I had the spoiled privilege of studying architectural photography under the legendary wisdom of Mike Kelley (@mpkelley_), APAlmanac (@apalmanac), and Doublespace (@2spacephoto) at Podere Rombolino in Val D’orcia, Tuscany, Italy, in April of this year. 🇮🇹 A truly unparalleled and unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly shape my life and work moving forward.
Eleven photographers united together from across the globe, and convened at the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence, Italy, where we were summoned to either to a night in Paradiso (Heaven) or Inferno (and I was in Hell, twice). Come morning, after indulging in buttery croissants, fresh meats, cheeses, and juices from the breakfast buffet, we piled into black minivans racing down the Italian highways to our dreamscape villa. Arriving nearly carsick, our stomachs were soothed and comforted upon arrival as we were welcomed with homemade panzanella and fresh, Tuscan pizzas. Together we chased sunrise and sunset, and feasted like royalty, with three sumptuous meals per day by our incredible and gracious private chef and culinary master of the kitchen in the villa. We exchanged knowledge and shared our living and working experiences over fresh espressos by morning and bottles of wine by night, while exploring every inch of the villa, photographing its beauty from top to bottom, as collaboration flourished and we shared perspectives, insights, and points of view.
The villa was our homestead for three solid days, never once leaving the property (and never desiring to do so). We all slept peacefully in our own spacious bedrooms, all uniquely designed and differently appointed. I won best hand and was treated to the honeymoon suite where I had North, South, and West facing views of the surrounding valley landscapes out my windows from where I laid on my bed. My very own balcony overlooked rolling hills with volcanic mountain views out my doorstep. The sunset-chasing infinity pool below that overflowed onto the western hillside served more purpose as a reflection pool (or cold plunge, for some!) during this eye-opening experience.
I’ll return to these images and memories for the rest of my days 🌞
“The incomparable Podere Rombolino in Val D'orcia, Tuscany, was essentially restored from a crumbling ruin to one of the most incredible projects I have ever photographed. A lesson in timeless design mixing the contemporary and classic by @ilaria_miani_studio.”
- MIKE KELLEY
@mpkelley | mpkelley.com
“Endless vineyards and olive groves rolling over the hills. Iconic cypress trees standing tall. That golden Tuscan sunlight glowing over it all. It's like being in a fairytale! The kind of place that forces you to slow down and savor every moment. An absolute feast for the senses.”
- ALON BARHOM
@alonbarhom.photographer | alonbarhom.co.il
📍Podere Rombolino
Tuscany, Italy
🍇