve seen them all!)
“So… what are we going to wear?”Let me tell you right away: there’s no perfect (and standard) dress code for a couples or family photoshoot in Rome, especially if we’re talking about a stroll through charming streets, squares, and breathtaking views. Every couple and every family has their own style, and that’s exactly how it should be. But after years of photographing all kinds of people—from couples in love on vacation to the most lively family groups—there are some small (and not-so-small) mistakes I keep seeing over and over. And believe me, these are things you don’t even notice while getting ready, but in the photos, they stand out. Nothing dramatic, of course. The photos I deliver are always polished and beautiful—I care too much about your memories to leave you with anything you don’t love—but there are those seemingly insignificant details that, if you avoid them from the start, will save you from saying, “Ah, if only I had thought of that earlier…” In this article, I’ll walk you through these little wardrobe slip-ups, with some practical tips to avoid them without stressing out. Just a little extra attention is enough to get natural photos where you recognize yourself and feel completely at ease. You’ll find tips that work for a couples photoshoot in Rome (my city), maybe romantic at the Colosseum or Villa Borghese, as well as for a family session, with kids running around and parents trying to get everyone in pose (and failing—thankfully!). Ready? I promise it’s easier than it looks. The First Real Rule: Feel Comfortable and Be Yourself! When it comes to a couples or family photoshoot, the most important thing is definitely not wearing the latest trend or something that makes you look like someone else. Photos capture a part of your life, your connection with the people you love, and above all, your personality. If you dress the way you think you “should” to look good in photos, you risk not recognizing yourself in the images that last forever. I recommend choosing clothes that make you feel like yourself, without trying to be someone else. A polished touch is fine, but never at the expense of your own style. This is what truly makes the memory special. Trends come and go, but your authenticity is something no photo can ever betray. Of course, there are some general guidelines that, as a photographer, I’ve seen work well most of the time—but remember: these are not set-in-stone rules! Follow these little tips if you want, but the only real rule is to be yourself and enjoy the experience. So, relax, have fun, and let your personality shine in front of the camera. Coordinated, But Not Like a Soccer Team! When it comes to coordinating for a couples or family photoshoot, the idea is to find balance—not to look like everyone just came out of the same store. Dressing all the same, like “jeans and a white t-shirt,” might seem cute, but in the end, the effect can feel a bit… catalog-like. The photos risk looking like an ad for a clothing line, without that spark that makes a portrait truly unique. On the other hand, if everyone wears whatever they like without thinking about the others at all, the result is visual chaos. Imagine a “rainbow family” with each person wearing colors that have nothing in common: it looks more like a birthday party than a photoshoot! (And don’t get me wrong—we love rainbow families; here we’re just talking about clothing!) When you’re getting ready for a couple or family photoshoot, the first step isn’t picking the outfit — it’s deciding together what kind of vibes you want to bring into the photos. Romantic and elegant? Light and playful? More classic or more casual? Making this choice from the start gives direction and helps everyone feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Coordinating doesn’t mean wearing the exact same colors or looking identical. Sure, thinking about a color palette (as I write in another article) is always useful, but the real point is to stay close in style. If one person chooses a very elegant look and the other goes for something too sporty, the result in the photos can feel a bit off. Instead, it’s enough to find a common thread — whether it’s a mood, a fabric, or just a similar level of formality. This way each outfit keeps its individuality, but together the photos look harmonious and timeless. Choose harmonious colors and patterns, and coordinate the style as well. You don’t need to be dressed identically, but it’s important that the outfits complement each other. And if you’re wondering how to do this, don’t worry: I’ll be writing an article soon on how to coordinate outfits for the perfect photoshoot! The Right Balance: Avoid Oversized or Too Tight Clothes Oversized clothes can look really cute, especially if you’re a couple with a more street or casual style, but there’s a big difference between having a “relaxed” look and wearing something that’s too bulky. A piece that completely hides your figure risks making you disappear in photos, and when that happens, your natural beauty doesn’t shine as it should. Then there’s the other side of the coin: clothes that are too tight. Think about it. Some people look amazing in certain fitted items, but others… well, others might feel uncomfortable. A classic example? A man’s shirt that’s too tight. One that squeezes around the chest and stomach, creating awkward wrinkles. I promise you, that type of outfit isn’t ideal for photos, because besides making you feel uneasy, it doesn’t do justice to your figure either. The key is always balance: choose something that feels comfortable, fits well, and lets your natural shape show. That’s how a photo becomes truly beautiful and authentic. And while we’re talking about balance, there’s another piece you’re better off leaving at home when taking photos around Rome… big winter coats and hoodies. Yep, those are
Not just selfies: here are 7 reasons to book a photographer in Rome.
Have you ever thought that hiring a photographer in Rome during a trip might be a bit too much? Honestly: I was skeptical too, before I started doing it as a job. Was there really a need for someone to follow a couple on vacation, a family wandering through the Imperial Forums, or a solo traveler in front of the Trevi Fountain? Weren’t selfies, quick shots with the phone, or asking a passerby enough? Then, a few years ago, I actually started doing it, and that’s when the light bulb went on. Not only for the beauty of the final images — those obviously speak for themselves — but for what I saw in people’s eyes. Right there, while I was shooting, I saw wonder, emotion, the complicity of people living a unique moment. And afterwards, looking back at the photos, imagining their stories, I understood it wasn’t just “travel photography”: it was a piece of life captured forever. You know what? Whether you’re a couple, with your whole family, or even on your own, having a photographer with you means not only bringing home beautiful images, but living an experience that stays with you. It’s a memory that grows in value over time, a gift to yourself that becomes part of your story. And this, trust me, I would have never imagined when I started. So what sense does it make to settle for quick and random shots, when you can turn an hour of your trip into a memory that lasts forever? Maybe the real question is this: do you want to go home with just any picture… or with photographs that truly tell your story in Rome? Authentic memories: photos that really speak What really remains from a trip? Train tickets, receipts, a few souvenirs… but in the end it’s the images that take you right back to those moments. Now, selfies and phone pictures are part of this story, and that’s perfectly fine. But a professional photograph is another kind of memory. It doesn’t replace them — it completes and enriches them. It’s an image designed to evoke emotions, to link a gesture or a look to a precise feeling. That’s why I talk about authentic memories. My photos are mostly candid, spontaneous, born while walking, laughing, hugging. Sure, I add a touch of guidance — small tips, hints of poses or suggestions that help bring out details and movements you wouldn’t think of yourself. But it’s never rigid posing: it’s more like a game, a way of turning an ordinary moment into a timeless memory. That’s the goal: to create images that are not just “nice to look at,” but evocative. You know when you look at a picture and you can almost hear the laughter from that day, or feel the light in the air? The photographs a professional creates (well, at least the ones I create) are made with the precise intention of bringing you back into an emotion. Because if every trip leaves memories, a well-made photo has the power to amplify them and keep them intact. And you notice the difference right away — all my clients say so. It’s not just the technical quality, sharpness, or perfect light. It’s that each image becomes a small story. And that’s where photography stops being a simple visual reminder and becomes a fragment of your personal history. And if having an authentic memory is important, knowing how and where to create it really makes the difference: and that’s where the experience of a local professional changes everything. The experience and expertise of a local professional Rome is magnificent, of course, but not always easy. The light changes constantly, the most famous places fill up without warning, and often what seemed like the perfect spot… an hour later it’s not anymore. This is where the experience of a local photographer really makes the difference. Knowing the city means knowing that in front of the Colosseum at dawn you get soft colors and almost intimate atmospheres, while at sunset the golden stone gives you a completely different backdrop. It means knowing that the Trevi Fountain is always crowded, but that there are side angles capable of telling the same magic without the crush around you. Or having a plan B ready in your pocket when the weather doesn’t cooperate. These aren’t small details: they’re the things that turn a shoot into a relaxed, stress-free experience. Optimizing time is another key point. A well-thought-out itinerary saves energy and lets you truly enjoy the experience. Sometimes it’s enough to have a walking route that connects multiple locations smoothly, other times it’s better to grab a taxi to skip traffic and arrive on time at the next spot. Every decision is made together, with a short briefing at the start to build the shoot around you — not the other way around. Then there are the little things you won’t find in any guidebook: a side street with the right light, a low wall perfect for a more intimate detail, the café where you can change outfits or simply stop for a coffee without feeling like a passing tourist. These are simple touches, but they’re what make the difference between random photos and photos that really tell your story in Rome. And there’s something curious that happens almost every time: I take a couple of shots with the clients’ phone, so they immediately have something to send to friends or post on social media. Those photos, taken in a hurry, often turn out to be the best ones in their camera roll. Why? Because it’s not the camera that makes the difference, it’s the eye. It’s the competence, the experience that makes a photo “right” beyond the equipment. And this same experience isn’t just about guaranteeing good shots: it’s especially valuable when the shoot isn’t just a simple travel memory, but a way to celebrate a moment that carries special meaning. Giving importance to the moments that
A secret proposal at Villa Borghese that went completely off script… and turned into a set of beautiful, romantic photos.
At first, it really looked like everything was going to go wrong. In another article I wrote about the common problems that can come up during secret proposals (read here), and this one seemed to have them all! The client, maybe overwhelmed by the moment, didn’t follow the plan and walked right past the spot we had agreed on — without proposing. I had to chase him like a ninja, trying not to get noticed. To make it even more fun, their outfits were the classic “tourist in Rome” style: casual and simple. But honestly, that gave the photos an even more natural vibe. And as always, everything worked out perfectly in the end. When I finally revealed myself for the actual photoshoot, they relaxed, played, laughed, and had a great time. The result? Beautiful, romantic, and spontaneous photos — with Villa Borghese as the perfect backdrop. VillaBorgheseProposal_1_1 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_12 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_11 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_10 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_9 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_8 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_7 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_6 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_5 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_4 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_3 VillaBorgheseProposal_1_2
Secret Proposal in Rome: 4 Strategies to Get Perfect Photos (by a Local Photographer)
It’s an exciting situation, a huge step, and often the person planning it finds themselves thinking about things they hadn’t considered. How to dress to look photogenic without giving anything away to your partner, or how to coordinate with the photographer without ruining the surprise—details that naturally don’t come to mind because it’s not your job. That’s mine. When you decide to propose during a trip—maybe in Rome or some special corner of Italy—you know it’s not just about picking the right location or the perfect moment, right? You want everything to be beautiful and romantic, to harmonize with the backdrop of this important trip, and you want the photos to truly capture the love and emotion of that unique moment. In this article, I’ll tell you what really happens behind the scenes of a photographed proposal in Rome, the most common challenges, and especially the strategies I use to solve them. With a few careful steps, everything can go exactly as you’ve dreamed, letting you enjoy every moment stress-free. If you’ve already decided to take this big step, here you’ll find practical advice to prepare and turn your proposal into a beautiful memory, full of emotion and photos that will stay with you for life. You’ll discover the most frequent problems in secret proposals, especially during travel, and I’ll introduce four proven strategies to organize them smoothly with a photographer in Rome. These methods will help you overcome common obstacles and get the best photos, creating authentic and lasting memories. Common Challenges in a Travel Proposal How to Handle Them and Capture the Photos You Imagine Proposing during a trip—maybe in Rome or another Italian city—is exciting and unforgettable. But behind the magic and romantic atmosphere, there are practical and logistical challenges that often go unnoticed until the moment. Especially if you want a photo session that truly captures those unique moments, problems can become more apparent. The good news? With a little preparation, some clever tricks, and the right strategy, everything can go smoothly. 1. The Outfit Challenge One of the most common issues is clothing. In surprise proposals, only the person planning it knows they need to dress well, while the recipient has no idea. Often, the unaware person ends up in an outfit perfect for sightseeing but less suitable for the photos you want to frame. It’s understandable—especially since you’re traveling and comfort is key—but this can create a visual imbalance: the planner is ready with styled outfits and makeup for the camera, while the other looks like a casual tourist. That said, the photos are always great, because it’s the moment and emotion that make the difference. But keeping your outfit in harmony helps achieve more balanced and beautiful images. 2. Handling Logistics (and Unexpected Events) Rome is stunning but vibrant, with changing light, crowded streets, and plenty of surprises. The photographer must navigate through crowds, passersby stepping into the frame, and sudden weather changes—all while the actual proposal lasts only a few seconds, maybe half a minute. The spontaneous, not-always-perfect nature of a travel proposal inevitably brings challenges. Even with experience, some shots or perfect angles might be missed. Realistically, things never go exactly as planned: small issues and surprises are the norm. The photographer can’t control everything but knows how to move, where to position themselves, and how to capture the perfect moment despite challenges. That’s why, to ensure the best results, we usually exchange many messages and have a detailed briefing in advance, so nothing is left to chance. The photos are always beautiful, but careful attention to logistics can make the outcome even more impressive. 3. Emotion Is an Ally, Not an Obstacle This is the most beautiful—and intense—part. At the moment of the proposal, in a special place with the person you love, you’re not as composed as in a normal photo session. Emotions surge, eyes shine, hands may tremble slightly, and your heart beats fast. Being emotional is perfect—it’s exactly what we want to capture. Emotion is the true protagonist of these images, the part that will let you relive the magic every time you look at the photos. So, if you worry about not being “perfect” in those few seconds, don’t. It’s part of the story. 4. The Power of a Shared Strategy The key to overcoming all these challenges is a clear strategy. It’s not just about showing up and taking photos; it’s about building a plan: you know your story and your loved one, and I bring the experience to anticipate surprises and capture the best emotions. This collaboration turns every potential problem into an opportunity and ensures the final result is exactly what you imagined—or even better. With the right strategy, you can enjoy the moment without worry, knowing every detail is taken care of to create lasting memories. Four Strategies for Organizing a Travel Proposal Finding the Right One for You When we start planning the photos for your proposal during your trip, one of the first things we need to decide is how to organize them. Over the years, I’ve tested these four strategies many times with different couples and in different situations, so I know how they really work in practice. The most common one, without a doubt, is the classic secret proposal (option #1). It’s very popular, but it also comes with the most practical challenges—especially when it comes to coordination and outfits, as I mentioned earlier. Personally, my favorites are option #3 and #4, because they solve almost all the typical issues and allow you to enjoy both a smooth experience and beautiful photos. So, here are the four options we can consider together. 1. The Classic Secret Proposal In this strategy, the person receiving the proposal has no idea, while I stay hidden or blend into the crowd, ready to capture the exact moment. Beforehand, we coordinate with a detailed briefing—usually through messages—where I explain everything: where to stand, which side to kneel on, and what signals to
How to Choose the Perfect Look for Your Photoshoot in Rome
A practical guide to picking outfits that make your photos shine, while avoiding things that don’t work well on camera. Rule number one: feel good in your own skin Let’s start with the basics, the thing that, if you get right, already takes half the worry off your shoulders: you need to feel good in what you’re wearing. Comfortable, confident, stylish… but above all, yourself. Why? Because these photos aren’t just pictures—they tell the story of your trip, a piece of your journey. You’re bringing who you really are in front of the camera, and that makes all the difference. You know that feeling when you see a photo and think, “That’s not me”? Yeah, we don’t want that. We want you to look at these photos later and say, “That’s me, at the best moment of my trip.” And it’s not about the style itself: you can be sporty and go for a relaxed but polished look, you can be super elegant and pick an outfit that makes you feel like royalty, you can be grunge, minimalist, bohemian, or anything else that feels like you. There’s no “right” style—there’s only your style, done well. Plus, remember that a photoshoot is ultimately a bit of fun. Playing with outfits, colors, movement, and poses is part of the experience. Thinking of it as a creative, enjoyable moment, as well as a way to make memories, really helps when deciding what to wear: everything becomes more spontaneous, natural, and… fun. Picture this: ten years from now, you look back at these photos and think how wonderful it was to remember that day, that walk through Rome, those emotions. You’re not thinking, “Why did I wear that?” That’s the goal, right? And if you’re wondering, “Do I need to change my style for the photos?” Absolutely not, but you do want to show your best version. The one that makes you think, “Okay, I look amazing today.” We’re not talking costumes—we’re talking about bringing out the best of who you are. Ecco la traduzione in inglese americano della sezione, mantenendo il tono conversazionale e vicino al contenuto originale: How to Make Sure Your Photos Stand the Test of Time There are small tricks that really make a difference if you want timeless photos—ones that, years from now, you’ll look at and think, “How wonderful to relive that moment,” without wondering, “What was I wearing?” The first tip? Avoid fleeting trends. Yes, those super trendy things you see everywhere this year: who knows how they’ll look ten or twenty years from now. Some details can be fun to include, sure, but the foundation should be something that stands the test of time. Another key point: skip the giant logos and flashy prints. You didn’t come to Rome to advertise a brand, right? In your photos, the stars are you, your faces, emotions, and expressions… not the writing on your shirt or a printed graphic. How can you make safer choices? Look at photos you like from the past: notice how certain looks always work, never go out of style. A well-cut blazer, a long dress that drapes beautifully, clean jeans with a simple shirt, or a minimal but polished sporty outfit… all examples that last. And yes, you can add a personal touch, like a lightweight scarf, a stylish hat, or an accessory that represents you—just don’t overdo it. The idea is to create a look that speaks about you, without stealing attention from the memory you want to capture. The Message You Want to Convey: Your Outfit Tells a Story Every outfit says something about you, even when you don’t say a word. So, when you’re choosing what to wear for a photoshoot, what do you want to tell the world? Elegance? Romance? Carefreeness? Energy? Or maybe a mix of all of that? Every feeling has its go-to clothing. Elegance speaks for itself with a well-cut dress or a tailored suit, romance can come through in casual but coordinated pieces, carefreeness shows up in a light spring dress or linen pants with a soft shirt, while energy can shine through in punk, rock, or simply more vibrant details. The key is that everything should be consistent with who you are and how you feel comfortable. Rome is elegant and timeless, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to be formal all the time. You can opt for a polished casual style: the difference between a thought-out casual look and “I just grabbed the first thing in the closet” is huge—and it shows immediately in photos. A simple way to think about it is to imagine going to a small party or a celebration with friends: a graduation, an anniversary, a special dinner. You don’t need to be dressed for the red carpet, but you do want to look your best—for yourself and for the people around you. Color Harmony: The Secret to a Look That Works You don’t need to dress exactly the same—in fact, it’s often better not to. What matters is dressing in a harmonious way. This applies whether you’re doing a solo photoshoot, a couple, or a group. But what does “harmony” mean? It means finding color palettes that work well together without creating jarring contrasts, and having styles that complement each other without being identical. You don’t need to match perfectly—you need to look good together, and make that clear in the photos. Let’s start with palettes: generally, neutral and warm tones always work, especially in Rome, a city with warm, embracing colors. Think beige, cream, taupe, light brown, sand, ivory. These colors, combined thoughtfully, create a soft, natural, and effortlessly elegant effect. If you want to add a touch of color, olive or sage green pairs beautifully with these neutrals. For a romantic touch, you can add small accents in blush pink or peach—just don’t overdo it. There are also bolder combinations that remain elegant: a deep red dress next to a navy blazer creates a