When in Rome!

The Antica Caffe della Pace just off Piazza Navona in Rome is one of Europe's great cafes. Signora Serafini and her staff provide the perfect place to relax after a long hot day. Marble tables and polished wood in the cool of the inside look out on the terrace.  There, I've had the pleasure of spending a few sultry afternoons, reading and people watching when the June heat has overtaken me and I need a break from photography. 

And Rome is a photographers paradise, every step is paved with history. Art oozes from every building - even if much of it is modern graffiti - and you can't help but feel happy and truly inspired.

How exactly do you photograph the Pantheon with fresh eyes?

It's my favourite building in the world! For almost 2,000 years, people have walked through the original bronze doors and admired the first great domed building which is as high as it is wide. As well as one of Rome's most visited tourist attraction it still functions as the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs.

Slightly less well preserved is the Roman Forum! 

This panorama takes in the Arch of Septimius Severus from the 3rd century on the left and looks towards the first century Arch of Titus and the Colosseum in the distance. Here imagination comes alive and you can almost feel yourself walking down main street Rome 2,000 years ago.

However, it is the people that make a city and one of the best places to meet people in Rome is at the morning market at Campo de' Fiori.

Romans have been coming daily to this food market for 150 years. It's a great place to practice your Italian with the stall holders, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.

Talking of soaking!

 

Every time I visit this beautiful city, it seems to rain! It just means shooting at a wider aperture and looking for colour contrasts to make an image. 

Whatever the weather in Rome, I still expect to see Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck speeding around the corner on their vespa, full of joy and laughter. It may be more than 50 years since they made Roman Holiday, but this city still has la dolce vita! I can't wait to come back!