Florence Architectural Photography Shoot
Florence Photography Commission: Capturing Palazzo Buontalenti
A recent commission for View West Photography took us to Florence, Italy, to photograph the remarkable Palazzo Buontalenti, while also capturing the atmosphere, architecture and enduring character of this extraordinary city.
Situated near the edge of Florence’s first circle of city walls, Palazzo Buontalenti occupies a privileged location just a short walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Ponte Vecchio. It is a striking example of late 16th-century Florentine architecture: an elegant, frescoed property where history is not simply part of the setting, but fills every room.
Florence is rightly celebrated for its art, Renaissance architecture and cultural legacy. Long regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it became one of Europe’s great centres of artistic, political and commercial life. For anyone with an appreciation of art and architecture, working here is a genuinely special experience.
This was our first shoot in Florence, and photographing a property of this significance was unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this would be a project where the building itself would lead the visual direction. Every room within Palazzo Buontalenti offered another layer of interest: intricate frescoes, richly detailed walls, grand proportions and the kind of natural drama that cannot be recreated in a studio.
Photographing a historic Florentine interior
When photographing a property like this, the creative decisions are often guided by the architecture and artwork already present. The frescoes covering the walls dictated many of the angles and compositions; each frame needed to show the detail, scale and character of the property while allowing the interiors room to breathe.
Architectural photography is about the relationship between the details within a space. A ceiling fresco, a doorway, a piece of furniture and the light entering through a window all contribute to its atmosphere. The challenge is to bring these elements together in a balanced image, without letting the composition feel overly busy.
Once the composition was clear, the next consideration was styling. There is always a fine balance between decluttering a space for the camera and removing so much that it feels empty or un-lived in. Furniture and accessories can add warmth, scale and purpose, but they can also distract from the architecture if they are not carefully considered.
For this shoot, the aim was to retain the authenticity of the interiors while allowing the frescoes and original architectural details to remain the focus. Small adjustments can make a significant difference: moving a chair to create a cleaner sightline, removing an unnecessary item from a table, or repositioning a feature to improve the balance of the room.
Capturing the city around the property
After completing the interior photography, it was time to head out into Florence itself. A commission in a city such as this should not stop at the front door of the property. The location is a major part of its story, and photographs of the surrounding streets and landmarks help place the property in context.
Preparation is essential on any location photo shoot, so I had researched the architectural locations I wanted to capture in advance. Florence offers visual interest at every turn, but working efficiently still requires a plan. With a small backpack and travel tripod, I was able to move quickly between locations and remain flexible as I worked.
The day involved a couple of taxi journeys and plenty of walking through the city’s historic streets. Travelling light was important when moving between busy areas and trying to capture a selection of locations within a limited time. The travel tripod made it possible to work quickly while still maintaining the precision required for architectural photography.
The resulting collection of images tells a fuller story: not only of a magnificent Florentine property, but of the city that surrounds it. From its grand landmarks to the smaller architectural details found along the streets, Florence provided an extraordinary setting for this photography commission.
Luxury hotel and hospitality photography
At View West Photography, we create considered hotel photography for distinctive properties, hospitality brands and luxury destinations. As an experienced hotel photographer and architectural photographer, our work is focused on communicating the identity, atmosphere and design of every space.
Whether working as a luxury hotel photographer, luxury hospitality photographer or luxury resort photographer, the approach remains the same: create refined, story-led images that make guests feel connected to a destination before they arrive. This can include interiors, architecture, food and drink, amenities, and the details that define a memorable stay.
We also work as a hotel lifestyle photographer and luxury travel photographer, capturing the experience around a property as well as the spaces themselves. For clients seeking a high end hotel photographer or luxury brand photographer, imagery should feel both aspirational and authentic, showing not only what a property looks like, but how it feels to be there.
Luxury hotel photography is most effective when it combines technical precision with a strong understanding of brand, place and guest experience. Palazzo Buontalenti was an exceptional example of this: a property where art, history and location combine to create something truly distinctive.
Final thoughts
Preparation is everything in architectural photography, particularly when working on location. Understanding the property, researching the surrounding area, planning the key images and remaining ready to adapt to the space are all central to a successful shoot.
To find out more about our photography services, get in touch with View West Photography. You can also view our gallery.
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