A Photographer in Rome
St Peter’s Basilica from the River Tiber
I’ve always been a one-genre photographer: the outdoors. It was the natural landscapes I spent so much time in that inspired me to become a photographer. I loved it, and it gave me even more reason to explore new, wilder places I might not have otherwise seen. But of course, when a creative person focuses on one thing for so long, it often leads to burnout.
That’s the stage I found myself in for the better part of a year. I felt no sense of direction in my creative pursuits and no burning desire to create anything meaningful—until I discovered street photography.
My first introduction to the genre was a trip to Cuba in 2022, where I spent a week in Havana. It was possibly the best city I could have visited to jumpstart my interest in street photography, and one where a seasoned street photographer could truly have a field day.
Capitol Square, Havana
That trip completely changed my perception of this style of photography. It was about finding moments along the way—keeping one eye on everything you're experiencing and the other on what’s happening around you. There are always scenes and stories to photograph on every corner, ones that can never be documented again because they exist only in that moment. It wasn’t what I had naively imagined: lurking around street corners with a camera, looking somewhat shifty.
My second city break took me to Porto.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I’m now standing in the post-Brexit security line, about to catch a flight to the Italian capital, Rome. It’s also my 30th birthday, and for the second year in a row, I’m spending it in an airport. This marks my first time traveling to Italy, and I’ve packed two cameras, excited at the chance to create photos in such a historic city.
In classic British tradition, of course, our pint in the terminal almost causes us to miss our flight. We’re now running through Newcastle Airport, three-quarters of my Beavertown IPA left at the bar, and just as the gate is about to close, we’re shuffling down the stuffy Jet2 aisle to begin our journey to the Eternal City.
Flying over the Alps (I think)
Like many other cities, Rome turns out to be a blend of ancient history and modern life. The grandeur of its ancient landmarks quickly transitions into charming cobblestone streets. The food is as delicious as I’d expected, and the people are just as warm and kind. Wide-eyed, I made a conscious effort to document both the people and the place on this trip. A sunrise at the Colosseum felt like a Rome rite of passage, so I reluctantly did that—alongside too many TikTok aficionados to count.
Here are some of my favourite photos from that week. My journey into exploring street photography continues...
