FLORENCE OR THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE? A Local Photographer’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Photoshoot
You’ve booked your trip to Tuscany, you’re thinking about a photoshoot, and now comes the big question: Should we do the shoot in Florence… or head out into the countryside? Great question. I get asked this all the time, and honestly? There’s no wrong answer – just the one that fits you best.
As someone who lives and works in Tuscany, I know how magical both Florence and the countryside can be for photos. But depending on your travel plans, group size, kids’ naptimes, or even whether you’re thinking of proposing, one might be way more ideal than the other. Let’s go through it together, based on the different kinds of sessions I offer – I’ll share every insider tip to help you choose wisely.
But before I start, here’s a little insider tip many travelers don’t realize: Tuscany is a region in Italy, and Florence is its capital city. So if you’re staying in Florence, you’re technically already in Tuscany! When people say things like “tomorrow we’re going to Tuscany,” they usually mean they’re heading out from Florence to explore the countryside – like the Chianti area, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. So keep in mind, Tuscany is the big picture, Florence is the bustling heart, and the famous rolling hills are just a short drive away.
What’s it Like to Do a Photoshoot in Florence?
Florence is a great choice if you want iconic architecture, historic streets, and the kind of background that immediately says: yes, we were in Italy. It works well if you want those famous spots in your photos, like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, or the city’s viewpoints. If you plan to wear a formal outfit, high heels or long dress the elegant buildings can be the perfect backdrop.
If you’re staying in Florence already, it’s the most convenient option. No car needed, no logistics to figure out. We just meet up and go for a walk — I’ll take you to locations that are close to each other but feel very different. Think quiet corners, pretty facades, maybe a rooftop view. Even if it’s crowded, I know how to work around people and still get clean, intimate shots without the background chaos. In case you are not staying in town, logistics are a bit more complicated as parking is limited and difficult for foreigners. Public transportation works well though to reach the city, depending on where you are coming from.
Florence also has a lot of variety in a small area, so we can mix things up without running across town. It’s a good fit for anyone who wants a city vibe with a touch of history and elegance, without having to leave town or plan a whole countryside trip.
So if you’re looking for something easy, classic, and full of character — especially if you’re already in Florence or planning to explore the city before or after — this might be the right choice. Oh and did I mention gelato? I can show you the best ones!
WOODEN DOORS
VIEWPOINTS
STATUES
Other Towns & Cities in Tuscany Worth Considering
Florence isn’t the only option. If you’re visiting places like Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, or Certaldo, I can meet you there. Lucca is especially beautiful and family-friendly – flat, quiet, and full of soft light in the afternoon, which makes it great for older family members or babies.
San Gimignano and Certaldo have that medieval charm and are compact enough for easy walks. Siena is full of drama and rich colors. The seaside and it’s towns offer a refreshing blue and white colors with lots of sunshine while Montecarlo, Montalcino or other hilltop towns have warm-toned buildings and wide piazzas.
If you’re based outside Florence, let’s chat about where the best light and settings are. I travel all over Tuscany – just tell me what atmosphere you’re after.
PIETRASANTA
SIENA
VIAREGGIO
What Does “Tuscan Countryside” Actually Mean?
The rolling hills, cypress trees, olive groves, and golden fields – yes, that Tuscany! But here’s the part most people don’t realize: most of those iconic views aren’t just there for the taking. They’re often private lands – farms, villas, wineries – or rustic public roads and open fields that don’t come with any creature comforts.
You usually have three countryside options:
– You’re staying in a countryside villa or agriturismo
– You book a restaurant or winery as a guest and ask their permission for a photoshoot
– You rent a car or private driver from Florence and meet me at a scenic public spot
So yes, that olive grove you’re picturing belongs to someone – and unless we have access, we can’t just get in. But if you’re already staying in the countryside or willing to travel, the results can be breathtaking.
If you’re not staying in a countryside location but want that look, I know some gorgeous public spots about 30 minutes drive from Florence, where those classic rolling hills await. And if you’re up for a real Tuscan fairy tale, Val d’Orcia, south of Siena, is the place to be. Picture endless hills with cypress trees – that’s where we can spend a full session capturing it all.
The public spots I love are usually along quiet country roads or out in the wide-open fields. There’s no café around the corner, no bathrooms, no benches to sit down – just you, nature, and that timeless Tuscan beauty. We drive out, shoot in nature or on the road, and leave it exactly as we found it.
Just a heads up: getting out there usually means renting a car or hiring a driver, since public transport doesn’t go everywhere and those spots aren’t always easy to reach. But trust me, it’s worth it!
SURROUNDINGS OF FLORENCE
VAL D’ORCIA
CHIANTI
What’s an Agriturismo and Why It’s Great for Photos
If you’re staying in the countryside, chances are you’re in an agriturismo – a working farmhouse that rents rooms or apartments. These places usually have gardens, olive trees, cypress-lined drives, sometimes a vineyard, and often a pool. The architecture is rustic and beautiful, with golden light throughout the day.
All villas and luxury agriturismos have beautifully curated grounds and panoramic views. These are perfect for photos – especially if your kids or grandparents don’t want to travel.
Bonus: Shooting where you stay is super relaxed. You can change outfits, grab a glass of wine, and we’re not racing the clock.
If you want to be sure that your accommodation is suitable for a photoshoot just send me your accommodation name and I’ll check if it’s photogenic and typical for the region.
VILLA WITH VIEW
AGRITURISMO WITH WINE WINDOW
AGRITURISMO WITH POOL
How to Get Around: Transportation Tips for Your Photoshoot
If you want to shoot in the countryside and you’re not staying there, you’ll need to consider transportation.
Renting a car is the most flexible option, and I recommend it if you’re comfortable driving in Italy. Here are the key details you need to know:
– You need a valid driver’s license. If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit is often required.
– Cars are manual by default – if you need automatic, book early.
– Costs: Rentals start at €50–70/day plus insurance. Gas is pricey — around €1.80–2.00/L.
– Roads: Scenic, often narrow and winding. Some country roads are unpaved but doable. Just go slow.
– Speed cameras: make sure to use google maps to navigate, it shows you where the cameras are.
– Restricted areas: pay attention to town’s and cities restricted areas, if you drive in without a permission you’ll get a fine.
Another great option is hiring an NCC (“noleggio con conducente”) – this is a private driver service that’s fully licensed and legal. It’s safe, professional, and reliable. Perfect if you don’t want to drive but need flexibility.
– Costs start around €300–€600 round-trip, depending on distance and van size.
– Most vans fit 6–8 passengers comfortably. They pick you up at your accommodation and wait during the shoot
Public transportation (trains + buses) can get you from Florence to some nearby towns, but not to remote countryside spots. It’s usually not suitable for reaching agriturismos or hilltop. If you are staying in a village, public transit may not be realistic — plan on a car or driver.
– Florence is well-connected to major towns (Siena, Lucca, Arezzo) via train.
– Regional trains are cheap and reliable but don’t go to remote areas.
– Buses exist but are slower and often infrequent, especially on weekends.
Family Photoshoot Location Tips and Ideas
If you’re a small family – say, parents with one or more kids or adults only – you’re most likely to pick a photoshoot in the town or city where you’re already staying. This tends to be the easiest and most convenient, especially if you’re traveling with little ones. Florence, Lucca, or even smaller towns like San Gimignano or Montepulciano can be absolutely magical backdrops for family portraits, and when you’re already there, there’s no need to coordinate extra travel. We just pick a location and time that works for you.
For example, if you’re staying in Lucca, you’re in luck: the light is gorgeous in the afternoon (yes, even if it’s not golden hour yet), which makes it ideal for families with babies who nap during the day or can’t stay up late for sunset. Lucca is also extremely family-friendly: flat, calm, with shaded streets, charming alleys, and a relaxed vibe that keeps everyone happy, including the grown-ups. Florence, on the other hand, is a bit more crowded and intense, but if you’re already based there and want a little memory of your visit, it can absolutely work too – especially if you go around with a local photographer who knows the off the beaten path to avoid tourists.
But let’s talk about countryside sessions too, because they can be incredibly rewarding if logistics allow. If you’re staying in a peaceful agriturismo with a pool, cypress-lined driveway, and olive trees in the background, that’s already a dream location. You can choose to do the session on the property – especially convenient for families who want to minimize stress and still have timeless photos in a stunning setting. I can come to you, the kids can run barefoot, and everyone can relax.
In both settings, we’ll do a mix of candid and gently guided shots, always making sure the mood stays playful and light. If your child needs a snack break, we take it. If they need to jump in the pool halfway through, I’ll photograph it. This is all about documenting your vacation as it was.
FLORENCE
LUCCA
AGRITURISMO – CHIANTI
Family Reunion Location Guide for the Best Group Photos
If your accommodation is suitable, I can come straight there and we don’t have to go anywhere else – it’s the most relaxed option. You can even book a private chef for a celebratory dinner or aperitivo and I can photograph your toast, candid hugs, or cake-cutting. Want to include the grandparents’ stories or recreate an old family photo? Let’s do it!
Florence is still an option for reunions, but keep in mind that large groups in a busy city mean more coordination, especially if mobility is an issue for anyone. Also, villas in Val d’Orcia or Chianti offer those postcard-perfect views – think golden fields, old stone houses, lavender bushes, and no tourists in the background.
FAMILY REUNIONS
Best Location for a Family Reunion Photoshoot: The Villa You Rent
When it comes to multigenerational photoshoots – especially with extended families including grandparents, babies, and everything in between – the best location is usually the villa where you’re all staying. Here’s why:
No Need to Coordinate Group Travel
You don’t have to transport everyone all together, which is often the biggest logistical challenge. Most families prefer to:
- Spend time together at the villa – cooking, lounging, swimming, relaxing.
- Schedule their leisure or sightseeing activities at different times, based on age, energy levels, and interests.
- Keep the day of the shoot relaxed, without the stress of gathering and moving everyone around at once.
Everyone Can Get Ready in Comfort
If I come to your villa, you don’t need to leave early or walk around in your photoshoot clothes all day. Instead:
- Everyone can get ready at their own pace, in their own room.
- You can change at the last moment, stay cool, and avoid sweat or makeup disasters, especially important in the summer heat.
I Use Multiple Spots Within the Property
At a villa, I usually organize the shoot in 6–8 different settings (depending on the size and beauty of the property). This allows for:
- A variety of group photos with different backdrops (gardens, terraces, arches, poolside, etc.)
- Then I shoot smaller groups, like kids only, siblings only, grandparents with grandkids, couples, etc.
- While I photograph one group, the rest of the family can comfortably relax in the garden or inside – no standing around awkwardly waiting in the heat.
More Comfortable Temperatures in the Countryside
If you’re planning your shoot during summer, Florence can be warm. The countryside:
- Is several degrees cooler, especially at villas surrounded by trees or located on hills.
- Offers natural shade and fresher air – ideal for older people, toddlers, or anyone sensitive to heat.
Emotional Significance: You’re Capturing Where the Memories Happen
Unlike a city you’re just visiting for a few hours, the villa is:
- Where you eat, laugh, swim, rest, and bond as a family.
- Taking your photos there will preserve the full story of your trip, not just how you looked, but where you shared the most important moments.
Privacy and Flexibility
A private villa gives us:
- Full control over the timing, backdrop, and pace of the shoot.
- No strangers walking into your background.
- Flexibility to shoot barefoot, change outfits if needed, or run inside for a quick refresh without losing time.
FAMILY REUNIONS
When Florence Might Be the Better Option
While villas are ideal for many family reunions, Florence can be a great choice in a few specific cases:
- The group is already staying in Florence, making it logistically simple.
- The entire family is planning to visit the city together on the day of the shoot anyway, and might want to follow it with a special lunch or dinner, wearing the same outfits from the photos.
- The group consists only of adults or teens – with no toddlers or older adults who might struggle with the city’s cobblestones, heat, or walking distances.
FAMILY REUNIONS
Bonus Tip: Make It a Celebration!
If your family reunion is also celebrating a wedding anniversary or another special occasion, consider hiring a personal chef to cook a beautiful dinner at the villa.
I often stay until the beginning of dinner to capture the first toast and some beautifully lit tablescape details, group cheers, and genuine joy. These moments are often family favorites.
FAMILY REUNIONS
Dedicated Villa Photoshoot Package
I have a special package designed for villa photoshoots, exactly as described above. It includes:
- 2 hours of on-location shooting at your villa in Tuscany.
- Big group portraits in multiple scenic backdrops around the property.
- Small group photos, such as each family units, grandparents with grandkids, kids only, siblings only, just the parents, just the couple celebrating, etc.
- My travel fee to anywhere in Tuscany is already included.
- Discount if you plan to jump into the pool all together
Couple Photoshoot Tips for Choosing the Perfect Spot
Couples almost always choose the town or city where they’re already staying. And that makes perfect sense – whether it’s Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, or a tiny village like Certaldo Alto. I often start these sessions in the golden hour before sunset, walking through some famous spots and quiet alleys. City sessions are ideal if you want a more elegant or cinematic feel with formal outfit or even with high heels.
That said, if you’re staying in the countryside – maybe a wine resort in Chianti or an agriturismo near Montepulciano – we can capture the soft, romantic feel of your time there. These sessions feel more spacious and intimate.
And hey – if you don’t want to choose, we can even do a bit of both. Some couples like to start their session in Florence and then continue it in a nearby countryside locaction, or to add a second session in Val d’Orcia, especially if they’re traveling around Tuscany. We plan it so it fits naturally into your route.
FLORENCE – PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
FLORENCE – PONTE VECCHIO
COUNTRYSIDE – VAL D’ORCIA
Surprise Proposal Location Ideas and Planning Tips
If you’re in the city, we’ll pick a spot that balances beauty and intimacy. I’ll send you maps, mark exact spots, and help you plan the “walk” or “viewpoint moment” where you’ll pop the question. If you prefer the countryside, logistics are a lot more difficult though. It can be magical. But let’s be honest: it’s not as straightforward as popping the question on a bridge in Florence. When you’re in open landscapes – like fields, vineyards, cypress-lined roads – there are no obvious “proposal spots” or landmarks, so it’s quite difficult to tell someone in advance where exactly to stop, where to look, and where I’ll be hiding to capture the moment. We also have no way to communicate in the moment (you’ll be with your partner), so it requires a proper plan.
That’s why I created a dedicated page where I navigate you through all options.
FLORENCE – PALAZZO VECCHIO
FLORENCE – PONTE VECCCHIO
VAL D’ORCIA – AGRITURISMO
When to Schedule Your Photoshoot
Timing & Light
Golden hour – the hour before sunset – is my favorite period of the day. If your schedule allows I highly recommend to do your session the late afternoon or in the evening, especially in summer when the midday light is very harsh. In the city, golden hour it hits the rooftops, bounces off buildings and bridges, and creates that warm glow. In the countryside, it’s everything: soft, golden light over rolling hills. My calendar is set to finish at sunset times so if you wish to do your session in the best light just book the last available slot if it is still available – or reach out for my recommendations.
Here’s a general guide for sunset times:
– December – January: 4:30–5:00 pm
– February – March: 5:30–6:30 pm
– April: 7:30–8:00 pm
– May: 8:15–8:30 pm
– June – July: 8:30–9:00 pm
– August: 8:00–8:30 pm
– September: 7:00–7:30 pm
– October: 6:00–6:30 pm
– November: 4:45–5:15 pm
Outfits: What Looks Good Where
Barefoot in a field? 100% yes. Heels in the countryside? Nope. If you consider wearing an elegant outfit with gala dress, high heels, jacket, ties, high heels or shirts of any kinds, I recommend to do the photoshoot in Florence. The city is a perfect backdrop for any elegant occasion. In case you are up for happy summer dresses, vintage or casual outfits, the countryside might be your theme. For more tips and coordinated outfit ideas please visit my detailed color guide.
A Final Word
Ultimately, it’s not about city or countryside – it’s about you. Do you want that elegant, urban feel? Let’s walk Florence together. Are you dreaming of wind in your hair and silence between the trees? Then let’s hit the fields. Still unsure? Just message me, tell me about your trip, and I’ll guide you. Tuscany has something for everyone – and wherever we go, we’ll make it unforgettable.
