The first time I visited the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany in Italy was more than a decade ago. I had seen countless photographs of rolling fields draped over gentle hills, iconic farmhouses such as Belvedere and, of course, the elegant cypress trees that have become synonymous with the area. Many of those images shared something special: exquisite light, often accompanied by mist lingering in the valleys. For a landscape photographer, this combination feels almost irresistible; a recipe for unforgettable photographs.
However, much like photographers travelling to the national parks of Africa in search of the Big Five, many people visit Tuscany with a checklist of famous locations in mind. Before my trip, I spent hours browsing the internet, yet I found myself looking at the same celebrated viewpoints over and over again. Although I expected to enjoy the photography, I also assumed that the opportunities would be concentrated around a relatively small number of well known locations.
The mission
As I have mentioned before, I am never content with photographing only the classic scenes when I visit a new destination. I enjoy pushing beyond familiar boundaries and leaving no stone unturned. Tuscany was no exception. This was not simply a photographic holiday; although it was certainly one of the most enjoyable I have experienced. It was also a reconnaissance trip for future workshops. I want those who travel with me to experience a destination in its entirety, not just its famous landmarks. The greatest rewards often come from exploring a little farther, taking an unfamiliar road, or simply allowing curiosity to guide the journey.
The surprise
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Tuscany had far more to offer than its celebrated viewpoints. Villages such as Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Monticchiello, as well as the small town of Pienza sit proudly on hilltops, creating skylines that glow beautifully during the golden hours. Their architecture reflects the character of a bygone era, with warm natural stone and earthy colours blending effortlessly into the surrounding landscape.
The narrow cobbled streets are full of photographic opportunities. Weathered doors, colourful shutters, flower-filled windows, quiet corners, and people going about their daily lives all provide endless inspiration. With only a little imagination, photographs begin to reveal themselves naturally, flowing one after another like a stream after a sudden downpour.
The views from these villages are equally captivating. Looking across the valleys, your eyes can wander for miles over fields, vineyards, and distant hills. A touch of haze, or better still, a veil of morning mist, introduces atmosphere and depth, transforming an already beautiful landscape into something truly memorable.
Culinary delights
Of course, no visit to Tuscany would be complete without mentioning the food. After long hours behind the camera, sitting down to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine is an experience in itself; simple, honest, and utterly delicious. Fresh pasta, locally produced cheeses, cured meats, and excellent olive oil are accompanied by wines that have made the region famous throughout the world.
Whether dining in a family run trattoria or a small village restaurant overlooking the rolling hills, every meal becomes part of the journey. It is the perfect way to unwind, while reflecting on the day and planning the next adventure.
I am one of those photographers who rarely takes large numbers of images. I would rather create fewer photographs that have been carefully planned and thoughtfully composed. My approach is to slow down, study the landscape, and refine every element of the composition, much as many of us did during the days of film photography.
Tuscany, however, is one of those rare places where an exception seems perfectly justified. Even if you normally work at a measured pace, you will probably need more memory cards than you expect. There is a photograph waiting around almost every corner; quite literally. Whether it is a winding gravel road leading towards a solitary cypress tree, the gentle curves of freshly ploughed fields, or the subtle colours of dawn spreading across the hills, the landscape constantly invites you to stop and look again.
Reflections
Looking back, I realise that Tuscany has become one of my favourite photographic destinations. As long as you appreciate clean, harmonious, and beautifully maintained landscapes, the possibilities are almost endless. More importantly, it is a place that continually rewards exploration. The famous locations deserve their reputation, but it is often the quieter, less celebrated corners that leave the deepest impression and keep drawing me back.
