Ciao, I’m Mollie, an American expat who has found a creative path as a family, couple, and wedding photographer based in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. I’m thrilled to take you on a walk through a recent senior portrait photoshoot in Boboli Gardens that seamlessly blended the significance of senior portraits with the warmth of family bonds, all against the backdrop of Florence’s timeless allure. So, come along, and let’s dive into this unforgettable experience and explore why mixing these two elements creates a memory that’s simply unforgettable.
A Fusion of Stories:
Back in June, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet an extraordinary family on their Italian adventure. Their request was unique – a blend of senior portraits for their daughter on the cusp of her final year of high school and heartfelt group shots of the entire family. It was an interesting mix that celebrated individual milestones and genuine family photographs.
Waking up in Florence:
We kick-started our adventure with an early rendezvous in one of the more charming areas of Florence – Piazza Santo Spirito. This square is located in an area that’s usually a little less touristy as most of the more popular sights are across the river. This lovely square served as the perfect backdrop for our initial moments together. Amidst the playfully splashing fountain and the timeless architecture, I embarked on capturing their narrative through a mix of prompted, posed, and candid shots.
The Enchantment of Santo Spirito:
As the sun’s gentle rays painted the city in a soft light, we made our way to the majestic doors of the Basilica of Santo Spirito. These aged wooden doors became the next picturesque backdrop for our photo session. The rustic charm of the wood added a layer of authenticity to the portraits, infusing each image with character and depth – like capturing a moment suspended in time.
A Stroll through L’otrarno:
Our footsteps led us through the narrow streets of L’otrarno, each turn revealing a new facet of Florence’s allure. Our next destination was the grand entrance of Palazzo Pitti. The early hours treated us to a magical light, illuminating the architectural elegance in a way that seemed almost ethereal. Here, the family’s composition intertwined harmoniously with the picturesque surroundings, resulting in images that encapsulated both the essence of the moment and the charm of the old world.
Boboli Gardens: An Oasis in Florence:
With the gates of Boboli Gardens opening before us, we stepped into one of my favorite places to spend time in Florence. The aged statues, the meticulously landscaped greenery, and the well-worn pathways provide a backdrop like no other. Boboli Gardens, for me, holds a special place for photoshoots. The fusion of history and nature adds an unmatched depth to every image.
5 Tips for Boboli Garden Photo Sessions:
- Always make sure the garden is open on the day that you want to do the photoshoot. Also, look at opening and closing times before you create your schedule. Visit the official website here.
- Bring a pair of walking shoes. Since Boboli Gardens is very spacious and some parts are on a steep incline, you will be doing a lot of walking to get from location to location. There are many uneven surfaces and dirt paths that weave through the gardens so bringing a pair of shoes that you’re comfortable in is a huge plus.
- In the summer and fall months you may find a lot of mosquitos since it is a green area, so don’t forget to come prepared.
- Bring some water. I always recommend bringing a bottle of water on any photoshoot, especially in a place like Boboli where we usually end up doing a lot of walking.
- Do some location research. Since Boboli is composed of many different areas, do some research and come up with a location plan to get the most out of your time. You can find the visitors map here.
Your Tale Awaits:
If the thought of an Italian journey stirs your heart, make sure you plan a photo session to capture all the precious and fleeting moments of your family’s story in Italy. If you’re looking to combine senior and family portraits, feel free to connect with me, and together, let’s create a unique experience that captures the essence of your family’s journey amidst Italy’s timeless charm.
Reflecting on this remarkable photoshoot that blended personal and collective moments, I’m reminded of photography’s timeless power. Through these captured moments, we’re crafting a visual legacy that will be cherished through generations. Come, join me in discovering the enchantment of combining senior and family portraits in the heart of Italy – a journey where love, connection, and beauty converge to create a masterpiece that endures the test of time.
