NIAF Regional Arizona Gala – 
NIAF 49th Anniversary Gala in Review
2024 NIAF Philadelphia Testimonial Dinner
New York Gala 2024 Recap
Government Affairs Events
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy
Despina Gaeta
Syosset, N.Y.
Photographic equipment: Nikon d5300
The dramatic vista of Civita di Bagnoregio, in the province of Viterbo, is awe-inspiring and transports you to another time and place. Che bello as the medieval city rises from the valley below. With the clouds rolling away, it appeared both mystical and magical. Taken in November 2014.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS
Tabaccara Coastline of Lampedusa
Francesca Guddemi
Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.
Photographic equipment: Canon PowerShot
The unexpected beauty of the island of Lampedusa is breathtaking, with its crystal clear aqua waters and fantastic beaches. Geographically located closer to Africa than it is to Sicily, it is a true hidden gem of the Mediterraneo. Lampedusa is truly a paradise, providing tourists and famous Italians alike an amazing getaway. Pictured is the coastline area called Tabaccara, a perfect place to anchor the boat and take a jump in the warm turquoise waters.
Photo captured in August 2010.
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Two Nonnas in Fornelli
Samantha Pulgini
Davis, Calif.
Photographic equipment: Canon EOS 6D
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
Two nonnas enjoy the unexpected passing of tourists through their quaint village home of Fornelli—one of the “borghi piu’ belli d’Italia,” tucked away in the little-known Italian region of Molise. If this candid moment doesn’t say “che bello,” I don’t know what does!
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Scapoli in Molise
Liberty Wood
Knoxville, Tenn.
Photographic equipment: iPhone XR
Che bello! The town of Scapoli is a hidden gem from this year’s region of appreciation! Tucked away in one of these little orange buildings is the International Bagpipe Museum that preserves some of the world’s oldest bagpipes from all over Italy and Europe. Fewer than 700 Italians call Scapoli home. If only people knew about the region’s amazing history, traditions, and untouched landscape….
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Piazza Del Duomo in Lecce
John Frattasi
Astoria, N.Y.
Photographic equipment: Sony A7RII
An old man stands next to his bicycle in the famous Piazza Del Duomo in Lecce, Puglia. Also nicknamed the “Florence of the South” for its charm and Baroque architecture, the city exudes a unique beauty that blends in perfectly with its inhabitants to create moments of “grande bellezza.” Shot in 2018.
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Le Marche Hills — Sunflowers
Pierluigi Lanciotti
Lafayette, La.
Photographic equipment: iPhone 7 Plus
The photo was taken July 9, 2018. Bike riding for four hours in the beautiful hills of the Marche Region, my cousin and I had to stop to immortalize this beautiful moment. The town on top of the hill is called Montalto. We made it up there about 30 minutes later, refilled our water bottles in a fresh spring water fountain, and started our descent towards the Adriatic Sea. A memorable beautiful day. A huge field of sunflowers like you only see in postcards.
Che Bello!
