Stephanie’s family between vineyards and the Oak Tree of Witches
When families travel to Italy, many choose to book a family photoshoot in Tuscany to preserve their time together. As a Tuscany family photographer based near Lucca, I often work with families staying in private villas across the region.
Stephanie’s request was slightly different
Instead of shooting inside the villa where they were staying near Orentano, in the province of Pisa, she asked for locations that truly reflected the Tuscan landscape.
From the many options I suggested — including famous destinations like Val d’Orcia, Chianti, Lucca, Pisa and Florence — we eventually chose two places that were very close to each other, yet visually very different: the hills of Gragnano, between Lucca and Collodi, and the legendary Oak Tree of Witches.
Two iconic Tuscan settings.
Two very distinct atmospheres.
Among the vineyards of Gragnano
We began the photoshoot in the vineyards of Gragnano, using the rows of vines as a natural backdrop. In the distance, you can see the Lucchesi plain and the Fucecchio marshes, adding depth to the landscape.
The light was soft, open, and balanced — ideal for family portraits without forcing poses or expressions. The idea was simple: allow each family unit to have their own moment, and then bring everyone together for group portraits.
Grandparents, siblings, children.
Three generations together in the Tuscan countryside.
Under The Oak Tree of Witches – A Tuscan Icon
For the second part of the photoshoot, we moved to the legendary Oak Tree of Witches, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Lucca countryside.
Legend says this tree inspired Carlo Lorenzini — known worldwide as Collodi — when imagining the scene in Pinocchiowhere the puppet is hung by the brigands.
Whether legend or reality, the tree has a powerful presence. Its massive, twisting branches create a dramatic and timeless atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the open vineyard landscape.
Here we focused on additional family portraits and smaller group combinations, letting the structure of the tree frame the subjects naturally.
A relaxed family photoshoot in Tuscany
This session was not about complex storytelling or elaborate staging.
Stephanie was in Tuscany with her parents, her husband, her daughters, and her siblings with their own families. The goal was simple: create meaningful images in authentic Tuscan locations.
Ten final images were selected — each one representing a different connection within the family.
Sometimes, that’s all you need.
If you are planning a trip and looking for a family photographer in Tuscany, whether near Lucca, Pisa or in the surrounding countryside, a relaxed and natural photoshoot can become a meaningful part of your experience.