ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Diane Epstein, M.A. is a fine art and travel photographer specializing in images of Italy, and has lived in Rome since 1995. She facilitates individuals and groups with their creative pursuits, offering coaching, retreats and workshops in Italy, helping people to realize their dreams. She organizes photography shoots in Italy where she takes visitors to the outdoor markets, piazzas, and hidden treasures, bringing to life the culture of food, art and ancient beauty, recording the experiences of those who have chosen to taste, feel, touch and see Rome as the Romans do.

In the last couple of years Diane has had several solo photography shows in Italy including exhibits at the Belgian Ambassador's Residence, John Cabot University and Il Chiostro Boccarini in Amelia,Umbria; and at La Bottega del Caffe', and participated with other artists in exhibitions at the American Academy in Rome, and at Al Vicario 31, next to the Italian Parliament.

A NOTE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER

"With my camera in tow I often leave my home without a destination. I wander over the stone bridges, through the narrow, crooked streets of Rome until I find myself in a magnificent piazza. While observing everything around me it is as though I have a sixth sense, a new perspective. I become aware of the flush in the woman's face as she hangs her laundry in the window sill above, the golden crack in the fresco wall, the shadow that reflects through the archway in the ancient courtyard, the light that illuminates the fabric on a street artist quietly entertaining people, or the bountiful fruit in the rickety, wooden stands that beg you to partake of its sweet, juicy pleasure.

I never thought I could live in a big, bustling city until I came to live in Rome. Perhaps it is the water that keeps me here. It continually flows over the weathered, naked stone, and reaches a part of me that at other times is inaccessible. The arching fountains suddenly appear out of nowhere, appeasing my thirst and filling my spirit. It is always the colors -- the burnt apricot, tangerine, corals, and saffrons against the azure sky -- that warm me, that keep me awake and satisfied. Perhaps, above all, it is the romani. I am seduced by their charms --watching them in action, performing for one another: gesticulating madly with their hands, with their whole bodies, dressed to be noticed, often touching, in pairs or groups, rarely alone. And if one is da solo, he is talking on his telefonino, still gesturing as if he were walking side by side with a companion. I am touched by the simple genius of a worn down mosaic floor or the texture and grandeur of the immense Roman columns.

I am continually surprised by what I discover around every turn, and it is difficult to imagine ever running out of things to see and photograph in the Eternal City and it's splendid surroundings. When I am overwhelmed by the chaos, the noise, and constant movement, I slip into a courtyard or back alley, or I escape to the sanctuary of my home, gather all the tasty vegetables, fruits and herbs I have collected on my journey, and prepare some colorful concoction. There is nothing like keeping up the Italian tradition of sitting down with la famiglia to a steaming plate of pasta and hearing all about everybody's day."

The photographs throughout this web-site are available for purchase. Prices, sizes and order forms can be obtained from the purchase page.