If you’re in the early stages of Italy vacation planning and are considering hiring a family photographer in Italy during your time away, then you’re in the right place. I’m going to share with you seven things that I recommend you consider before choosing your vacation photographer.

As a portrait photographer with more than a decade of experience, and as someone who lives in Italy, I’m here to guide you on how to make the right decision for your unique family. I hope that with these tips, you can ensure that your vacation photography experience proves to be fun and stress-free!

Three smiling children by the poolside during their vacation in Italy

How to choose your vacation family photographer in Italy

As you know, a luxury family vacation to Italy requires a lot of planning, particularly since you’ve been dreaming of visiting for many years. There is so much to consider. One of those considerations will naturally be how you plan to capture your incredible holiday experience in photographs.

While there are many professional photographers here in Italy who specialise in family portraits, it’s important to not rush the decision of who to choose. I’m urging you to make an informed choice based on the following:

1. Review their portfolio – do you love their photography style?

Much like you are going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a fine Italian wine to accompany your meals here, there are many photographers in Italy for you to choose from. Your taste will be unique to you, and not all photographers will align with your preferences and vision for your vacation photos.

This is why you must spend time looking over photography portfolios. Review the work of the vacation photographers in Italy you’re considering, and shortlist only those whose photography style you love.

A photographer’s portfolio is a great indicator of the style of image that you can expect from your photoshoot with them.

Do you like the locations, the lighting, and the way the family are captured?
Do they seem to capture candid moments or more posed shots, and does that match your preferences?

Ultimately, you need to decide whether you like their family vacation photo ideas. Would you like similar images to those the photographer is showcasing on their website and their social media?

Ideally, choose to work with a vacation family photographer in Italy with a consistent portfolio too. Someone who clearly has defined their style. If they appear to repeatedly deliver high-quality images for their clients, they are more likely to be someone you can trust.

2. Do they offer photo products and wall art, if that’s what you’re after?

Once you’ve found a photographer whose style you love, it’s important to check that they produce exactly what you’re after in terms of photo products.

Some photographers don’t offer photo products at all and, instead, only offer digital files, most suited to sharing on social media. Photographers at the other end of the spectrum will offer a curated collection of photo products and wall art of the highest quality, as I do. I also ship them to the homes of my clients for free, anywhere in the world.

If you have a large space on the wall at home and are dreaming of filling it with a statement piece of art featuring photographs of your family spending time on vacation in Italy, then be sure to check that your photographer can deliver this at a sufficient quality to suit your home. Similarly, if you want to have an album of portraits showcasing the best moments from your Italy vacation, then do check that your photographer can provide this.

It’s important to be clear on your desired end result and to communicate this to your chosen photographer.

Beautiful wall art featuring a family portrait captured in Italy

3. Choose a family photographer with local knowledge and experience of Italy

When selecting a family photographer, I recommend that you choose someone who can demonstrate that they know the country well and who, ideally, has experience photographing families in the location(s) you will be visiting.

Check out their portfolio, and ask them directly, about family photoshoots they have done in the places you will visit. If they can wow you with their local knowledge and demonstrate that they have captured families in your dream destinations in Italy, then you will naturally feel more confident in your choice of photographer.

Italy is a diverse country so local expertise will be a huge asset. A photographer with experience will be able to advise on the best places to visit, the ideal times to go there (and when to avoid) and which are the best spots for a family photoshoot. They will also know about Italy holidays and traditions, and when tourist spots are likely to be bustling and when they are quieter.

So my advice is to opt for someone who knows the ins and outs of the local scene rather than someone who does not have experience of the specific city or region that you intend to visit. Their local knowledge will help to ensure a more seamless experience for you, and you’ll be more certain to get vacation photos that capture the true essence of Italy.

4. Check for testimonials and client reviews

Another important thing to consider when choosing your vacation family photographer in Italy is whether they have recent, 5-star reviews from previous clients. Testimonials and endorsements should be numerous if a photographer has been in business for some time.

Before committing to a photographer, I would highly recommend that you check for how highly rated their experience appears to be based on client reviews. Also, pour over the details to check what has been said about the service and experience on offer.

Their website is a great place to look, but also their Google business listing (here’s mine) as well as their social media profiles including Instagram and Facebook.

Here are some recent testimonials from my lovely clients:

“Kirstie is a great photographer, not just on an artistic level, but she makes it all an incredible experience - very at ease, she is amazing at directing, keeping it natural and relaxed - which results in capturing truly authentic and organic moments, that are also flattering.” – Megan Luneberg
“Kirstie made us feel SO comfortable and relaxed! Coupled with her incredible photography skills and knowledge of stunning locations, she produced images we will cherish forever. My partner and I had so much fun during our shoot with Kirstie.. We couldn't recommend her enough and will definitely be booking with her in the future.” – Ashlee Kate
“Kirstie is an amazing photographer. Her work is amazing, but most importantly, she connects with all the family in a way that makes it so enjoyable and allows her to capture the essence of who we are. Our children genuinely love their time with her, having had several sessions over the years. Her work is truly beautiful and it has captured our family in a way that words can’t describe. I can’t recommend her highly enough. She also always knows the best local bars and restaurants which is a great bonus!” – Jordan Breed

Look out for endorsements of not only the photography but also the overall experience. Their client testimonials should demonstrate that they are trustworthy, professional and great to work with.

Your vacation photographer in Italy should also help to make the process enjoyable for both you and your children. Everyone should feel at ease throughout the photoshoot. Look at the photographer’s client reviews – is this something that they work hard to ensure?

Choose a vacation photographer in Italy who seems to offer exceptional service, and don’t be afraid to ask to speak to previous clients of theirs for reassurance if this is in any doubt. A trustworthy photographer will be more than happy to connect prospective clients with previous customers.

A family portrait captured by Kirstie McConnell, a vacation family photographer in Italy

5. Personal connection with your family photographer is also important

One commonly overlooked part of choosing a photographer is the connection between you and them. My advice would be to only hire a vacation photographer who you can communicate well with and feel that you would enjoy their company.

You’re going to considerable spend time with them on the day of your photoshoot in Italy, and it’s important that you feel comfortable around them. You should feel that you can speak openly and honestly with them and that you could provide feedback to them if necessary during the shoot without it feeling awkward.

If you decide to work with an Italian photographer who does not speak fluent English, you may experience a language barrier and this may make communication more difficult. Therefore, you might wish to choose an English-speaking family photographer in Italy.

The best way to determine a photographer’s suitability is to have a conversation with them over the phone, or better still, on a video call. That way, you can get to chat with them and gauge how the communication flows between you. This initial call is a chance to chat through all aspects of the family photo shoot that you are hoping for. It’s also an opportunity to get to know your photographer a little better.

You should feel confident in your chosen photographer’s ability to capture your family’s vacation in the way that you wish for, and that you are going to get along well when you meet in person.

A father enjoying a happy moment with his three smiling daughters

6. Will your photographer provide photoshoot and vacation planning support?

As a full-service photographer, I also act as an Italy vacation planner, helping my clients with bespoke ideas and suggestions on what to see and do while in the country. I base these recommendations on the type of holiday in Italy that the family wish to experience, as well as the size of the family group and the age and preferences of the children.

Will your vacation photographer in Italy also advise on the best Italy vacation destinations, if you’re not yet set on a particular location?

Will they help with activity and photoshoot planning?
Will they provide you with practical tips such as what to wear to your family photoshoot in Italy and recommended photoshoot locations?

While not all photographers will offer planning support, it’s particularly important to have guidance from your photographer on family photoshoot clothes. This is why I offer a wardrobe consult on Zoom two weeks before you leave home. How the shoot is styled makes a big difference to the photos. The right location can make all the difference too.

7. Check the vacation photographer’s availability

A final point…The best family photographers in Italy will likely be booked up months in advance. Because of this, it’s important to request and have them confirm their availability for the dates you are planning to be in the country.

Don’t forget, Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and your preferred photographer may well have a busy schedule. To avoid disappointment when choosing your vacation photographer, plan as far ahead as possible and start to make enquiries early.

Secure your preferred family photographer in Italy well in advance if you can. That way, you can rest safe in the knowledge that that aspect of the trip is organised. You’ll then have more time to focus on the other aspects of your planning.

Don’t forget too that a full-service photographer, like me, will be able to advise on destinations and other not-to-be-missed experiences in Italy. Therefore, getting in touch earlier rather than later will be beneficial. Their recommendations could inform your vacation planning, and bring to light opportunities and destinations you may want to visit that you might not otherwise have discovered.

A couple sharing a joke in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Choose your vacation family photography in Italy wisely

I hope that these tips have been useful to you. As you set about planning your dream vacation with your family, and a photoshoot to capture all the wonderful memories that you will make together, it’s important to consider who will be the best family photographer in Italy for you.

If you would like to chat with me about my vacation photography services, please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you!

Kirstie

Seven Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Vacation Family Photographer in Italy