Last summer, I had the pleasure of conducting an engagement photoshoot in my birthplace, Ancona. This unique city, with its myriad facets and deep connections to the sea, is always delightful to revisit. From our first meeting, there was a strong rapport with Annalisa and Michele. It wasn’t difficult to choose the perfect location for the engagement shoot: the “Passetto caves.” These caves, dug into the cliff by fishermen in the early 1900s to shelter their boats, are timeless and hold a special place in the hearts of those born in Ancona. Today, their descendants, known as “grottaroli,” spend their summers there, enjoying fresh fish and relaxation. The vibrant wooden doors and lights make the Passetto caves a magical and appealing location, both day and night.
Located beneath the cliff, the rocky beach of Passetto is part of the Conero Park and can be accessed via a large, long white staircase leading to the Adriatic Sea shore. It’s an ideal location for a timeless and romantic engagement shoot in Ancona. We decided to meet just after dawn on a summer morning, letting the light and the sea enhance the atmosphere. The city was still asleep. As the first rays of sunlight pierced the morning sky, we began our photoshoot. The city, usually bustling with life, was peaceful, its inhabitants were yet to start their day. The air was filled with the gentle hum of the sea and the cry of seagulls circling above.
The Passetto caves, with their colorful wooden doors, basked in the soft glow of the morning light, adding an ethereal quality to the scene. Their rich history and connection to the city’s past created a captivating backdrop, enhancing the romance of the moment. Annalisa and Michele, warmed by the golden sunlight, looked magnificent against the rugged beauty of the caves and the sea. Their love for each other was palpable, reflected in their shared smiles and tender glances. The photoshoot at the Passetto caves captured not just the love between Annalisa and Michele, but also the timeless charm of Ancona. The city, the sea, and the caves bore silent witness to their love story, adding depth and character to their engagement photos. As a native of Ancona, it was an honor to capture these moments in a place that holds such personal significance.
