La strada e nostra. Exciting fearless Italy Street photos
June 2017. Streets are full of people. The summer heat is almost unbearable, but it adds a certain charm to everything. As I walk the narrow streets of Rome, it feels like stepping into a painting. Tiny windows overflow with flowers, and men in Prada suits ride their bicycles to work, weaving through crowds of tourists and locals. Around every corner, history whispers through cobblestones and weathered facades.
Rome met all my expectations, yet I knew my journey wouldn’t stop there. Italy is so much more than one city. My camera and I wandered further north to explore Milan, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and Lucca. Each destination had its own heartbeat, its own rhythm of life. This collection of photographs is my attempt to capture what it feels like to be in the right place at the right time—a visual diary of Italy in summer.
The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.”
“Life is a farce, the skill is in showing it.”
“I like discovery. I’m attracted to it. I like the feeling of going out, being at some place, looking in at something. Observation is important.”
“If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it’s a street photograph.”
“To be good, photographs have to be full of the world.”
“Photography can light up darkness and expose ignorance.”
“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.”
“For me documentary photography is less a matter of subject and more a matter of approach. The important thing is not what is photographed but how.”
“Photography is the art of observation.”
“In street photography, you have to be quick, anticipate, and capture the moment.”
The Gear That Captured It All
For this journey, I relied on my trusty Leica M8 paired with a 50mm f/2.8 collapsible lens, a setup that’s as timeless as Italy itself. The Leica M8, with its compact design and manual controls, is perfect for street photography. Its digital rangefinder lets you feel truly connected to every shot. The 50mm lens adds to that intimacy, offering a natural perspective that mirrors how we see the world.
What I love most about this setup is how it encourages patience and precision. The manual focus slows you down just enough to appreciate the moment before pressing the shutter. The collapsible design of the lens is a bonus—it’s lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for long days of wandering through bustling streets and quiet alleys.
If you’re serious about capturing the raw essence of a place, gear like this becomes an extension of your vision. With the Leica M8, I was able to preserve the heat, the summer loves, the pride parade in Rome, the locals commuting, and the chaotic beauty of tourists filling every piazza.
The Raw Essence of Italy in Summer
Italy’s streets in the summer are alive with human interactions that weave together a vivid tapestry of life. Locals, with their effortless style, navigate the chaos with grace. Tourists move in clusters, marveling at landmarks and holding gelato like prized possessions. In Rome, I watched the pride parade, a riot of colors and joy that celebrated love and equality.
In Venice, gondoliers steered their boats past couples sharing quiet conversations. Florence’s markets buzzed with activity, the scent of leather and fresh produce mingling in the air. Cinque Terre offered a slower pace, with pastel houses perched above the turquoise sea. Lake Como, meanwhile, was elegance personified, its streets lined with vintage cars and lakeside cafés.
Everywhere I went, I looked for the small details that make a city come alive—the glint of sunlight on a windowpane, a child chasing pigeons, a couple stealing a kiss in the shade. These moments, unposed and authentic, are what street photography is all about.
5 Tips and 5 books for Capturing Stunning Italy Street Photos
Street photography can be both exhilarating and challenging. Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons that have shaped my approach. Here are my top five tips:
1. Act Casual
When you’re on the streets, it’s important to blend in. Read the energy of the environment around you and move with the flow. Don’t force a shot—let it come to you. Pay attention to how people are moving, how the light shifts, and where the action is unfolding. The best street photos often happen when you’re relaxed and open to the moment.
A collaboration between photographer Roy DeCarava and writer Langston Hughes, this book poetically documents everyday life in Harlem. Through words and images, it portrays ordinary people and moments, offering a profound glimpse into their world.
2. Find a Stage and Wait for Your Actors
Sometimes, the perfect shot is about patience. When you come across a visually interesting spot—a staircase, a shadowed alley, or a café with vibrant umbrellas—treat it as your stage. Then, wait. People, pets, or even vehicles will inevitably pass through, creating the story within your frame. This approach allows you to anticipate the moment rather than chasing it.
Recommended book:
This collection showcases Watson’s striking black-and-white images, blending portraiture, fashion, and fetish photography. The book’s design, crafted by David Carson, complements the haunting imagery within.
3. Light is Everything
Great street photography relies on understanding light. The way light falls on a scene can completely transform it. If a photo feels flat, take a step back and change your perspective. Look for light that creates contrast, highlights textures, or brings out colors. Pay attention to how shadows stretch and shift throughout the day—they can be just as powerful as the light itself.
This volume delves into the provocative and highly stylized work of fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. Known for his dramatic use of color and composition, Bourdin’s images are both captivating and influential.
4. Patience is Key
Sometimes, the scene you want to capture doesn’t happen instantly. You might need to wait for the right combination of elements—a certain person to walk by, the sun to hit the perfect angle, or the crowd to part just enough. Keep your camera ready at all times. Street photography rewards those who are prepared for the unexpected.
Recommended book:
A photographic diary capturing Lartigue’s life and the visual transformations of the 20th century. This classic collection, edited by Richard Avedon, is essential for understanding the history of photography.
5. Master Your Composition
Composition is what turns a good photo into a great one. Pay attention to the balance of elements in your frame. Leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds can help guide the viewer’s eye. Think about what story you want to tell and arrange the elements accordingly. Over time, these principles will become second nature, and your images will communicate more clearly.
Recommended book:
A compilation of twelve conversations with Cartier-Bresson, revealing his thoughts on photography, the world, and his life’s journey. These dialogues offer insight into his evolving perspective and the essence of his art.
Why Italy is a Street Photographer’s Dream
Italy’s streets are a perfect mix of chaos and beauty, offering endless opportunities for storytelling. From the vibrant markets of Florence to the serene canals of Venice, every corner holds a new scene waiting to be captured. The summer heat intensifies the experience, making the colors brighter, the shadows deeper, and the energy palpable.
Street photography in Italy is about more than just taking pictures. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the streets and connecting with the stories unfolding around you. With the right mindset—and a camera that feels like an extension of yourself—you can capture the essence of this remarkable country.
0 Comments