Tuscany Family Photoshoot at Al Gelso Bianco
Family is everything to these Aussies- but between demanding work hours and after-school activities, they never managed to use one of the multiple gift certificates they purchased for each other over the years for a family photoshoot. When they booked a week in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside at Al Gelso Bianco and learned they could have a photoshoot there while they were all together, without the distractions of day-to-day life- they decided to make it happen.
Many of my clients opt to undertake an activity during their photoshoot like sailing or truffle hunting. They offer family-friendly cooking classes at Al Gelso Bianco which can make for an enjoyable photoshoot- particularly if someone in your family is camera-shy, but on our initial call, before they even left home, I learned that this family were most looking forward to simply spending time together. Yes, they had plans to do some of the touristy things in Florence and Rome, but for their time in Chianti they were planning to lounge by the pool, walk among the olives and casually meander through the local villages in search of the best gelato.
I understood immediately that the focus of their photoshoot needed to be each other without any other distractions other than the Tuscan backdrop. They wanted to look at their photos each day and remember their days spent together under the Tuscan sun. They wanted their son to look at the photos and be reminded that no matter how busy their lives get, he is their world.
So we met in Certaldo. One of my favourite villages for photoshoots in Tuscany since it’s much less touristy than the neighbouring San Gimignano. The “city” walls remind me of a sandcastle, and it’s fun to show kids how the Funicolare works plus there are a couple of great gelato options at the bottom too for after the shoot!
We got to know each other as we walked, I shared my best tips for choosing gelato and learned all about their trip so far. By the time we arrived at the top, this 9-year old was comfortable just being himself- and mum and dad embraced that energy too.
Family Photoshoot in Certaldo, Tuscany by Classico Portraits
After a lot of fun playing in the village, we headed back down the funicolare and drove to Al Gelso Bianco- their home for the week which by then already had a special place in their heart.
I’d had them send me a photo of their bedroom wall before leaving home, and so I knew a big black and white photo was going to be ideal for their decor. “Mum” had mentioned the gorgeous cypress-lined driveway at Al Gelso multiple times so I was really wanting to include this in their main feature piece. The wall is large so the print also needed to be big but most of us don’t want to wake up to our own massive head staring down at us! With all this in mind, I planned to capture what we call an “environmental portrait” to showcase the stone buildings, the cypress and of course, their family.
I’d timed our arrival back at the resort to ensure the sun was begging to lower. That would ensure I didn’t have to fight with harsh shadows from the trees falling on their faces, but that the light wasn’t too soft that the image wouldn’t work in black and white. At this time of day the light changes quickly so I was sure to capture “the shot” first before adding in variety in this scene - just in case they did want their heads huge on the wall! (but as you can see, they liked my plan).
I use fancy software to show you exactly how your photos will look in your home!
The chosen image for their wall
The sun was beginning to set which in summer means the rolling hills of olives and in a soft haze - perfect for a backdrop from the back of the property! (Can you tell I photograph at this location a lot?!). We headed there for some formal portraits - got to get a classic “smile at the camera” for grandma’s birthday gift- and then it was time for more playing.
After all- no one likes to pose for multiple hours. Over the years I’ve build up quite the inventory of games to appeal to different ages, but one that never gets old is a classic sword (stick) fight! Great expressions are always given!
Although this was a family photoshoot, I always make time to capture some updates couples portraits too because often when I ask the parents when their last photo together was- it was their wedding day! Since everyone is feeling confident and relaxed by the end of the shoot- it’s a no-brainer to grab a couple of just the couple before wrapping up!
But remember I said this family were looking forward to hanging by the pool? At Al Gelso, the pool is perfectly positioned for sunset photos so just before the sun dropped below the horizon, we went to relax poolside- the perfect photos for the last page of their album.
I shoot all over Italy and each location brings something unique. The special thing about Al Gelso Bianco is that the location never gets old! I could shoot there every day and still be just as excited as the first booking I had at their gorgeous property!
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.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Italy with your family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.