Amazing locations in Venice
Dance photography in Venice is a captivating niche that merges the dynamic movement of dance with the unique and romantic ambiance of Venice. The city, with its historic architecture, iconic canals, and atmospheric lighting, offers a rich backdrop that enhances the artistry of dance photography.
We will typically shoot with our dancer around the quieter but no less beautiful areas of Venice: Door ways, steps, churches, galleries, canals and walk ways, etc.
What makes this dance photography workshop unique?
We will be joined across the workshop by our exclusive dancer and model, who will dance and model in different outfits, including creative Ball Gowns and contemporary costumes. Our model is an experienced dancer and we will be shooting her performing graceful and exciting ballet and dance moves at some of Venice’s best and iconic locations.
Why choose us for this photo workshop?
After 20+ visits to Venice and a veteran of over 8 carnivals, I know exactly where to shoot, when to shoot, and combined with knowledge and contacts, you can be assured of the best experience.
Extra Special for 2025… I will arrange exclusive access to some of the masked characters for our group to shoot with, plus I have access to a 14th Century Venetian Palace for us to shoot in (subject to availability). The Palace has beautiful marble stairs, a music room with tapestries and gold gilt fittings.
Magical Venice & the Carnevale di Venezia
Taking place in the magical ‘floating city’ of Venice with its narrow alleys, silent waterways, fascinating bridges, Gothic architecture, gondolas, and palaces reflected in ancient waterways, our creative Venice Photography Workshop lets you experience the city in the final week of the Venice Carnival.
This is the best time to visit as there are more events leading up to the final crescendo. Be prepared: this is not for the claustrophobic or the ascetic as staid old Venice lets its hair down and kicks up its heels in vibrant, indulgent and often absurd style!
Through a series of photography workshops and photo-walks you’ll develop your camera skills and discover whole new worlds in your viewfinder.
Trip Details
An amazing opportunity to explore and photograph Venice on the final week of the Venice Carnival – its a photographers delight! Venice in winter can be very atmospheric. We only run small groups so you are guaranteed quality and attentive time with me and our model on this trip. There is also an optional group dinner on the Sunday evening.
Our events are structured for photographers of all photo abilities; For those that are beginners or need additional help, we provide daily assistance, evaluation and guidance throughout from an experienced fashion, carnival and travel photographer – we want you to come away with an amazing array of quality images. The workshop schedule also gives you some free time to do your own thing in this unique city that has so much to offer.
Typical Trip Agenda for 2025
Sunday 23rd February: Arrive in to Venice with optional group dinner in evening.
Monday 24th February: We will take the water bus over to the Island of Burano, a kaleidoscope of colour with many of the buildings brightly painted. In the afternoon we make our way back to Venice and to Piazza San Marco. This is a very popular afternoon to see this famous square filled with elaborately costumed characters all willing to be photographed.
Tuesday 25th February: We will start the day with sunrise at 6.30am. A clear sky will offer a beautiful backdrop of the Venetian lagoon and the rich warm morning colours. Later, a walking trip around the small and lesser know streets of Venice will take in the architecture and atmosphere of Venice. There will certainly be many costumed and masked characters wandering around who are happy to be photographed.
Wednesday 26th February: Depending upon demand and weather, we may have another early start to the day and go out at around 6am to photograph the sunrise and the deserted Venetian streets and canals. The Grand Canal can look amazing if it’s covered in the early morning mist. Later we explore the Dorsoduro area. There is amazing architecture in this part of Venice and we’ll end up at the Punta della Dogana which offers almost 360-degree views all around the lagoon and across the water to Piazza San Marco. Our model will join us for the morning shoot with ball gowns and other creative outfits. The workshop will finish around 4pm.
All timings are flexible, weather dependent and subject to change. Locations used/advertised may change due to local accessibility and we may have to substitute locations.
Workshop Approach
Before taking any photos we will look at how the landscape and architecture presents itself, how the weather and light sits and how it may move and change. We’ll consider the best position for our dancer, the best framing and how to experiment with different ideas and view points, picking out different elements of the scene and using them to best effect. We are on hand at all times to offer help and advice about composition and technique to help you get the very best from every location.
Access to Private Members Facebook group
We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.
Questions?
Just give me a call on 07836 705 705 or email hello@creativephotoadventures.com
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Working with flash
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- Architectural techniques
- Portraits techniques
- Dance photography
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Lake Bled and beyond…
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- 4 star hotel incl. breakfast
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and landscape photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers
Images of our Ballet Dancer
Our dancer for this workshop will be Leigh Shaked, who specialising in ballet, contemporary and jazz. Some of her credits include Sky Arts’ Play in a Day, Othello at the Royal Academy of Dance and various TV and Film work including ‘Better Man’ feature film, ‘Wicked’ and ‘Black Mirror’.
You can see Leigh’s show reels videos here: https://vimeo.com/user84238797
All these images of Leigh are provided by her and are the copyright of the respective photographer.
Images from previous Venice Dance & Model Shoots
Images from the Venice Carnival
Full logistical details, assistance with booking hotels and flights will be provided (if needed) after booking is complete.