Who is behind Genoa Photo Tours
Genoa Photo Tours offers photography walking experiences designed for travelers who want to explore Genoa beyond traditional tourism.
My name is Ilaria Paderi. I am a photographer based in Genoa and the founder of Genoa Photo Tours and Visual Garden, a photography studio located in one of the smallest and most unexpected squares of the city: Piazza dei Truogoli di Santa Brigida.
My work moves between personal research, commissioned projects and photography education, with a strong focus on perception, urban environments and visual storytelling.
A photographic approach to the city
I created Genoa Photo Tours not as a traditional tour.
It was born from the idea of offering a different way to experience the city — not through a list of places, but through a way of seeing.
Genoa is a complex city.
It doesn’t reveal itself immediately.
Its narrow alleys, strong contrasts and layered structure require time, attention and sensitivity.
Photography becomes a tool to access this complexity.
Each experience is a visual exploration, where participants are guided to observe light, understand space and build images that go beyond the obvious.
About my work
Before becoming a full-time photographer, I worked in the maritime and industrial sector. This experience deeply shaped my relationship with Genoa.
This is not just a historical city.
It is a working city, a port city, a place where different layers of reality coexist.
Through my personal projects, I explore themes such as:
- memory
- transformation
- perception
- the relationship between human presence and urban space
My work has been recognised internationally, including a Tokyo International Foto Awards recognition in the Fine Art category.
I am also part of the Quality Made network, which promotes selected Italian experiences based on quality, authenticity and cultural value.
Photography as a shared experience
Alongside my personal work, teaching plays an important role.
Over the years, I have developed a way of working that is not purely technical.
Photography is not only about settings — it is about awareness.
During the tours, I guide participants through:
- observation of light and shadow
- composition in complex environments
- visual interpretation of the city
- development of a personal photographic language
Each experience is adapted to the participants, whether they use a camera or a smartphone.
Who these experiences are for
Genoa Photo Tours is designed for travelers who are looking for something more than a standard visit.
These experiences are particularly suited for:
- photography enthusiasts
- curious travelers
- solo travelers and small groups
- people interested in authentic, local perspectives
No technical level is required.
What matters is curiosity and the willingness to look differently.
Where the idea comes from
The idea of Genoa Photo Tours comes from my own way of traveling.
When I visit a new place, I don’t look for a traditional guide.
I look for someone who can help me understand how to see that place.
Not where to go.
But how to look.
A visual guide.
This is what I wanted to create in Genoa.
A city that rewards attention
Genoa is often overlooked compared to other Italian cities.
But this is exactly what makes it unique.
It remains layered, sometimes difficult, always real.
And this is what makes it incredibly rich from a photographic point of view.
Final note
Genoa Photo Tours is the result of different elements coming together:
- photography
- travel
- personal research
- connection with the city
- and the desire to share a deeper way of experiencing places
If you are interested in exploring Genoa through photography with a local professional photographer, you can join one of the photography walking experiences in the city.