Photo Workshop: Rome

Rome is endowed with an incomparable combination of color and light, monuments and sculptures that have defined the history of art, and a gusto for the good life that's palpable. For a photographer, the effect is pure magic. Immerse yourself in Rome’s vibrant spirit, setting out on shoots from our base at the Regina Hotel Baglioni, a beautiful Art Deco style hotel on the fashionable Via Veneto. Delve into Porta Portese—a colorful weekly street market—with your camera in hand. Photograph intimate piazzas, everyday life on the Spanish Steps, and the splendid artistry of Saint Peter’s Square and Capitoline Hill; and capture the legendary ruins of the Colosseum in glow of the late afternoon sun.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Rome, Italy

Arrive in Rome and settle into the Regina Hotel Baglioni in the Via Veneto neighborhood. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner with your instructors tonight.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (D)

Day 2 — City Center/Colosseum

This morning, learn how images for a National Geographic magazine article are conceived, photographed, and selected. Share a leisurely Italian lunch together before venturing into the city center to capture images of Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. The 18th-century steps, which cascade gracefully down from the Trinità dei Monti church, have long been a popular meeting place. Later, photograph the remarkable architecture of the Pantheon as well as the Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Head to the Colosseum for a photo shoot in the rich hues of twilight.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (B,L)

Day 3 — Rome’s Jewish Ghetto/Trastevere

Today’s assignment begins at the site of Rome’s Jewish ghetto, established on the banks of the Tiber River in 1555 and only dismantled in 1870 following Italy’s unification. See reminders of the ghetto, including original facades and the Ponte Fabricio, and photograph the Great Synagogue of Rome. Then train your lens on the ruins of Theatre of Marcellus, an open-air theater completed in 13 BC, and visit the exquisite Church of Santa Maria di Trastevere. In the afternoon, return to the classroom for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (B)

Day 4 — Capitoline Hill

Head up to Capitoline Hill, an early Roman citadel redesigned largely by Michelangelo. Climb the grand steps to photograph the symmetry of the Piazza del Campidoglio and the elegant buildings that house the Capitoline Museums—all built based on Michelangelo’s sketches. Take in excellent views of the Roman Forum and photograph its ruins from above, and then visit the museums to see a rich collection of classical statues and Renaissance art. Spend time editing and critiquing today’s images this afternoon.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (B)

Day 5 — Porta Portese Market

Set off into Trastevere for a visit to the open-air market of Porta Portese. Amid this a veritable feast of color and texture, shoot images of locals haggling with merchants over tables of antiques and vintage items. In the afternoon, return to the classroom for an edit-and-critique session.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (B)

Day 6 — St. Peter's Square/Vatican, Piazza Navona

Begin the day amid the breathtaking sweep of St. Peter’s Square, designed by Bernini. Discover fresh ways to photograph the iconic basilica and then explore the Vatican neighborhood with your camera in hand. Next, stroll the picturesque Via dei Coronari, a pedestrian street lined with antique shops that follows the path of an ancient Roman road. Meet for a final edit-and-critique session before a festive farewell dinner.
Regina Hotel Baglioni (B,D)

Day 7 — Rome/Home

After breakfast, gather for a final discussion and presentation of the week's best images. The workshop concludes at noon.
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