After a busy week of photography and wandering through Naples’ streets in May 2025, I’m excited to share these photos, reflecting my efforts to capture the vibrant, pulsating life of this one-of-a-kind city.
Naples is an absolute treasure trove for photography, packed with lively streets, markets, tiny squares, and some cracking buildings and characters. Over a seven-day photo workshop, I wandered through this vibrant city, capturing its narrow alleys, bustling markets, and all the everyday life that makes it so special.
Naples is a lively, historic place, full of colourful architecture and a proper mix of old traditions and modern vibes. The city’s street scene is buzzing, with streets like Spacca Napoli and little back alleys full of life, music, and street stalls. As a street photographer, you’re spoilt for choice—people in action, vendors, musicians, locals in their everyday clothes. There are vibrant markets, street art, and charming old buildings with narrow lanes that tell their own stories. The energy’s a bit chaotic, but that’s what gives the photos life and character. Naples really is a top spot for street photography.
The Spanish Quarter, or Quartiere Spagnoli, is another highlight—the place oozes character. It’s a vibrant neighbourhood with a deep history, a real mix of culture and a strong local identity. Built back in the 1500s when Naples was under Spanish rule, it’s still got those maze-like streets, colourful houses, and a bustling street scene. You see locals going about their day—tiny shops, markets, and outdoor cafés—totally authentic.
There’s plenty to shoot here too. Bright murals, snippets of local history, rough-edged architecture—perfect for capturing the real Napoli vibe. The narrow streets and small plazas are great for getting up close and personal with the everyday moments, expressions, social interactions, and the lively atmosphere. All of that colour, texture, and daily life makes the Spanish Quarter an ideal place to craft images that really show what Napoli’s all about.
For me, Naples was quite the inspiring challenge as a street photographer, especially since I was using film cameras—mainly medium format gear—during the trip. The shots I’m sharing here were taken with a Pentax 645Nii, Yashica Mat 124G, and some Kentmere Pan 400 film.
Naples. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
