Capturing The Magic of San Gimignano

The night before I captured these images of San Gimignano, a.k.a. Medieval Manhattan, Humeyra and I prepared our breakfast in our AirBnB inside the old town (wow, that was an experience, but maybe for another post?). We woke up early as planned. However, in a sudden rush, we grabbed our mini croissant sandwiches, took our gear and stormed outside as soon as we realised there was an incredible view because of the morning mist.

We usually get up too early—like dawn early—in our travels to take photos and videos because the light is much better, and the streets swarm with tourists even in the early morning after sunrise. So, we try to start taking photos around 6 or 7 am.

Our original intention was to take photos inside the city, on the streets while they were empty. We didn’t need to rush, and everything was going according to plan until we realised the mist and its potential to create magical landscapes. We wanted to catch the beautiful views from the hilltop, but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the streets of San Gimignano with few—preferably no—people. So, we charged to the spot we had decided to take pictures the previous evening. Humeyra took out her camera, and I set up the drone and took it off.

I love flying drones because, like all image-capturing technologies, they have a unique way of extending the human view. Also, I connect flying drones and travelling on a sublime level. Drones allow you to see where you travel in a bird’s eye view, and flying has always been associated with freedom, which is how I feel when exploring a new country or a foreign culture. Capturing images without restrictions of gravity is a liberating experience, in my humble opinion.

San Gimignano’s footage turned out pretty good; I believe they captured the enchanting essence of the moment very well. Later that morning, we managed to take fantastic pictures on the streets of the old town. I think taking photographs is a way of appreciating beauty, as well as collecting memories. I’m glad we captured these moments because they reflect our experience perfectly: ethereal, charming, tranquil.

By the way, I grabbed these images from videos, which are much better, I think.