Frequently Asked Questions

Why Book a Photoshoot in Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre offers an unparalleled backdrop for capturing your most treasured memories, and booking a professional photographer ensures you have a timeless keepsake of your experience in this stunning region. Whether you’re marking a special occasion like an anniversary, baby-moon, or proposal, or simply want to celebrate your love and connection, a photoshoot in Cinque Terre is the perfect way to preserve those moments. Many of my clients also book a shoot to commemorate a family holiday or to capture beautiful portraits during their travels.

With its breathtaking landscapes and romantic charm, Cinque Terre is the ideal location to capture the essence of your travels or special occasion. Instead of worrying about selfies or asking strangers to take your photo, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience while I create a curated collection of beautiful, professional images.

No matter the reason, you’ll walk away with a set of natural, timeless photographs that beautifully reflect the essence of your time in Cinque Terre. These images will be something you can treasure for years to come, evoking all the joy and love of your special moments.

How do I book a photoshoot?

To book a photoshoot, please visit the Inquiry page and complete the form to let me know a bit about what you envision for your photoshoot. If you’re booking just a day or two in advance, please reach out directly via WhatsApp (preferred), phone or email to ensure I receive your message quickly for a faster response.

How long in advance should I book my photoshoot?

I accept a limited number of bookings each month to ensure that I can dedicate the time and attention each photoshoot deserves. I recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for popular dates, to allow ample time for us to discuss your vision and tailor the perfect experience for you. However, if you have a last-minute request, I will do my best to accommodate it, depending on availability.

What is the best time of day for my photoshoot?

The best time for photoshoots in Cinque Terre is typically early in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and flattering. I recommend avoiding midday for outdoor shoots as the light can be harsh, creating shadows that are less ideal for portraits. If you have specific time preferences, please let me know, and I’ll work to accommodate them within the best lighting conditions.

How long will my photoshoot last?

The duration of your photoshoot depends on the package you select. My Signature Cinque Terre Experience package lasts 90 minutes, while other packages, such as the The Coastal Awakening, can last several hours or even span multiple days. Please refer to the individual package descriptions, which can be found on my Photography Collections page, for more details.

How Long Should I Book For?

The duration of your photoshoot will depend on the package you choose. For a classic, relaxed session, 90 minutes is the most popular option and is ideal for couples or small groups. This gives us enough time to explore the iconic locations and capture a variety of stunning shots without feeling rushed.

If you’re looking for a more extensive experience—perhaps with a broader selection of backgrounds or a visit to another town—a longer photoshoot might be the better choice. For those who want to fully document their time in Cinque Terre, full-day and multi-day photoshoots are also available. These provide plenty of time to visit multiple locations and even capture activities such as boat trips or cooking classes.

For further details on the different packages and the exact durations, please refer to my Photography Collections page.

What’s Included in My Photoshoot Experience?

When you book your photoshoot, we’ll begin with a detailed discussion via email about your vision for the session. During this time, I’ll get to know more about you, your style, and any special requests you might have. For some packages, we’ll also schedule a video call to ensure everything is perfectly aligned for your shoot. Whether it’s via email or video call, I’m dedicated to providing thorough, personalized guidance and advice.

Once we’ve aligned on the details, I’ll plan a tailored route through Cinque Terre’s most picturesque spots, ensuring we create a cohesive set of stunning photographs. Whether you’re looking for romantic moments, family memories, or candid snapshots, I’ll guide you through the session to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. No prior experience is necessary—my goal is to help you look and feel your best while capturing the natural beauty of the region.

After the photoshoot, I’ll carefully curate a collection of images that reflect your special moments. As soon as your photos are ready, I’ll send you a link to your private, bespoke online gallery, where you can view and download your fully edited, high-resolution images. You’ll also receive detailed care instructions to preserve the longevity of your digital files.

From the planning stage to the final delivery of your images, I’m committed to providing you with a personal, thoughtful experience that results in beautiful photographs you’ll cherish for years to come.

What happens if I’m late?

If you arrive within 20 minutes of your scheduled time, your photoshoot will proceed as planned, but we will still finish on time. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late without notifying me (via WhatsApp or phone), it will be considered a no-show, and and not only will the deposit be forfeited, but full payment will also be required. If you’re more than one-third into the duration of your session, we will need to reschedule your shoot (pending availability), and a rescheduling fee will apply. This policy ensures the quality of your photos and that you have a relaxed photoshoot experience. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for more details.

What Can I Bring to My Photoshoot?

I recommend bringing minimal items to keep the focus on you. If you’d like to have some props in your photos, feel free to bring them along—a nice hat, a cool pair of sunnies, or a scarf could add a nice touch to your shoot. Just keep in mind that you will need to carry everything around town, so I suggest opting for lightweight items.

If you’re planning to bring luggage or a large bag, I recommend leaving it in a luggage store for convenience. A small handbag is a great choice if you’re comfortable with it being in the photos.

Can I Bring Additional People to the Photoshoot?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring additional people to your photoshoot, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a special guest. However, please note that there will be an extra fee for each additional person, which will be outlined in your chosen package details. For larger groups or additional guests, please discuss with me ahead of time so I can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth photoshoot experience.

What should I wear to my photoshoot?

I recommend wearing comfortable, neutral-toned outfits that complement the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre. Please be aware that overly busy patterns, very bright colors, or logos may distract from your look and can even reflect onto your skin, subtly altering the tones of your portraits.” For more styling advice, I offer a Basic Styling Guide and a Comprehensive Guide for certain packages or as a separate purchase. My basic styling guide can be found here, offering additional tips to help you prepare for your photoshoot.

Styling Guide

Will you share my photos?

I would never share your photos without your permission. While I truly appreciate when clients allow me to showcase their beautiful images, you are under no obligation to do so. After making your booking, you will receive a client agreement where you can let me know whether you’re comfortable with me sharing your photos. If you give permission but later change your mind, just send me an email, and I will remove your photos from public sharing.

What is your pricing for a photoshoot?

My photoshoots start at €250 for an hour-long shoot. More detailed pricing can be found on the Photography Collections Page. I offer a variety of packages, ranging from basic shoots to more extensive experiences like proposal shoots, half-day, and full-day sessions. If you don’t see a package that suits your needs, please feel free to reach out to discuss a customized experience.

Do you provide prints or digital files?

I primarily provide high-resolution digital files, delivered in a bespoke, online gallery. These photos are downloadable and printable. You will also have access to a fine art print shop where you can order high-quality products like fine art prints, framed prints, albums, and more. The print shop is serviced by a worldwide network of fine art printers, with whom I collaborate to ensure the highest quality and to reduce shipping times and costs.

Can I purchase RAW photos?

RAW photos are not available for purchase at this time. This is to protect the integrity of my artwork and ensure the quality of the final images. I carefully edit each photograph to reflect my artistic vision, and providing RAW files could compromise that.

Do you select the photos or can I choose them myself?

I will carefully curate a set of images that truly highlight your beauty and the unique feeling of the day, creating a cohesive collection of photographs. I will personally select a set number of images based on your photoshoot package, ensuring they reflect the essence of the session and the special moments we captured.

If you’d prefer to handpick your own final selections, I can create a proofing gallery for you for an additional fee. This gallery will allow you to choose your favorites, after which I’ll complete the editing based on your selections.

Can I purchase additional photos?

Yes, you can purchase additional photos for editing. This option will be available for 90 days from the date your gallery is delivered. After this period, additional photos will no longer be available for purchase.

How can I contact you if I have questions before my shoot?

You can contact me via the contact page on my website, or email me directly at ciao@ashleighlauren.eu. For urgent matters, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or phone, and I’ll do my best to respond within 24-48 hours.

How Long Until I Receive My Photos?

You will receive access to a bespoke, online gallery where you can view, download, and order prints. The typical turnaround time for galleries is 3-4 weeks. If you need your photos sooner, I offer priority and rush editing for faster delivery. Please contact me as soon as possible if you’d like to purchase these options, as spots are limited.

Will my photos take longer to be edited if others book priority editing?

Absolutely not! I edit all photoshoots in the order they take place, ensuring that every gallery receives the time and attention it deserves. A limited number of priority and rush editing slots are available each month, and once those spots are filled, no more are accepted. This allows me to maintain a smooth workflow while delivering high-quality images to every client. My priority is always to get your final photos to you as quickly as possible while dedicating the care and attention each one deserves.

How long will my gallery be available online?

Your gallery will be accessible for 3 months from the upload date. If you’d like to extend this period, please reach out for details about extending your gallery access.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my shoot?

If you need to cancel, please refer to my terms and conditions for full details. Cancellations made with sufficient notice may be eligible for a refund of the deposit. Reschedules (pending availability) can be made without a fee if they are made at least 48 hours before the shoot. Late cancellations (within 48 hours) are considered a no-show and and not only will the deposit be forfeited, but full payment will also be required.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my shoot?

For light rain, the shoot may still proceed, and we can use umbrellas creatively for unique shots. If the client prefers to reschedule due to the rain, we can accommodate that based on availability.

If we need to reschedule due to weather conditions, the deposit will be transferred to the new date, pending availability.

Please refer to my terms and conditions for more details.

Do you shoot in other locations outside Cinque Terre?

I specialize in photoshoots in Cinque Terre, where I live and know the towns intimately – I love capturing their unique charm and beauty. That said, I’m also happy to travel to other locations for an additional travel fee. Please contact me to discuss your desired location.

Where can I buy train tickets?

Train tickets for travel within the Cinque Terre region can be purchased online or via the TrenItalia app ahead of time, as well as in-person at the train station. Some tickets are also available in local shops, where they may be transferable.

Important to note: Not all tickets are transferable, so if you’re unsure about your travel schedule, be sure to double-check the conditions before purchasing. Also, tickets cannot be bought through the app immediately before departure, so be sure to plan ahead for last-minute travel.

TrenItalia Website

Ticket validation – Don’t forget this step!

If you purchase your ticket in person at the train station or from a local shop, it is imperative that you validate your ticket before boarding by placing it in the validation machine. This is a crucial step, as failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine.

Note: There are frequent ticket inspectors on the trains, so be sure to validate your ticket beforehand to avoid any issues during your journey.

Tickets purchased via the app may already be validated, but PLEASE check to make sure.

Cinque Terre Card – A Convenient Option for Travel and Hiking

Cinque Terre is located within a stunning national park, home to many beautiful hiking trails. While many of the trails are free, there are a few paid trails.

The Cinque Terre Card offers more than just access to the trails. In addition to covering the train fares between La Spezia and Levanto, it also grants access to some of the paid trails, such as those between Corniglia and Vernazza and Vernazza and Monterosso.

The card also includes other benefits, like discounts on local museums, allowing you to explore more of the region’s culture and history at a reduced price. If you plan on exploring the area extensively, especially with hiking, the Cinque Terre Card might be a good investment. It’s typically not necessary for your entire stay, as it can end up being more expensive than purchasing individual train tickets, but if you’re making several trips in one day, it can be more cost-effective.

Remember that Via dell’Amore, the famous pathway between Riomaggiore and Manarola, is not included in the Cinque Terre Card and must be purchased separately. However, there might be some discounts available if you purchase tickets in conjunction with other hikes or attractions.

Below are the links for the website for the national park and ticket purchases.

If you navigate off the page, you can select your preferred language from the dropdown menu in the top right corner.

Cinque Terre Card 

Cinque Terre National Park Website

Via dell’Amore: A Scenic Coastal Trail in Cinque Terre – Ticket Info and Accessibility

The Via dell’Amore, also known as the “Pathway of Love,” is a stunning coastal trail that connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. It’s one of the most famous and scenic paths in the Cinque Terre region, offering breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs.

This pathway was closed for several years due to a landslide but has since been completely rebuilt and reopened. However, it has been closed again for further maintenance. If it happens to be open during your visit, it’s definitely worth checking out. The walk is short but beautiful, with panoramic views of the coastline.

Since the trail can get particularly hot during midday, it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.

As for tickets, the Via dell’Amore is not included in the Cinque Terre Card, and a separate ticket is required. However, there may be discounts available if you purchase the ticket in conjunction with other trails or attractions. It’s always a good idea to check on-site for the most up-to-date information.

Via Dell’Amore Tickets

I hope this Frequently Asked Questions section has answered any questions you may have about booking a photoshoot in Cinque Terre. If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help! I look forward to capturing beautiful memories for you.