Rome: What to photograph....besides the usual.

[TheBigE]

All,

I am doing some research and putting together a brief shot list for Rome. This is based on watching KelbyOne video on travel photography, given our short visit (4 days) it seemed like a reasonable idea to put together a plan.

We will be visiting there in April and hitting the highlights (Vatican, St Peters Basilica, etc), but I am sure there are some hidden gems as well.

Other than the obvious - Anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks
Erik

[Shadowman]

If you are into people try the many piazzas and the Spanish Steps. The many side alleys leading to any city center is always a treasure of photo opportunities.

[IzzieK]

And be careful out there...we did not have a good experience there with many thieves roaming around the tourists and tourisy areas.

[Krawuntzel]

Hi Erik
I suggest you visit the parc of villa Borghese and go up to the Gianicolo (nice view over the seven hills).
Have a nice time
Erwin

[TheBigE]

If you are into people try the many piazzas and the Spanish Steps. The many side alleys leading to any city center is always a treasure of photo opportunities.

Thanks, will add this to the list and hope to have time to grab a few of the side alleys as well. I guess a good chance to work on my candid photos...

[TheBigE]

And be careful out there...we did not have a good experience there with many thieves roaming around the tourists and tourisy areas.

Thanks for the advice Izzie. I plan on going light with single body and lens. I will leave everything else back in room. I am not going to the length of taping over the name on my camera, but do feel comfortable with my BlackRapid strap my camera is a bit secure....

[TheBigE]

Hi Erik
I suggest you visit the parc of villa Borghese and go up to the Gianicolo (nice view over the seven hills).
Have a nice time
Erwin

Erwin - Thanks, perfect information and probably something I would not have found without your help. HOping to find time to make it over for a stroll.

[Mike Buckley]

Get out early in the morning before the throngs of tourists are out to experience and photograph a different Rome.

[Krawuntzel]

Get out early in the morning before the throngs of tourists are out to experience and photograph a different Rome.

Or even: do not go to sleep for the four days; make it through the night - despite the warnings of Izzie

[rpcrowe]

I have a "safety strap" for my camera which has a steel cable molded into the strap. It is impervious to "slash and run" attacks and is a pretty darn comfortable strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS

Another piece of advice (which is generally applicable to any travel photography) is travel as lightly equipped as possible and at all times be cognizant of your equipment and your surroundings. It is always best for two people to be together, especially if one is shooting and the other is not. That way, the non-shooter can keep watch for the shooter.

Never venture into any area in which you get bad vibes for safety. Additionally, be careful of any local who becomes too friendly and wishes to guide you to a "spectacular place to photograph". Do a Google search with the search parameters of "Safety in Rome".

When I am traveling, I don't carry a wallet. I wear a holder somewhat like this one http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS around my neck and under my shirt or jacket. I keep passport, credit card and other ID as well as my main cash for the day in bigger bills. I always make sure that I have smaller coins or bills which I carry in the front pocket of my trousers. When I need to replenish that ready-money from the bigger bills in the wallet, I do so in a secluded or private area such as a restroom. That way, I never flash a large quantity of money.

However, with some safety precautions, you can have a wonderful time in Rome (or any other large city). I usually try to wander into the residential sections and get photos of people going about their daily life, shopping, working, etc. like this morning rush hour in a Chinese alley.

I have visited many cities in both Europe and Asia with no problems and, I WILL BE 75 IN JUNE!

[IzzieK]

I have a "safety strap" for my camera which has a steel cable molded into the strap. It is impervious to "slash and run" attacks and is a pretty darn comfortable strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS

Another piece of advice (which is generally applicable to any travel photography) is travel as lightly equipped as possible and at all times be cognizant of your equipment and your surroundings. It is always best for two people to be together, especially if one is shooting and the other is not. That way, the non-shooter can keep watch for the shooter.

Never venture into any area in which you get bad vibes for safety. Additionally, be careful of any local who becomes too friendly and wishes to guide you to a "spectacular place to photograph". Do a Google search with the search parameters of "Safety in Rome".

When I am traveling, I don't carry a wallet. I wear a holder somewhat like this one http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS around my neck and under my shirt or jacket. I keep passport, credit card and other ID as well as my main cash for the day in bigger bills. I always make sure that I have smaller coins or bills which I carry in the front pocket of my trousers. When I need to replenish that ready-money from the bigger bills in the wallet, I do so in a secluded or private area such as a restroom. That way, I never flash a large quantity of money.

However, with some safety precautions, you can have a wonderful time in Rome (or any other large city). I usually try to wander into the residential sections and get photos of people going about their daily life, shopping, working, etc. like this morning rush hour in a Chinese alley.

I have visited many cities in both Europe and Asia with no problems and, I WILL BE 75 IN JUNE!

Erik...I put that warning on Paris because of a painful experience of losing my camera. I was careless, I might say...and very naive at the time. It was very good that the company paid for it and allowed me to buy another one because it was an assignment that brought me there in the first place.

I must add also that you are lucky you are not coming out from the USA. I went to a trip to Oz recently and was detained by a team (of 4) of TSA agents at the gate and was asked to go to the other gate where two people in wheelchairs was passing through. Therefore in the process, my carry-on luggages were not within my sight while passing through the scanner. When I reached Australia and was wanting to use my 50mm with my macro filters stack, they were not there. TSA stole them from my luggage...I AM SURE OF THIS! because all the time after I got out of customs, my luggage are either with me or within my reach and sight. I did not know what I could have done at that time and never told anyone about it because I may have left those two lenses at home. When I got back home two weeks later (I have to cut my trip short for personal reason...) I looked everywhere in the house and I can't find the two lenses. I then told my husband who can only symphatized with me and also Skyped my children to look for my lenses just in case I put them somewhere even though I was sure it was not there.

In the meantime, I am without. Be careful folks of travelling alone -- and the TSA.

[CP140]

Just get out and wander around the streets. Each corner will reveal something new and interesting.

My wife and I rented an apartment in Rome ( an easy five minute walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon) for a week a few years ago. We had a great time.

As in any big city anywhere in the world, keep your head up and your wits about you... then go out and simply walk the streets.

[TheBigE]

Thanks again. Izzie, that certainly is a sad story but glad it worked out in the end with the cost being covered. Sad that it happened.

Martin - thanks, we are renting an apartment as well. I look forward to enjoying the streets and sites, but know all too well about the unscrupulous behavior in large cities. You can only be aware of your surroundings and not put yourself into jeopardy, yet at the same time not let it worry you so much that you do not enjoy yourself....a delicate balance.

[Shadowman]

I have a "safety strap" for my camera which has a steel cable molded into the strap. It is impervious to "slash and run" attacks and is a pretty darn comfortable strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS

Another piece of advice (which is generally applicable to any travel photography) is travel as lightly equipped as possible and at all times be cognizant of your equipment and your surroundings. It is always best for two people to be together, especially if one is shooting and the other is not. That way, the non-shooter can keep watch for the shooter.

Never venture into any area in which you get bad vibes for safety. Additionally, be careful of any local who becomes too friendly and wishes to guide you to a "spectacular place to photograph". Do a Google search with the search parameters of "Safety in Rome".

When I am traveling, I don't carry a wallet. I wear a holder somewhat like this one http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS around my neck and under my shirt or jacket. I keep passport, credit card and other ID as well as my main cash for the day in bigger bills. I always make sure that I have smaller coins or bills which I carry in the front pocket of my trousers. When I need to replenish that ready-money from the bigger bills in the wallet, I do so in a secluded or private area such as a restroom. That way, I never flash a large quantity of money.

However, with some safety precautions, you can have a wonderful time in Rome (or any other large city). I usually try to wander into the residential sections and get photos of people going about their daily life, shopping, working, etc. like this morning rush hour in a Chinese alley.

I have visited many cities in both Europe and Asia with no problems and, I WILL BE 75 IN JUNE!

I typically feel safe when traveling, only once was I continuously warned by locals about venturing too far within a particular city and that was in Budapest (Buda was considered safe, Pest was considered dangerous). When I returned unscathed, I found a website dedicated to travelers stories about the misadventures they incurred while visiting Hungary. The information was good to know, let me know not to follow flirtatious young ladies into any pub; but negativity about traveling can make one choose to stay home.

[Shadowman]

I have a "safety strap" for my camera which has a steel cable molded into the strap. It is impervious to "slash and run" attacks and is a pretty darn comfortable strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS

Another piece of advice (which is generally applicable to any travel photography) is travel as lightly equipped as possible and at all times be cognizant of your equipment and your surroundings. It is always best for two people to be together, especially if one is shooting and the other is not. That way, the non-shooter can keep watch for the shooter.

Never venture into any area in which you get bad vibes for safety. Additionally, be careful of any local who becomes too friendly and wishes to guide you to a "spectacular place to photograph". Do a Google search with the search parameters of "Safety in Rome".

When I am traveling, I don't carry a wallet. I wear a holder somewhat like this one http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrys.../dp/B00HSJNFKS around my neck and under my shirt or jacket. I keep passport, credit card and other ID as well as my main cash for the day in bigger bills. I always make sure that I have smaller coins or bills which I carry in the front pocket of my trousers. When I need to replenish that ready-money from the bigger bills in the wallet, I do so in a secluded or private area such as a restroom. That way, I never flash a large quantity of money.

However, with some safety precautions, you can have a wonderful time in Rome (or any other large city). I usually try to wander into the residential sections and get photos of people going about their daily life, shopping, working, etc. like this morning rush hour in a Chinese alley.

I have visited many cities in both Europe and Asia with no problems and, I WILL BE 75 IN JUNE!

I typically feel safe when traveling, only once was I continuously warned by locals about venturing too far within a particular city and that was in Budapest (Buda was considered safe, Pest was considered dangerous). When I returned unscathed, I found a website dedicated to travelers stories about the misadventures they incurred while visiting Hungary. The information was good to know, let me know not to follow flirtatious young ladies into any pub; but negativity about traveling can make one choose to stay home.

[IzzieK]

I typically feel safe when traveling, ....

It is a different story for a man than for a woman to just go off and venture. I suppose it has something to do with my upbringing too...very different from the typical American I should say...(and don't ask ... it is a long story. )

...let me know not to follow flirtatious young ladies into any pub; but negativity about traveling can make one choose to stay home.

This is so true...unfortunately.

[Shadowman]

[QUOTE=IzzieK;499976]It is a different story for a man than for a woman to just go off and venture. I suppose it has something to do with my upbringing too...very different from the typical American I should say...(and don't ask ... it is a long story. ) [QUOTE]
I think men need to learn to let others know there whereabouts, I've gone off on so many day excursions alone; usually leaving at 5:00AM and not returning until 1:00AM. That's a long timeline for authorities to have to backtrack.

[Shadowman]

Here's another website that helps makes traveling choices.

https://utrip.com/