While I’m not a selfie-chaser, I do get genuine joy from a well-taken family photo for the memory books to capture beloved travel moments. The problem is that if I want to be in the photo with my family, chances are better than average that the photo will be good, not great, when the moment is captured via a favor from a stranger with an iPhone. A preferable plan is when the photo is guaranteed to be better than I could take myself. Enter the beautiful business of professional vacation photos and Pix Around.
I met the Italian owner of Pix Around, Francesca Onidi, at recent luxury trade show in Florence. While Francesca has a lengthy resume in the travel industry, she started her business from scratch and the company now offers travel photography services in 150 destinations. All photographers are professionals and Pix Around has received rave reviews, so I gave them a try on my own multigenerational family vacation last summer at the spectacular Villa Fontelunga in Tuscany. Nineteen family members gathered to celebrate a long list of milestone moments … 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays! We had plenty of reasons to toast one another and we wanted to remember those moments. With ages ranging from 4 to 80 and a number of family branches at play, it was a project to get everyone together in the right places, but we did it and got fabulous results.
Our photographer, a delightful Italian woman, kept calm and led us around to different parts of the garden that would be wonderful for photos. She understood how to optimize the afternoon light in a way that we’d never consider … and took posed photos but also managed to capture smiling candids of both the children and adults. Some of the photos we never planned on taking were our favorites. Isn’t that how it always works?! The beauty of the unexpected. The final photos are delivered in a link that is seamless to manipulate, even for non-tech-savvy family members.
Pix Around is a great value for the quality of the product and deliverables. Entry-level pricing is 250€ for 30 minutes where clients bet 20 photos. Families don’t have to buy framed photos; they get the original digital proofs, primed and ready for Christmas card season. Families who want longer sessions can opt for a 330€ option that yields 40 photos. These sessions can be purchased as a gift card and also make wonderful holiday presents. Our Advisors can book special Ciao Bambino packages as part of custom itineraries where our clients get a few more photos included … but regardless, Pix Around is a wonderful option for families exploring the world together.
Relevant Links:
Browse all family travel ideas and experiences on Ciao Bambino
How to plan a multigenerational family vacation everyone will love
Best tips for a multigenerational family trip to Europe
Tips to make multigenerational travel fun for all
52 things to know before traveling to Italy with kids
Essential tips for a farm stay in Tuscany with kids
Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.
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