Saint Peter’s Square – Under the Colonnade
We began beneath the colonnade of Saint Peter’s Square with the full group gathered together. The shade created a soft, even light that felt calm compared to the brightness of the square outside. It was a natural starting point for the first portraits. The stone columns formed long, repeating lines in the background, and we moved gradually between them, shifting position slightly to change perspective.
After a few family picture portraits, we also took candid shots of the children while they were waiting between different setups. They moved around, played a little, and shifted between moments of stillness and bursts of energy as the session unfolded.
The Open Square and Basilica Views
From there, we stepped into the open square near the basilica. The light was stronger and more direct, so there was a brief pause before continuing. We worked with different viewpoints against the basilica façade, keeping the group in the foreground while the architecture remained behind them.
In the central area of square, there is a marked viewpoint along the main axis of the square. From this position, the colonnades on both sides visually converge toward the basilica, creating a strong sense of symmetry. The local photographer from Rome knew of this area and took a few fun pictures of the children standing and trying to hold the position on the marked spot!
Fountain and water sprinkles
We continued toward one of the side fountains, where a light wind carried fine drops of water in the immediate area around it. Offering a brief refreshing moment during the session. After leaving the square, we followed Via della Conciliazione towards central Rome. The walk became part of the photoshoot in Italy, with photographs taken while the group moved forward. And the photographer backing up with them capturing a sequence of candid shots while walking with the basilica in the background!
Via della Conciliazione – Final Portraits
The final portraits were taken in the middle of Via della Conciliazione. The street was quieter than expected, likely due to the heat reflecting off the cobblestones. That allowed for a simple closing sequence with Saint Peter’s visible as backdrop!
Ready for a Vatican Family Photography session?
Time of the year: mid June
Time of day: 5:00 pm afternoon shoot
Duration: 1h photoshoot
Locations: San Pietro in Vaticano. Roma
Curated imagery by Andrea Matone Photography, a Rome-based photography studio specialising in outdoor portrait photo shoots across the city. This session at Saint Peter’s Basilica focused on natural, candid moments under the colonnade and within the open spaces of the square. The approach remained relaxed, allowing the group to move freely while offering gentle direction when needed. With experience across Rome’s most recognisable locations, including historic squares, fountains, and architectural landmarks, the work focuses on creating images that reflect both the people in front of the camera and the atmosphere of the city around them.
Out latest photo shoots taken from the Blog
Extended family portrait photo shoot at Saint Peter’s Basilica, moving through the colonnade, square, and fountains with a mix of poses and natural and candid moments
Travelling to Rome becomes more than a holiday. It creates the opportunity to slow down, spend time together, and leave with photographs that will continue to tell the story of that stage of life for years to come.
A family photo session through Rome, beginning at the Trevi Fountain, continuing to the Spanish Steps, and ending with portraits near the Colosseum.