Historic Villas and Parks of Palermo
Where should we do our photo session is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from my clients.
On the one hand, it's nice to do it in a place that has importance and meaning for you, like a favourite park where you come regularly, where your kid has his or her favourite hiding spot or climbing tree.
But maybe you are looking for something new, your favourite park is closed for maintenance works or it does not suit as a photoshoot location because it's small, or there is some other issue. When choosing a location for your family photos, there are several things to consider - how big is this place, does it offer diversity in backgrounds and possible things to do, how easy is it to reach, does it have crowded periods which are better to avoid.
In this article, I'll talk about my favourite parks and gardens of Palermo that are perfect for a family photo shoot.
Villa Trabia
is a historic villa and public park in the center of Palermo. The park has its origin in the 18th century and is divided in two sections by a large central alley with a fountain.
What makes this park a great location for family photoshoot? Its size, it's big so even if it's crowded, it's possible to find a quiet area for photos. It has a lot of large trees, so you have good shade and can be more flexible with the time of your photo session. I did shoots there in the morning and also in the afternoon on sunny days, thanks to the trees bright sunshine was not a problem at all.
Villa Trabia has beautiful marble benches with carvings on the top part. Perfect for simple yet stylish photos of quiet moments like chatting and reading.
Two giant Ficus trees on the central alley is one of the favourite spots with my clients - one has huge roots that are almost like a bench, great for climbing, or sitting, or balancing. The other has such intricate trunk that it's almost like a maze with little tunnels and tiny chambers. Kids love to explore it!
Need space for more energetic activities? There are plenty of alleys for running, plenty of sticks for playing and little hills for climbing. There is also a playground, but it's usually quite crowded, so it's better to avoid it during the photo shoot.
Last but not least, villa Trabia is a great spot if you'd like to have grandparents join for the photos. Everything is within short and easy walking distance, and there are plenty of benches to sit and have some rest.
Villa Tasca
another historic villa with a big and beautiful park around it. It's private, so there is an entry fee to pay, and an option to get a seasonal pass.
A good location needs to have a variety of backgrounds, space and possibility for different activities. Villa Tasca delivers in spades. And again because it's big, it's possible to find less crowded spots without other people photobombing your pictures, or making you feel observed. It's a popular park with families, so it's still better to avoid very busy times like the week-end for your photo session. Evening is a better time to take pictures there - you get better light and more freedom, without being restricted just to the shadowy areas.
In villa Tasca you and your kids have plenty of options for what to do. You can swing on the hammocks among the olive trees or jump on tree stumps, run and hide between trees, play with sticks, have a picnic or read a book. It's perfect for a young explorer - so many different plants, blooms and leaves to spot and study. I love the open lawn area, it has gorgeous light at sunset, and bushes with blooms and tall grass provide a beautiful background for photos.
Like what I do? While you are here, get in touch, let's chat about photos of your family!
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