When planning a couples' photoshoot in Rome, there’s no backdrop more iconic than the Colosseum. And while Classico Portraits sessions include unlimited time, not every client wants—or needs—an extended shoot. Some just want beautiful, natural photos without spending hours in front of the camera. That was exactly the case with this wonderful couple.

The wife was thrilled to have professional photos to remember their time in Rome, but her husband? Not so much. He openly admitted he wasn’t a fan of being photographed and asked if we could make it quick. Challenge accepted! In just 20 minutes, we created a collection of stunning images that captured their love, the magic of Rome, and—most importantly—kept things lighthearted and fun. My goal? To make the experience so enjoyable that next time she wants a photoshoot, he’ll be there happily!

Couple walk by the Colosseum during photoshoot — Couples Colosseum Photoshoot in Rome

The Colosseum: A Stunning Backdrop with a Rich History

The Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, was completed in 80 AD and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. It was the grand stage for gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public spectacles, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Today, it stands as an enduring symbol of the city's history and attracts millions of visitors each year.

For vacation portraits, the Colosseum is my favorite landmark in Rome. Its immense size and variety of perspectives mean that even during peak travel seasons, we can always find a beautiful spot with enough space to create stunning portraits. Whether embracing the soft, golden light of sunrise or the rich, dramatic hues of sunset, this monument provides endless creative possibilities for capturing couples in a way that feels both iconic and personal.

Sunrise is the absolute best time for photos, offering soft light and minimal crowds, making it easier to create romantic, intimate portraits. Sunset can also work beautifully though, casting a warm, cinematic glow over the monument. No matter the time of day, the Colosseum’s grandeur ensures a breathtaking backdrop for couples celebrating their love in Rome.

Travel Tips for the Colosseum

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Arrive Early: The Colosseum opens at 8:30 AM, and arriving right before opening (or even earlier for photos) means fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Skip the Lines: Book your tickets online in advance (and really, really in advance for the underground tour) or consider a guided tour of the Colosseum for a richer experience.
Dress Comfortably: The area around the Colosseum is mostly cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes.
Capture the Best Angles: While inside is breathtaking, some of the best photos are taken from outside vantage points like Via Nicola Salvi or the terrace above the Colosseo metro station (where we started for these portraits).
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise is the ideal time for the softest light and minimal crowds, but sunset can also work beautifully for a warm, golden glow.
Plan Your Visit Around the Season: Summer afternoons can be unbearably hot, so if you're visiting in peak summer, aim for an early morning or late evening tour.

The gardens above the metro are a bit quieter!

Things to Do Near the Colosseum

Before or after your photoshoot, make the most of your time in the area with these nearby experiences:

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Your Colosseum ticket includes access to these incredible historical sites, where you can wander through ancient ruins and enjoy stunning views over Rome.
Fine Dining with a View: Head to Aroma at Palazzo Manfredi for a Michelin Star dinner with a direct Colosseum view.
Cocktail with a view: Or skip the fine dining and go up to Royal Art Cafe for a wine or cocktail overlooking the Colosseum.
Basilica di San Clemente: A hidden gem just a short walk away, this layered church reveals centuries of Roman history beneath its floors.
Monti District Exploration: The charming neighborhood of Monti, just behind the Colosseum, is filled with trendy boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy cafés—perfect for a leisurely post-photoshoot stroll.
Visit the Capitoline Museums: If you're a history lover, the Capitoline Museums, just a short walk away, house incredible sculptures and paintings that bring Rome’s history to life.
Take a Scenic Walk to Piazza Venezia: From the Colosseum, stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali towards Piazza Venezia, soaking in the grandeur of ancient ruins and stunning architecture. I particularly love this walk at night when all the sites are lit up like an open-air museum.

Couple embrace Roman atmosphere during photos

What to Eat in Rome

Rome is a city best experienced with all the senses, and for me, that absolutely includes the food! Italian food is deeply regional, and Rome has its own signature dishes that every visitor should try.

Start with cacio e pepe, a simple yet delicious pasta made with pecorino cheese and black pepper. Another must-try is carbonara, the Roman classic made with eggs, pecorino, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper—no cream involved! For something heartier, amatriciana features a tomato-based sauce with guanciale and pecorino, while gricia is similar but without the tomatoes.

Don’t forget to try supplì, Rome’s version of fried rice balls, often filled with gooey mozzarella. For a sweet treat, definitely try maritozzo – A sweet, soft bun filled with whipped cream, often eaten for breakfast. It’s an iconic Roman treat, especially in the morning. For my favourite Italian cake, try crostata di Ricotta – A tart made with sweet ricotta cheese, often flavored with citrus zest or vanilla and sometimes topped with fruit.I’m not sure ow “Roman” it is, since it was introduced to me by my Puglian mother-in-law, but you should be able to find it in Rome!

And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without gelato—seek out artisanal shops for the best quality and flavors.

Dancing in the streets of Rome- why not!

Tailoring Your Photoshoot Experience

This couples' session was proof that even a short photoshoot can result in a stunning, diverse gallery of images. I focused on making the session feel natural and relaxed—no stiff posing, just genuine moments between them. We moved efficiently between locations, ensuring variety while keeping things quick and fun. The result? A happy couple, beautiful portraits, and a husband who admitted, 'That was actually painless!'

At Classico Portraits, every session is designed around you. Whether you want an all-day storytelling experience or a quick and effortless shoot, I tailor the experience to fit your needs—ensuring that not only do you get beautiful images, but you also enjoy every moment of the process.

Thinking about a photoshoot in Rome? Let’s create something unforgettable—whether in 20 minutes or all day!

Let’s start planning your dream photoshoot today. I can’t wait to capture the laughter, love, and unique bond that make your family’s story special!

p.s. Travel with kids? Check out this family photoshoot at Villa Borghese!

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life

Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)

My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.

When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.

It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.

So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.

Are you coming to Tuscany with your spouse or family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!

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