Reviewed · ROME
Private Professional Photoshot in Rome & Video
Rome becomes your backdrop in this private photography session with Sertac Mercan, a world-traveling photographer who works in both daylight and night settings. You can shape the shoot around your own plans, from iconic city views to a marriage proposal or a family portrait.
I like the private format, since you are not sharing the camera time with strangers. I also like the generous file count: you receive roughly 150 to 200 photos, plus 25 edited images with professional lighting and the original files.
The main concern is delivery time. One person waited almost a month and a half for the images, so confirm the expected turnaround before you book. Also note that video is not included in the base package.
Key points to know before booking

- Two private hours in Rome: You have the photographer’s attention instead of working around a larger group.
- Flexible locations: You can help choose the places that matter most to you, including iconic Rome sights.
- Day or night photography: Sertac Mercan carries lighting equipment for different conditions.
- 150 to 200 photos: The shoot includes a large number of images, with 25 edited and the originals provided.
- English and Italian: Communication is available in both languages.
- Video costs extra: Add it only if moving footage is important to your plan.
A private Rome photo session with room to make it yours

This is less a fixed sightseeing tour and more a personal portrait session set around Rome. You are not handed a rigid route with a set list of stops. Instead, you can discuss locations and decide what kind of photographs you want.
That flexibility matters in a city like Rome. A couple may want romantic images near famous monuments. A family may prefer several easy stops with different backgrounds. A solo visitor may want a proper portrait collection rather than another arm’s-length phone picture.
The experience lasts two hours and is for your private group only. That makes the pace more comfortable than a public photo walk. You can stop to adjust clothing, change poses, or talk through the next setting without holding up a busload of people.
Sertac Mercan is the named provider, and the session is available in English or Italian. His work is described as international, with experience in locations around the world. That background may appeal to you if you want more direction than a friend with a camera can provide.
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Choosing between daylight and Rome after dark

The experience can work in daylight or at night. The provider specifically mentions having lighting for both conditions, so you are not limited to bright afternoon sessions.
Daylight generally gives you a clean, natural look. It can be a good choice for family portraits, relaxed couple photos, and images where you want Rome’s buildings and public spaces to read clearly behind you. Day sessions may also suit visitors who do not want to finish an activity late.
Night photography gives you a different mood. Artificial light can make streets, monuments, and evening settings feel more dramatic. If you like a more polished city look, the night option deserves serious thought.
You should still check the available starting times before booking. The exact time matters because Rome’s light changes by season, and the session may look very different in early evening than later at night.
The provider’s lighting equipment is a useful detail here. Rome is attractive after dark, but low light can make casual photographs blurry or flat. Professional lighting gives the photographer more control over faces and exposure.
Making the most of flexible locations

You can create the location plan instead of simply accepting a standard route. The available information does not name a fixed itinerary, so you should discuss your preferred places before the session.
A practical plan is to choose a small number of settings rather than chasing every famous sight in the city. Two hours can pass quickly once you include walking, posing, lighting adjustments, and changes between locations.
Think about what you want the photographs to show:
- A famous Rome setting for a clear sense of place
- A quieter backdrop for portraits where you are the main subject
- A romantic setting for a couple
- Several family group arrangements
- A special spot for a proposal or personal event
The photographer has accompanied a client to Rome’s most iconic places, which suggests that major city sights can form part of the session. Still, do not assume every monument or neighborhood is automatically included. Tell the provider what you want when you reserve.
If you are arranging a proposal, planning matters even more. The experience can be used for marriage proposals, including proposal preparation and production, but you should communicate the timing and setup clearly. The photographer needs to know when to remain discreet and when to begin directing the photographs.
What the two-hour session feels like

The tone is intended to be friendly and personal. Conversation is included, and that may sound minor, but it helps when you are not used to posing.
Most people do not naturally know what to do with their hands or where to look during a photo session. A professional photographer can give you simple direction, change your position, and help you work with the setting instead of standing stiffly in front of it.
The private group format also helps if your party includes children or older family members. You can focus on your own needs rather than keeping pace with strangers. The data does not promise special accessibility arrangements, though, so you should ask about the exact meeting place and walking involved if that is important for your group.
Because locations are flexible, the session may feel collaborative. You can explain whether you prefer candid-looking images, formal portraits, romantic poses, or a mix. The more clearly you describe your preferences, the easier it will be to use the two hours well.
This is not presented as a history tour. The purpose is photography, not an extended explanation of Rome’s past. You may visit famous places, but the photographer’s main job is to create good images rather than provide a detailed cultural tour.
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The photo package: plenty of files, fewer finished edits

The package includes unlimited photos during the shoot, described as roughly 150 to 200 images. You receive 25 edited photographs with professional lighting, along with the original files.
That is a useful split. The edited photographs are the ready-to-share selection. The originals give you a broader record of the session and may be useful if you want to choose different images later.
Twenty-five finished photographs is enough for a strong album, a set of social media images, or a family collection. The original files also mean you are not limited to the photographer’s chosen 25.
Still, you should ask what the editing process includes. The description specifies professional lighting and edited images, but it does not explain the exact retouching style, file format, delivery method, or delivery date.
That last point deserves attention. One person had not received the photographs after nearly a month and a half. This does not prove that every order will take that long, but it is a clear reason to confirm the expected delivery schedule before you pay.
Ask three direct questions:
- When will the original files arrive?
- When will the 25 edited photographs arrive?
- How will the images be delivered?
These questions cost nothing and can prevent disappointment after your holiday has ended.
Video is an extra, not part of the basic booking

The title includes video, but the package details make an important distinction: video is not included in the standard price. You need to check the available options if you want moving footage.
This matters most for proposals, anniversaries, family events, and other moments where sound and motion add something that still images cannot. A proposal photograph captures the instant, while video can preserve the approach, reaction, and conversation.
If you only want portrait photographs, the base package is easier to understand. If you want both stills and video, confirm the additional cost and exactly what is supplied before booking. Do not assume video comes automatically with the $146.14 price.
Is $146.14 per person good value?

At $146.14 per person, this is not a cheap snapshot session. The value depends on how much you care about having a private photographer and a large personal collection of Rome images.
For a solo visitor, the price may feel high compared with using a phone or asking a fellow visitor to take a few pictures. The difference is control, direction, lighting, and the chance to receive a planned set of images rather than a handful of accidental shots.
For a couple, the cost can make more sense because you are paying for two hours of private attention and a substantial number of files. It may also replace the need to ask strangers to photograph you repeatedly at different places.
Families and proposal clients may find the private setup particularly useful. A fixed public group session can be awkward when you need a specific pose, a surprise moment, or several combinations of family members.
The 25 edited photographs add value, while the original files give you more choice. The price is harder to judge if you mainly want video, since video requires an added option.
I would compare this experience based on the final product, not only the two hours on the street. Before booking, make sure the photographer’s delivery schedule and editing style match what you expect.
Who should book this Rome photography experience?

I would consider it a good fit for:
- Couples who want polished photographs together
- Solo visitors tired of self-timer portraits
- Families wanting a shared set of Rome images
- People planning a marriage proposal
- Visitors who prefer a private appointment to a public group activity
- Anyone interested in night photography with professional lighting
It may be less suitable if you want a detailed history tour, a fixed sightseeing itinerary, or video included in the basic rate.
You should also be ready to participate. Professional photographs are not a completely passive experience. You may need to follow posing instructions, adjust your position, and help decide which locations fit your plans.
Booking advice for a smoother session

Start by choosing your main purpose. Do you want couple portraits, a family record, a solo photo set, or a proposal? That answer will guide the locations, timing, and style.
Next, decide whether daylight or night suits you better. Night photography can look striking, but you should choose it because you like that style, not simply because it sounds unusual.
Send your preferred locations ahead of time. Since the session is flexible, clear planning helps avoid spending too much of the two hours deciding where to go.
If your booking involves a proposal or event, share the full plan with Sertac Mercan. The description specifically allows event photography and proposal preparation, so this is an area where advance communication is especially important.
Finally, ask about the image delivery timeline. The delayed delivery problem attached to one experience makes this the most important practical question. Save the answer in writing so you know what to expect.
Final verdict: a strong choice for personal Rome portraits
I would book this experience if you want private, directed photography and care about receiving a sizeable collection of Rome images. The flexible locations, English and Italian service, day and night lighting, and 25 edited photographs make it more useful than a quick souvenir snapshot.
I would pause before booking if video is essential, if you need a guaranteed fast delivery date, or if your main goal is learning about Rome’s history. Video costs extra, and the image turnaround should be confirmed in advance.
For couples, families, solo visitors, and proposal planners, this can be a practical way to leave Rome with photographs that include everyone. Just treat the delivery schedule as part of the booking decision, not an afterthought.
FAQ
Where does the private photography session take place?
The experience takes place in Rome, in the Lazio region of Italy. You can create locations as part of the private session, so you should discuss your preferred places when booking.
How long does the photography experience last?
The session lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability.
Is this a private activity?
Yes. The experience is for a private group, so you do not share the photography session with other customers.
Who provides the photography?
The provider is Sertac Mercan. The experience describes him as a professional photographer who has worked around the world.
Which languages are available?
The live guide and photography service are available in English and Italian.
How many photographs are included?
The session includes unlimited photographs during the shoot, with an approximate total of 150 to 200 images.
How many photographs are edited?
You receive 25 edited photographs with professional lighting, along with the original files.
Is video included in the price?
No. Video is not included in the base package. You need to check the available options if you want video.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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