Life's celebrations deserve to be remembered as they actually happened. Not the posed group shots everyone dreads, but the real moments—your grandmother laughing at a joke during dinner, kids running wild with cake-covered faces, friends dancing badly and not caring, the quiet conversations that matter more than the main event.
As a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Rome, I've spent years capturing authentic moments in natural light. Whether it's a milestone birthday, an anniversary celebration, a family reunion, or any gathering that brings people together—I document what actually happens. No staging, no artificial poses, just your day as it unfolds.
WHAT I PHOTOGRAPH
Celebrations Worth Remembering
Every celebration is different, but my approach stays consistent: natural light, invisible presence, authentic moments. I work unobtrusively, capturing your event as it unfolds—the planned moments and the unexpected ones that become your favorite memories.
Birthday Celebrations
Milestone birthdays, surprise parties, family gatherings around someone's special day. From intimate dinners to full celebrations with dozens of guests.
Anniversaries
Wedding anniversaries, business milestones, any celebration marking time and achievement. Whether it's just the two of you or a room full of friends and family.
Family Reunions & Gatherings
Extended family coming together, holiday celebrations, summer gatherings, any time your people are in one place. Multi-generational photos, cousin chaos, grandparents with grandchildren, the whole beautiful mess of family life.
Private Parties & Celebrations
Graduation parties, retirement celebrations, housewarming gatherings, or simply because you wanted to bring people together. If it matters enough to celebrate, it matters enough to remember properly.
Beyond Still Photography:
While photography is my primary focus, I can also coordinate video documentation for celebrations where moving images would add value. Short highlight films or longer coverage, always maintaining the same documentary approach. This involves bringing professional videographers onto my team who work seamlessly alongside the photography coverage.
MY APPROACH
Documentary Celebration Photography
I photograph celebrations the same way I photograph everything else—as documentary work. This means reading the room, anticipating moments before they happen, positioning myself for natural light and honest emotion. I'm not directing scenes or asking people to repeat moments. If it happened, I captured it. If it didn't happen, it's not in your photos.
This approach works because celebrations are naturally full of authentic moments. Your job is to be present with your people. My job is to document that presence honestly. The laughter that erupts when someone tells that story again. The way children gravitate toward certain relatives. The dancing that starts tentatively and builds into joyful chaos. The quieter conversations happening in corners while the party continues.
I work throughout Rome and can travel for celebrations elsewhere in Italy. Whether your event is in a private home, a rented venue, a restaurant, or outdoors in a park or garden, the approach adapts but the philosophy remains: natural light whenever possible, invisible presence always, authentic moments above everything.
You'll receive your edited images within two weeks through a private online gallery. Every meaningful moment, beautifully captured, ready to download and share with everyone who was there.
WORKING TOGETHER
Simple Process
Every celebration starts with a conversation about what you're planning and what matters most to you. How many people, what kind of event, which moments you're hoping I'll capture, how long you need coverage.
Based on that discussion, I'll provide a clear proposal covering duration, deliverables, and investment. For most private celebrations, coverage ranges from two hours for intimate gatherings to full-day documentation for larger events.
On your celebration day, I arrive early to understand the space and light, then work unobtrusively throughout. Most guests won't even notice I'm there until they see the photos later and wonder how I captured moments they didn't think anyone saw.
You'll receive your edited images within two weeks through a private online gallery. High-resolution downloads included. Every image I consider portfolio-quality from your celebration.
Investment:
Private celebration coverage is customized based on your specific event. Factors include duration, guest count, whether you want video coordination, and any special requests. Most celebrations typically range from €400 to €800 depending on these factors.
Let's discuss your celebration and I'll provide a detailed proposal that fits your needs and budget.
Email: info@matteotorre.com | WhatsApp: +39 329 7413254 | I respond within 48 hours
FAQ
Do you work outside Rome?
I'm based in Rome and know the city's venues and light intimately. For celebrations elsewhere in Lazio or other Italian regions, I can travel with appropriate fees. Contact me with your location and we'll discuss.
How many hours of coverage do most celebrations need?
It varies widely. A small birthday dinner might need two hours. A full celebration with ceremony and reception might need four to six hours. We'll discuss your timeline and I'll recommend appropriate coverage.
Can we choose which photos you deliver?
I deliver all images from your celebration that meet my quality standards. This typically means 40-80+ images for a few hours of coverage, more for longer events. I curate to ensure consistent quality rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of mediocre shots.
What if children are running around and won't pose?
Perfect. Children being themselves creates the best photos. I don't ask kids to pose or perform—I document them being exactly who they are. Those authentic moments of childhood joy are what you'll treasure.
Do you photograph religious or cultural ceremonies?
Yes. I approach all ceremonies with respect for their significance and traditions. First Communions, cultural coming-of-age celebrations—I document these with understanding of their importance while maintaining my documentary approach.
Can you coordinate video coverage too?
Yes. I work with professional videographers who can document your celebration alongside my photography. This adds to the investment but provides complete documentation across both media. We'll discuss if video makes sense for your event.
What about bad weather for outdoor celebrations?
I adapt. Rain can create beautiful photography if we embrace it. For outdoor events with weather concerns, we'll discuss backup plans and timing options. I've photographed countless events in varying conditions—I know how to work with whatever happens.
Do you provide prints or albums?
I provide high-resolution digital files through online gallery. You're free to print wherever you prefer. If you want professional album recommendations, I can suggest services I trust. These would be separate from the photography fee.
What's the difference between this and your wedding coverage?
Weddings are comprehensive, all-day documentation of a specific cultural event with particular expectations. Private celebrations are more flexible, shorter duration, varied types of events. The documentary approach is the same—different scope and scale.