The Phobbyist: Melbourne Street Photography: 2013 European Trip

I have just finished my 2013 European trip, visiting 5 cities, with 1 camera (and 1 fixed lens). First stop was Rome, first word came to my mind when I stepped off the airport bus was "history", this place is steeped in history, for every corner I turned, there was a historical building or monument in the horizon.

I lived in Hotel Grand Olympic, which was 5 minutes walk from Vatican city. Vatican city itself is actually smaller than I had imagined, but more than make up for it for the amount of detail and attention in the architecture and decoration gone into its buildings and interiors. The place is also great for photography, no matter if you are an architecture shooter, or a documentary/street shooter, there is loads of photo opportunities, there is just so much going on in the square it self (excuse me for coming from a quiet city like Melbourne where there is not so many people). The interior inside the St Peter's Basilica is worth every single pixel/film you spend shooting it, from the ceiling art, statues on the wall, light coming from color windows, etc. The cupola on top of the basilica is definitely worth going up to, where you get a panoramic view of the Vatican and surroundings, although it is a little bit of a climb.

Other touristy attractions worth going is the Colosseum, the Roman forum (next to the Colosseum), they are one of the oldest structures remaining standing in Rome, and are true showcases of what ancient civilizations were already capable of building when technology was rudimentary.

One place worth special mention is palace of Barberini, aside from all the famous paintings exhibited in the gallery, the ceiling painted by Pietro da Cortona is worth the admission alone. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed, and for a good reason too, most of the art work are better seen with your own eyes.

Taking street photos in Rome is fairly relaxed, people generally do not care, I was never told off once. The ever present historical buildings and monuments provide great back drop to your subject, and the subjects tend to be well dressed. It was a fun experience, a lot of walking, but one will never feel tired, as there are literally pleasant surprise on every street corner.