A Sunrise in Venezia

Val D'Orcia

The Grand Canal

Taken from Ponte Rialto as the canals quiet down for the night. Venezia, IT

Elevate

Most people look down in this location, but looking up is just as cool! Vatican City, IT

Vernazza

The fishing village of Vernazza sits within the Cinque Terre region of Northern Italy. We came across this popular vantage point during the hike from Corniglia earlier in the day, and with the sun setting in the West, it proved the obvious choice for our sunset location later that evening. Cinque Terre, IT

From a Wooden Bridge in Venice

A calm evening looking out over the canals of Venice from Ponte dell-Accademia. Venice, IT

Overlooking Firenze

Taken on a quiet evening from the top of Piazzale Michelangelo with views of Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio to the West, just as the sun tucks itself behind the hills surrounding Florence. Florence, IT

Roman Angels

Our first night in Rome led us to Castel Sant'Angelo and it's bridge next to the Tiber River. Translated to english, "Castle of the Holy Angel" and also known as the "Mausoleum of Hadrian", this fortification was built between 123-139 AD, and served numerous other roles throughout its existence including a military fortress, papal fortress, a residence, and a prison. Rome, IT

Piazza Bra

On the recommendation of a friend, we added a quick stop in Verona during out 2016 trip to Italy. Not sure of what to expect, it quickly became one of our favourite cities on the trip; immediately regretting our decision to spend only one night. Here sits the town centre of Piazza Bra, where the cobblestone streets wrap around the Arena di Verona just before sunrise. A stark contrast from the bustling and music filled scene we experienced at dinner here the night before. Verona, IT

Foro Romano

On our last morning in Rome, we both got up early to check out the Roman Forum. Expecting at least a few other photographers out there, we were surprised to arrive and realize we were the only ones silly enough to venture out that early! Nevertheless, we were greeted by the last few moments of illumination on the remaining architecture, as the sun began to rise behind the clouds. Rome was truly an incredible city, and we hope to return to continue exploring the rich history and photo opportunities it presents. Rome, IT

Manarola

We spent our first night in Cinque Terre exploring the scenic trail around the rocky coast. After venturing down on the rock, we set up the tripod and began capturing the last moments of light on this small seaside town. Cinque Terre, IT

Riomaggiore

Seeing this small fishing town in so many photos, we were thrilled that our lodging was right down on the water (just beside the 2nd red building in the scene). This was probably the shortest walk I had for a shot this trip, and was an amazing way to spend the morning. Cinque Terre, IT

The Modern Bramante Staircase

The Momo staircase at the exit of the Vatican Museums is the modern equivalent of Bramante's original staircase from 1505. Built in 1932, architect Giuseppe Momo drew on the original double-helix design of a ramped staircase to allow livestock (or tourists) to move both up and down without ever intersecting. While the original staircase is off-limits to regular visitors, this staircase was definitely a suitable consolation prize! State of Vatican City

Bridge of Sighs

The white limestone Bridge of Sighs passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison) to Doge's Palace just outside Piazza San Marco. The small windows provided the prisoners with the last view of Venice before their imprisonment, and the bridge was said to be named after the sighs made as they caught that last glimpse of the outside world. Venice, IT

Colosseum

I usually espouse the benefits of sunrise shots to get empty scenes void of tourists, but there are times when your shooting schedule is so busy that a sunset/blue hour is the only time you have to shoot such an amazing piece of architecture. I won't try and make you believe that I was given exclusive access to shoot the scene empty, or that I "got lucky" with no tourists in the shot. This image took about 2hrs of on-site shooting, and about 5hrs of editing to get the final shot before you...tourist-free. Sometimes you work with what you're given, and I can't wait to return to this city to explore and capture more of its beauty! Rome, IT

Good Morning Gondolas

An early morning looking across the lagoon at San Giorgio Maggiore just outside of Piazza San Marco as the sun crests the horizon. Venice, IT

Ponte Umberto

Linking the Palace of Justice with the areas around Piazza Navona, Ponte Umberto provides an amazing view of Ponte Sant'Angelo, the Tiber River, and St. Peter's Basilica. Rome, IT

Piazzale degli Uffizi

The Uffizi art gallery courtyard just before sunrise. The gallery holds collections from several famous artists including Botticelli, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Early mornings are a little tough on the body, but having places like this void of any tourists or people totally make it worth it! Firenze, IT

Piazza della Republica

Two parents watching over their child as they ride the carousel in the heart of Firenze. Florence, IT

San Giorgio Maggiore

The San Giorgio Monastery sits illuminated atop the island of San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon from Venice just before sunrise. Venice, IT