Family Film Photoshoot in Rome: Felipe, Daniele and Antonio
I was already at the café in Monti, sitting at a small outdoor table, watching the morning light spill across the cobblestones. The espresso was warm in my hand, the air smelled like summer, and my film camera was resting on the table next to me. Then I saw Felipe approaching, smiling and waving as he walked up with the kind of energy that makes you feel like you’ve known someone for longer than just a few messages. He had reached out to book a family photoshoot on film while they were visiting Italy, and I already had a feeling this was going to be something special.
A few moments later, Daniele arrived with their son, Antonio. She was radiant, relaxed, kind, and smiling effortlessly. Antonio was curious from the start, full of life, and immediately caught my eye with a little disposable film camera wrapped around his wrist. That made me smile. There was something poetic about a child exploring Rome with a camera of his own, documenting the city his way. Just like I was doing.
We spent the morning wandering through Monti and the nearby streets, letting the shoot unfold naturally. As a family photographer who works with film, I’m always drawn to the unposed, the candid, the small in-between moments. That morning was full of them. No stress, no set plan. Just light, movement, and connection. Felipe kept the energy light and playful, joking with Daniele, teasing Antonio, and making all of us laugh. Daniele stayed close to Antonio, full of calm joy and tenderness. I barely had to say a word. They gave me everything just by being themselves.
Antonio was in constant motion, racing ahead with confidence. At one point, he ran down a cobblestone street framed by a yellow Fiat 500 and two red Microlinos. I dropped low, focused, and caught him mid-stride. The joy radiating from him, arms swinging, totally free. That image still feels like the heartbeat of the session.
Later, he raised his little camera and aimed it straight at me. His face was focused and serious in the best way. Behind him, Felipe and Daniele were laughing, giving him space to be curious and explore. I snapped a shot of him photographing me. It was one of those quiet, simple moments that somehow says everything.
Near a small fountain, Antonio leaned forward to drink from the spout while Daniele stood beside him, smiling as she watched. The light had softened and slowed. I switched to black and white film. The moment felt timeless and still.
We finished near a narrow street glowing with late afternoon light. Felipe lifted Antonio high into the air, spinning him gently as he laughed from the belly. No posing. No instruction. I just raised the camera, felt the moment, and pressed the shutter.
By the time we wrapped, I wasn’t just walking away with a bag full of film. I was walking away with a memory of time well spent with genuinely kind, funny, warm-hearted people. Felipe and Daniele were such a joy to be around. And Antonio, with his bright energy and his own little camera, reminded me why I love doing this in the first place.
Working as a film photographer in Rome means slowing down. You can’t check your work. You trust your instincts, your timing, and the people in front of you. That is what makes a family photoshoot something more than just a service. It becomes a shared experience.
With this family, I didn’t need to think twice. Every frame felt like a gift.
