Capturing an iconic image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a dream for many travelers. This majestic structure, known for its notable tilt, offers countless opportunities for stunning photography. So, how can you take that picture that just makes everyone say “Wow”? Let’s explore some handy tips to make your photos as breathtaking as the tower itself by giving you tips on how to snap the perfect shot.
For the featured image of this post, I did not shoot this with my camera. I found a webcam encompassing all the elements I wanted: the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Tower. When the light on the Tower was good and there were fewer people. I snapped the screenshot and then used Photoshop to straighten the image.
Timing is Everything
The magic hour, also known as the golden hour, refers to those enchanting moments just after sunrise and just before sunset. During this time, the sun casts a warm, soft light that brings out the beauty of the Leaning Tower. Can you picture it? The sky was painted in shades of gold and orange, highlighting every curve and angle of the tower. Aim for these times to add a touch of magic to your photography. For us, though, we had a narrow window in which to schedule our tour of the tower, and we had other things to do outside of that window. But we did manage to get a decent shot later in the afternoon. I like this one of Rick. The cloud cover added the sun blockage we needed.
Finding the Right Angle
There’s more than one way to capture this famous landmark. Experiment with different viewpoints. Have you ever thought about getting a low-angle shot? Lying on the grass and shooting upwards can create a dramatic effect that emphasizes the Tower’s height and tilt. Or, try standing far away and capturing the entire Piazza dei Miracoli for a great sense of place. Each angle can tell a different story—get creative and see what you discover! Here, you can see how we got a couple of different angles.
Play with Perspectives
The Leaning Tower beckons unique perspective shots that make viewers do a double-take. One fun trick is the classic “holding up the tower” pose, where you extend your hand as if you’re propping up the structure. This playful technique can add humor and a personal touch to your photos. Instead of a straightforward snapshot, why not turn that image into a lighthearted moment? You can see how the perspective looks different depending on how you position your subject against the tower. Below you can see the difference between Rick positioned closely to the Tower vs. more closely to the camera, away from the Tower.
Framing Your Subject
Use natural frames to enhance your composition. Trees, arches, or even fellow tourists can create interesting borders around the tower. By framing your shot, you guide the viewer’s eye directly to the Leaning Tower, making it the story’s hero. This little trick adds depth and context while keeping the main focus where it belongs. I did this with the first photo in this post, where you see the bend of the roadway go from the foreground to the background and curve around the Tower. We saw a lot of people who appeared to be taking pictures standing behind the angle of the tower, with their subject in front of them, seeming to push the tower on over. But even that wouldn’t come through in the photo because the angle of the Tower’s lean was away from them. I really should have taken pictures of the people taking pictures.
Mind Your Background
A stunning tower deserves a clean background. Before snapping your photo, take a second to check what’s behind it. Sometimes, all it takes is a slight shift in position to avoid distracting objects. You want the Leaning Tower of Pisa to shine without interruptions—like a star on a clear night. A simple, uncluttered backdrop helps the tower stand out beautifully. But getting a shot without the distraction of people is almost impossible. In the above shot, I waited until we were in the front of the line to get into the Tower and snapped this, which allowed me to get a picture without people and limited background interference.
Capture the Details
Zoom in on those intricate architectural features. The tower’s marble facade, the spiral staircase, and the surrounding sculptures provide endless details to explore. Close-ups can tell powerful stories and highlight the craftsmanship that makes this structure so special. Don’t shy away from getting personal—these details are what bring your photos to life! In the Tower itself, there are lots of opportunities for beautiful details. You can see from my size 6.5 shoe that the steps are pretty narrow.
Use Natural Elements
Incorporate elements of nature into your shots. Lush greenery, colorful flowers, or even dramatic clouds can frame your image beautifully. Imagine a shot where the Tower breaks through a canopy of blooming branches—a perfect blend of human artistry and nature’s charm. By including these elements, your photos become richer and more engaging. There weren’t many shrubs or trees around the Tower that we could see but the surrounding area is gorgeous and you can get some great shots outside the Tower from the top. We also got some lovely pictures of the river on the way to and back from the Tower. I did get a shot of the Battistero di San Giovanni on the lush, green lawn though. For the Tower, I relied a lot on the clouds.
Experiment with Editing
Once you’ve captured your ideal images, take time to enhance them through editing. Simple adjustments like brightness, contrast, and saturation can make a world of difference. Just like choosing the right spices for a delicious meal, a little editing can elevate your photos to a whole new level. But keep it natural—your goal is to showcase the beauty of the Leaning Tower authentically.
Most people I saw were using their phones to take pictures of the Tower and their friends/family, and the iPhone camera, in particular, has gotten so good you almost don’t need to have a “real” camera. But there are situations where you do still need a good camera — especially until Apple figures out how to add a good telephoto option. The thing about shooting with a digital SLR camera is that you can shoot in RAW, which allows the camera to take in and apply all of the information about the subject to your photos. This gives you greater flexibility when editing because you have those aspects of the photo to bring out more deliberately.
I use an application called easyHDR3. I originally got it to enhance the HDR images I took with my Canon R3. But I take a lot of photos that don’t work as HDR (the iPhone camera and probably other phone’s cameras automatically shoot in HDR). So sometimes I use easyHDR3 to enhance just one of my Canon’s photos. The app has multiple presets, but I typically use only a few that auto-adjust the lighting or colors slightly. Rarely do I need to adjust the values further than the preset’s adjustments.
Share Your Adventure
Finally, don’t forget to share your unforgettable moments! Whether on social media, blogs, or travel journals, showcasing your photographs allows others to appreciate your experience. Tagging locations and using relevant hashtags not only celebrates your journey but also connects with fellow travelers.
To snap the perfect shot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not just about the equipment or settings, it’s about enjoying the moment and expressing your creativity. With these tips, you’re well on your way to snapping a shot that’ll make everyone feel like they’re right there with you, experiencing the wonder of this iconic landmark. Happy snapping!
If you’re interested in visiting other parts of Italy, check out our posts on other cities and areas of Italy to visit.