Podere Belvedere is probably one of the most photographed scenes in Tuscany for the simple reason that it is such a magical place. In 2019 I and my wife explored Val d'Orcia for a week and, without missing a heartbeat, I took every chance to see Podere Belvedere in the morning. Each one of those morning promenades was as fascinating as the last one, if not more!

It may be difficult for non-photographers to fathom why photographers favor certain subjects over and over. But if you are one of those habitual shooters like me, you most likely know the answer. We’re always hoping to experience stellar conditions: epic light, mysterious fog, and luminous colors. As I went through each of my daily strolls, this location never failed to give me a different experience every time. The last day was the most memorable one, as it was like the grand finale. The morning’s fog and the sunlight, conspired, as if putting a magical spell on the hills, giving this already magical place an ethereal atmosphere. Seeing this for the first time was truly an unforgettable experience.