Photographer and Videographer in Tuscany

My name is Giovanni Papini and I’m a professional photographer based in Tuscany. Weddings, christenings, birthdays, graduation ceremonies, maternity shoots, portraits, corporate events and sport: for the past twenty years, I’ve been capturing the moments that families and businesses don’t want to let pass without someone there to tell their story.

I work in a reportage style. This means that during a ceremony, I won’t move you around, line you up or interrupt anything: the photographs you’ll love most in ten years’ time will be the ones where nobody was posing. Staged shots are used where they make sense — portraits of the bride and groom, the family photo, the corporate portrait — and are kept to a minimum.

Alongside every photo shoot, I also film videos, because these days hardly anyone wants just photographs: they also want a one-minute clip to send to those who weren’t there.

What do I do?

Each service has its own page, setting out the options, times and frequently asked questions.

• Preparations, the ceremony, the reception and portraits, throughout Tuscany and on Lake Como. Video and photo booth services available on request.
• Christenings and ceremonies. The church ceremony, photographed without a flash and without moving from one spot, and the family celebration – that’s where the best moments happen.
• Birthdays and 18th birthday parties. Private parties and photo shoots at the villa – for children, 18th birthday celebrations and to mark milestones in adults’ lives.
• Graduation, pregnancy, portraits. Announcements, maternity photo sessions in the studio or at home, personal portraits and personal branding.
• Business and sport. Conferences, corporate portraits, competitions and teams, with fast delivery for those who need to publish straight away.

Where I work

I am based in Serravalle Pistoiese, in the province of Pistoia, and I work across all ten provinces of Tuscany: Florence, Prato, Pistoia, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Livorno, Arezzo, Siena and Grosseto.

Travelling to the neighbouring provinces — Pistoia, Prato, Florence and Lucca — is quick and the travel costs do not put a strain on the budget. I regularly travel throughout the rest of the region, and for weddings I also work outside Tuscany, on Lake Como.

How we work together

We start with a chat, not a price list. I’d rather find out what you really need and build a quote around that, rather than sell you a package that makes you pay for things you don’t need or leaves out exactly what was important to you.

After the event, you’ll receive a private, password-protected online gallery: the photographs within 72 hours, and the video montage within five days. The files can be downloaded in full resolution, ready for both print and the web. Your images will not appear in my portfolio or on social media without your written consent.

Why me?

I don’t have a short answer, and I’m wary of anyone who does. What I can say is that I answer the phone myself, I’m the one who takes the photos on the day of the event, and if any of your requests aren’t feasible, I’ll let you know in advance rather than charging you for them.