Rome is a fascinating city. Just thinking about its thousands of years of history can spellbound any person. The history is evident all over the city, in ruins, in incomparable buildings all from the earliest periods up until today, and not the least in the Roman culture and attitude.
The latter was what I was trying to capture during the photo workshop lead by the Swedish photographer Martin Bogren, I attended two weeks ago. I roamed the streets away from where the tourists the usual ramble. Photographing regular Romans of today—in their many shapes and appearances. It was actually so pleasant to not have to visit any of the big attractions, but rather experience the “real” Rome.
Here are a few last images I will post from my very rewarding trip to Rome.
In Flow with Otto 
Fabulous images. I agree, escaping the tourist trail is important, wherever you visit.
Yes. Of course, you don’t want to travel to Rome and not see any of its big attractions. But luckily enough for me, I have been in Rome before and done that. 🙂
Some great images, Otto….and one definitely needs to get away from the beaten track, lose those tourists
It’s such a pleasure to get away from the beaten tracks. Thank you, Sue.
Absolutely!
Rome is wonderful – especially if one gets away from the tourists … and your images are wonderfully fabulous!
Thanks a lot, Frank.
Amazing photos. Real life in Rome for sure.
I tried to. Thank you, Alison.
Hi Otto, What an exciting group of portraits that capture the spirit of the people. Your post-processing is fantastic as are your compositions and close proximity to your subjects. Terrific and inspiring work.
I am really glad you like it. Thank you, Jane.
Enjoyable to look at your photos Otto. I like the low key monochrome. It adds to the feeling of the historic.
Happy to hear. Thanks for the feedback, Richard.
Excellent feeling in these, Otto. Roma!
It was quite an exciting week to be in Roma. Thank you for the comment, Ann-Christine.
Thank you, Jane. Always a great pleasure hearing from you!
?
Sorry – but the same goes for you, Otto!
Breathtaking series Otto, wow!
Awesome gritty portraits, and so very Rome!
Thanks a lot. 🙂
Impressively processed photos…Love them
I appreciate your feedback. Thank you, Paula.
Wonderful photos that capture the way a city is about its people. I love the atmospheric quality of these photos.
I am happy you do. Thank you, Suzanne.
Your experience in Rome certainly has inspired you. Your portraits are emblematic of this Italian urban center and its vibrancy.
I felt very inspired in Rome, and had a great time. 🙂
Love these photos. Each one a study of a hinted-at personal story.
We all have a personal story, and I think for most photographers we try as best as possible to show the story or at least give a hint of it, as you say.
I really enjoyed these b/w “people” images. Each one seems to have their own story hiding behind their expression. Fabulous!
Thank you, Deb.
Beautiful work, Otto. Taking “up close” photos is something that I have never been very comfortable with, but you have certainly mastered it.
It takes some getting used to, but it can be great fun.
Fascinating images, Otto.
Thank you, Sylvia.
yes, I like the angle from which you shoot, the darkness and your subjects!
Thanks a lot, Jane.
Brilliant collection. I like these very much.
I am glad to hear that. Thank you, Isabella.
This black and white treatment adds real interest to the human element. I really like it! Beautiful pix.
Thank you so much, Syd.
What a different perspective on Rome! I really enjoyed looking through this post.
Thank you for the kind comment.
I’m not really into street photography, but I have to say this is the strongest set you’ve shown us from that trip so far. Interesting post processing too.
Thank you for your feedback, Dave. Much appreciated.
Lot of characters, captured with some great skill from you, Otto. 🙂
Thank you, my friend.
I am glad you enjoyed capturing some of the lesser-known faces of Rome, Otto. Just out of interest-is it customary to obtain people’s consent before taking their portrait, or does one try to catch them unawares? It is interesting how our behaviors and expressions change when we know that someone is photographing them.
There is no “rule” as such for how to approach photographing people on the street. But two approaches – at least. One is to be the fly on the wall, observing and photographing without connecting with people – which means not asking for consent. The other is establishing a connection and use that connection to create images. Naturally then, there will be a consent – or not, in which case there won’t be any photographs. As you indicate, the two approaches give quite different results.
That’s what I thought, Otto. Even though I find people’s faces and expressions fascinating, I feel slightly voyeuristic if I capture them on film, which might be why I take photos of floral and feathered faces. 🙂
Np doubt it can be voyeuristic. Although in public areas, it’s not like people don’t know they are seen by others, and thus behave accordingly.
these pictures are very Karsh meets the streets!
That is a characteristic I like very much. Honoured I should add. Thank you so much, Elaine.
I just call ’em like I see ’em 🙂
Like the others you posted, these are just, well, there are no words. They are so good! There is so much emotion and life, and at the same time, there is a keen aesthetic at work. Again, I’m happy for you and I thank you for sharing this experience.
And thank you for the lovely feedback. They warmed my heart,
Another very powerful collection. It was clearly a very stimulating workshop.’ I am very aware of a sculptural quality in several of these images which intensifies the impact, for me.
It was indeed very stimulating. I had a great time – to say the least. 🙂
Such strong dramatic portraits, Otto – you’ve revealed a quality of Rome that I’ve experienced the but have never seen captured in photos. Bravo!
Thank you for the beautiful words, Lynn. Much appreciated.
I’m not even sure what words to use to best describe these stunning photos, Otto. They’re really stunning! I don’t know how to speak of the lighting and dramatic effects. I don’t have the best photography vocabulary, but I just have to tell you how much I admire your talent, and I think the images are fabulous, Otto! Really special!
What you say means a lot to me, Debra. Words aren’t always easy to use with photos, so I all the more appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
Interesting characters, any of whom could be a story in themselves.
I agree, to ,me they look like they all carry a story. Thank you for the comment, Linda.
I love these images!!! They all seem like you could reach out and touch them. They are alive! Real. The textures are incredible. My favourite is the 3rd one of the 2 men. I can almost feel their bristley beards.
I am very happy you like them. Thank you for the lovely feedback, Michelle.
Another great street portraits!
Thank you, Morei.
Incredibly vibrant images!
Thank you, Sidran.
Great additions to your ‘Roman Stance’ set!
Thank you, Denise.