These are some of my favorite and best photo spots in Rome: Here!

How to photograph the Colosseum without crowds

You literally can't! You could take the photos at sunrise come back later for your ticket admission, however, I am more of the mindset that you should photograph the space as it is and document the experience focus on the people. Take selfies! If you are looking for editorial style sessions you can book a Photographer in the city. Just know that's gonna require a lot of flexibility and time accommodations on your part to get there early before anyone arrives. For me that’s an un authentic way to photograph a place so I think photographers should capture the palace as it really was for them.

Rome photography itinerary suggestions:

If you are trying to get any of the spots without any tourists, you're going to have to get there literally at sunrise mean you're going to have to rotate the most popular attractions for each day of your trip. We got to the Trevi fountain around 8 AM and it was already busy with other people. it was open for people to walk up closer to the fountain without having to wait in line. So you definitely still want to do that!

The spots that are most important to me as a tourist include; the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and we would also have loved to hit up The Pantheon but it wasn't in the cards this trip.

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How to balance digital and film photography while traveling:

For For me, my motto has always been that ‘the best camera is the one that's in your hand,’ so, if that's your cell phone utilize that tool as best you can and don't feel guilty about having phone photos from your vacation. At the end of the day, you have the photos and you can edit them to look a different style if you prefer. The important thing is to take the photo when you see it, not later when you come back with a better or different camera.

I also like to pack one fun lens with my travel gear, for this trip I chose my wide angle lens and used it randomly throughout the trip, like all today I’m going to use my wide angle lens or the next day I’m only going to use film. Give yourself creative boundaries.

Photography gear to pack for Italy:

One digital camera or DSLR
1 film camera point and shoot
your trusted cell phone
One fun lens for your DSLR (like a wide angle, macro, tilt shift or other creative lens or tool)
An off camera flash - if you prefer nighttime photos with flash and only if you know how to use it really well and it will improve your images otherwise you're better off just using your point-and-shoot.

After the colosseum we ate lunch at La Nuova Piazzetta. The wait wasn’t too bad but it was warm and was about an 45 minutes for a table big enough for 4 people. So plan on getting in line before you’re actually hungry. Kids were well trained for this and I kept snack in my bag, I always have protein bars on me just in case they’re starving.

Here is our exact itinerary if you want to want to walk in our footsteps (although we deviated slightly and didn’t get to everything):

July 4 \\ Day 1: Historical Landmarks & Iconic Sights.

Morning depart hotel 8am Breakfast near Arrive Vatican 10am vatican Entrance at 10:30 guided tour. St. Peter’s Basilica (Free) Take in the grandeur of the Basilica and, if you're willing to climb, ascend the dome for a panoramic view (€10). We ended up doing a guided tour because it was the only way to see the Sistine chapel which was on my daughter's wish list. If I had planned ahead better I would've been able to get tickets without the guided tour earlier in the year but I waited a little bit until the last minute and this was our only option..

Early dinner/late lunch Forno Roscioli (Popular bakery for affordable meals) Grab a filling sandwich or pizza by the slice for around €8-10. It’s a great budget-friendly spot with high-quality food.

Afternoon/after dinner: Piazza Navona (Free) Stroll through Piazza Navona, famous for its baroque fountains and lively street performers. Perfect for people-watching and relaxing in the square.Villa Borghese Gardens (Free)After eating, take a leisurely walk through Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest public park. You can rent a bike, row a boat, or simply relax. Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (€10 admission). For an affordable museum experience, explore modern and contemporary art here, with works by artists like Klimt, Cezanne, and Van Gogh.

Day 2: Ancient Rome Exploration

Morning:Trevi Fountain (Free) Start your day early at the Trevi Fountain to avoid crowds. Throw a coin in and make a wish! Get pistachio cornetto at L' Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi. Find Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps (Free). A short walk from Trevi Fountain, head to the Spanish Steps. Climb to the top for a view of the square below, and explore the elegant Piazza di Spagna.

Breakfast: Antico Caffè Greco (Near Spanish Steps)Coffee and pastries for about €3-4. A historical café with a charming atmosphere, it's perfect for an authentic espresso experience.

Late Morning: Pantheon (Free) Walk to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Marvel at its architecture and the magnificent oculus.

Lunch:Pizzeria Baffetto (Near Piazza Navona)A favorite among locals for delicious pizza, with most items around €8-10. They offer thin, Roman-style pizzas that are well-reviewed and budget-friendly.

AFTERNOON:Colosseum (Free from outside, or €10 if you wish to enter with a basic ticket)Begin with the Colosseum, a breathtaking symbol of Ancient Rome. Walk around the outside and take photos, or enter if you'd like to explore the interior.Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (€10 combo ticket)If you're entering the Colosseum, the ticket also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, allowing you to wander through ancient ruins and learn about Rome’s history.

Dinner:Dar Poeta (Affordable pizza and pasta in Trastevere)A beloved pizzeria with pizzas ranging from €8-10. Known for its cozy vibe and great prices.ORTrapizzino (Affordable Roman street food)Finish your day with a Trapizzino, a hybrid of pizza and sandwich, stuffed with savory fillings for about €4-6 each.OR Pinsere Roma (Affordable pizza al taglio). Grab a slice of pizza for about €5-8. Pinsere is well-known for its crispy Roman-style pizza.

Tips:Gelato Stop: Try Gelateria La Romana for authentic, creamy gelato, with prices around €3 for a small cup.Transportation: Rome is very walkable, but if needed, buses and metro tickets cost around €1.50 per ride.

Depart Rome 11:55 am be at train station 10:30 am