Planning a trip to Venice and want to book a Venice family photographer? Keep scrolling to check out my tips for finding affordable photographers in Venice for your next Venice vacation!
This post about tips for finding affordable photographers in Venice Italy was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’m a huge fan of vacation photography, especially in gorgeous locations. So, when we started planning our trip to Venice, I immediately started looking for affordable photographers in Venice!
We’ve always had amazing luck using Flytographer and our Venice photo shoot was no exception!
Keep scrolling to get the inside scoop on how to find a great photographer in Venice without blowing your budget!
Why are Venice Family Photos Important?
Even if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel frequently with your kids, the fact of the matter is that they grow up so quickly.
That’s the main reason why we always set aside time in our itinerary to do a photo shoot.
But, our kids were SO excited to visit Venice (which was on their bucket list) and we thought taking some “nice” photos would be a great way to commemorate this trip.
Plus, haven’t you heard that Venice is sinking?! These photos might be extra special in 100 years!
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Why You Should Hire a Venice Vacation Photographer Through Flytographer
1. SECRET INSIDER TIPS
We loved meeting our Italian photographer Marta. She was very familiar with Venice and was able to quickly navigate this very confusing place.
Plus, she was able to give us all kinds of suggestions on where to visit with kids and some tasty places to eat that are outside of the tourist areas.
In fact, she walked us over to a little cafe by a canal where we had a lovely and memorable breakfast after our Venice photo shoot!
2. POSING HELP
I always tell our photographers that I’m “awkward” so they will give me some posing tips. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking me to look in a certain direction.
Othertimes, they are able to help capture true emotions as they give us prompts that don’t necessarily feel natural, but they look natural and relaxed!
3. CAN LEAVE YOUR GEAR AT HOME
When you’re visiting one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, it’s easy to be tempted to lug around a nice camera to take your own photos. But that can get heavy quickly!
It’s so much nicer to let your Venice photographer do the heavy lifting and you can actually relax and feel more in the moment.
I mean, no one wants to be a hot sweaty mess!
4. THEY ARE FUN + EASY!
I’m being serious when I say family photography can be a lot of fun and mostly stress-free!
My kids are like every other kid out there. Posing for photos is not their favorite thing, but they always seem to get along with our photographer. They thought Marta was really friendly and they were able to take her direction pretty easily.
Top Venice Photography Spots
San Marco
One of the most popular places to take photos in Venice is San Marco (aka St. Mark’s Square). It’s surrounded by the famous basilica on one end and Venice canals on the other.
Dorsoduro
This is another great spot for beautiful views of Venice. You’ll get backdrops that include San Marco, but also Venetian architecture at Punta Della Dogana.
Rialto to San Polo
It’s hard to beat the iconic Rialto Bridge crossing over a Venetian canal! Plus, you can stroll around the vibrant district of San Polo and wander the maze of waterways and winding alleys.
Venice Gondola Ride
One of the most unique places to take photos in Venice is from a classic gondola! You can have your Venice photographer join you for a gondola ride and capture this bucket list experience!
How to Book Affordable Venice Photographers
While we’ve used a lot of different vacation photographers throughout the years, some of my most memorable experiences have been through Flytographer.
Basically, it’s a concierge vacation photography website where you can find photographers almost anywhere in the world, including Venice. Actually, they have tons of photographers in Italy. Find the best prices here.
Flytographer makes it really simple to pick the perfect Venice family photographer. You can find out all about their photography style, secret places to take photos, and even scroll through their online portfolio before you book your shoot!
And Flytographer’s booking process is simple and quick — just pick your preferred dates with a click of a button.
They will then check availability for you so that there’s no stress involved in selecting an available date or time slot when they get back to you with more information on what works best for them!
What I love most about Flytographer is that they are FAST! We sometimes receive our photos before the end of our trip! I love looking at them on our flight home.
What to Wear for Your Venice Photo Shoot
Of course, you can totally wear whatever you want for your Venice family photos. But, I know some people like to get ideas, so I’m listing a few options to add to your Venice packing list to make your photos look cohesive.
Comfortable Shoes
Venice is a city made for walking, and often over uneven cobblestones. Opt for stylish yet comfortable shoes, like flat boots or stylish sneakers.
Classic Elegance
Venice is all about romance and elegance, so lean towards timeless pieces. Think flowing dresses, tailored pants, crisp shirts, or soft knits in neutral shades or soft pastels.
Layers
Venice’s weather can be changeable, especially with the sea breeze. Layering will keep you comfortable and adds dimension to your photos.
Color Scheme
The city’s color palette includes the rich hues of historic buildings, the soft pastel shades reflected in the canals, and the vibrant colors of the gondolas. Coordinate your outfit colors to complement these elements.
Accessories
Accessories can add a personal touch to your outfit. Consider statement pieces like a large hat, a beautiful scarf, or bold jewelry. If you’re near the water, reflecting sunglasses can add a cool touch.
Seasonal Considerations
If you’re shooting in winter, chic outerwear is essential as Venice can get quite chilly. In summer, protect yourself from the sun with a stylish hat or a lightweight cover-up.
7 Tips for Getting Awesome Venice Family Pictures Every Time
1. Bring an Adapter for Hair Tools
It’s really easy to forget that a lot of hair tools won’t work in Europe if they are from the U.S. That’s why I recommend bringing an adapter.
You’ll also want to check to see if your current hair tools have dual voltage. I actually purchased this curling iron specifically for this trip because my favorite curling wand is not dual voltage.
I lucked out and my hair still looked okay after I straightened it at home on the morning of our flight to Venice, so I just rocked that instead.
2. You’ll Want to do Full Makeup
Whether or not you usually wear makeup when you travel, it’s a really smart idea to do some for your photography session in Venice.
That’s because it’s easy to get washed out (and not look like your normal self) and you’ll be disappointed in your photos.
It’s also a smart idea in case you’re sunburned. Dabbing on a little foundation will help tone down any burns.
3. Think About Your Outfits
I always like to look at Instagram and other Venice photographers’ websites to get ideas of what to wear.
We ended up going with a variety of blues and I think it worked out well.
I was super tempted to dress my kids up as gondoliers with red and white striped shirts and black pants, but I wasn’t sure what my husband and I would wear.
4. Figure Out the Best Time of Day for Your Family
If you can swing it with your kids, early morning is definitely the best time to take photos in Venice. That’s because it can get CROWDED during the busy season.
We had a 7 am photo shoot in Venice and we couldn’t believe how often we had to wait for people to slowly move out of our shot.
That’s because there are lots of bridges and winding alleys and it makes it trickier to find angles without people in the background.
I’m so glad we did an early morning photo session. It got SO much more crowded as the day went on!
5. Choose Your Route Carefully
I knew that I wanted to really highlight that we were in Venice, so I booked the Rialto to San Polo route.
It was perfect for our family because we were able to get some great photos in both popular Venice spots as well as places off the beaten path.
6. Add an Incentive For Your Kids
Our kids always respond well to incentives for doing a good job at photo shoots. For this Venice Italy photography session, we promised them gelato.
We intended it to be “breakfast gelato” but we couldn’t find places that were open at 8 am, so we did a regular breakfast first and then hit up a gelato spot later in the morning.
7. Think About Props
I’m a huge fan of using props in photos! We ended up not having a change to grab any before our photo shoot in Venice.
But, a few of my ideas were Venetian masks (where we could either wear them or just hold them), gondolier hats, or Venetian fans.
How to Hire a Photographer in Venice Italy FAQs
How much is a photographer in Venice?
The cost of hiring a photographer in Venice varies depending on factors such as the duration of the photoshoot, the photographer’s experience, and the specific services provided.
Prices typically range from €150 to €500 or more.
Can you take photos in Venice?
Yes, you can take photos in Venice for personal use and as a way to capture your memories of the city.
However, it’s important to be mindful of any photography restrictions in certain areas, such as inside churches or museums, where photography may be prohibited or limited.
Where can I take pictures in Venice?
If you’re looking to take professional pictures in Venice, there are tons of choices from St. Mark’s Square to the Grand Canal.
What are the top Venice photography spots?
The top photography spots in Venice include Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) with its stunning architecture, the iconic Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal, and the picturesque neighborhood of Burano with its vibrant houses and charming canals.
Should I tip the photographer in Venice?
Tipping is not mandatory (especially in Italy) but is generally appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction for their services. It is customary to offer a tip if you are pleased with their work.
How to Hire a Venice Photographer Wrap Up
In the enchanting city of Venice, hiring a family photographer is an invaluable investment in capturing the details, moments, and beauty that will be treasured forever.
With their expertise in harnessing the play of light, a skilled photographer can artistically preserve your family’s memories, ensuring that the magic of Venice shines through in every frame.
These photographs become timeless keepsakes, forever encapsulating the essence and wonder of your Venice experience. Check the latest rates and availability.
Looking for more Venice travel inspiration? Check out my top Venice travel tips, how to spend 1 day in Venice with kids, things to do in Venice with kids, how to spend 10 days in Italy with kids, where to stay in Venice with kids, tips for visiting Italy with kids, Europe travel tips, and hidden gems in Venice!
