Fine Art Photography in Venice?
Venice’s combination of stunning architecture, vibrant colors, rich cultural heritage, and unique photographic opportunities make it an exceptional destination for photographers of all levels.
Fine art photography is a genre of photography that emphasizes the creative vision of the photographer, focusing on aesthetics, conceptual ideas, and personal expression rather than simply documenting reality. We will use various techniques to make creative expressions of Venice. From long exposure and ICM to abstract and high contrast, along with creative editing techniques.
Venice in Winter is one of the most beautiful times to visit
I hate the word expert, but if I were to list the one location I know best, its would be Venice. After 20+ visits I know so many places to shoot. I know what works and where and when to visit. Join me in this most wonderful of places when Venice is also beautifully lit for Christmas.
Venice in winter offers a unique and enchanting experience that’s a world away from the bustling crowds of summer. The city undergoes a magical transformation, revealing its quieter, more intimate side, with mist often sitting over the canals, plus beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Every corner reveals a new image ripe for our cameras
Photography in Venice offers a unique blend of historical architecture, enchanting waterways, and atmospheric light, making it a dream destination for photographers.
On this workshop we will photograph many of the iconic locations such as Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Ponte Dell’Accademia, San Giorgio Maggiore, Dorsoduro, plus the islands of Burano and Lido.
But over many visits over many years I have a good collection of hidden and lesser known photo spots.
Venice at Christmas
Venice at Christmas is a truly enchanting experience. The city transforms with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a charming atmosphere. Some piazzas have stalls selling Christmas decorations made from the local Murano glass plus local traditional foods and an ice skating rink. Festive lights adorn some of the canals reflecting in the still waters.
Whilst we will spend a little time visiting the festive areas, this is not the focus of the photo workshop and the festive lights and activities do not get in the way of our photography.
Long exposure on the Venetian Lagoon
The Venetian Lagoon is a captivating body of water that forms the heart of the city of Venice. It’s an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, characterized by its shallow depth, numerous islands, and rich biodiversity. With over 60 islands in the lagoon (around half are inhabited), its offers hidden gems such as these traditional stilted fishing huts. Combining long exposure with early mist and still waters, we can create some amazing fine art images.
We will also experiment with intentional camera movement ICM which can create some amazing and interesting lines and movement within the image.
Your 3 star hotel accommodation in Venice – Four nights
Our hotel is located close to San Marco, in the heart of Venice and ideally located to minimise walking to locations. Vaparetto stops are also close by.
All rooms are doubles for single occupancy with private ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is also included as well as a 25% discount in their restaurant for one sitting.
Schedule
Please arrive into Venice on Thursday 5th December 2024 after 1400. We will have an optional group dinner that evening and the workshop will start on Friday 6th with 3 full days of photography, ending on the evening of Sunday 8th. Leaving on Monday 9th Dec.
What makes this such a great Venice photography workshop?
Venice in winter transforms into a city with a distinct and captivating atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the bustling summer crowds. Here’s what to expect…
Compared to the vibrant and sometimes overwhelming summer season, winter in Venice offers a sense of tranquility and peace. The streets are less crowded, allowing you to truly appreciate the city’s unique architecture and historical charm without feeling rushed. You can wander through narrow alleys, explore hidden squares, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.
The combination of foggy mornings, soft sunlight, and glistening canals creates a romantic and ethereal atmosphere. The city takes on a mystical aura, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the light paints the buildings in warm hues.
Venice has been a centre of artistic production for centuries, and its rich history is reflected in the abundance of fine art found throughout the city. From the Renaissance masterpieces housed in its grand churches and palaces to the contemporary works displayed in its cutting-edge galleries, Venice offers a unique and unforgettable experience for art lovers.
Venice is a city that has long been a muse for artists, and photographers are no exception. The city’s unique beauty, with its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture, provides a wealth of inspiration for photographers of all styles.
Street Photography in Venice
Street photography in Venice is a rich and rewarding experience, offering a blend of unique cultural elements, historic architecture, and vibrant daily life.
The city’s historic buildings, narrow alleyways, and stone streets provide a visually stunning backdrop for street photography. Each corner of Venice seems to tell a story, making it an ideal environment for capturing candid moments.
Unlike other cities where cars dominate the streets, Venice’s primary mode of transportation is by foot or boat. Capturing locals going about their daily routines – whether it’s a gondolier steering through the canals, a shopkeeper arranging goods, or an elderly resident enjoying a coffee – provides an authentic glimpse into Venetian life.
The Rialto Market is a bustling place full of vibrant colors and activity. It’s a great spot to photograph vendors selling fresh produce, fish, and other goods, capturing the essence of Venetian commerce.
Beyond the tourist spots, Venice has countless lesser-known alleys, squares (campi), and courtyards (corti) where you can capture more intimate and unexpected moments.
Reflections of Burano
Burano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, offers a visually captivating experience for photographers. Known for its vividly coloured houses and serene canals, Burano is a place where reflections play a key role in the aesthetic of the environment.
The houses in Burano are painted in bright, bold colours – ranging from deep blues and greens to vibrant yellows, pinks, and reds. These colours create striking reflections in the still waters of the canals, doubling the visual impact and creating almost mirror-like compositions.
Depending on the light, wind, and movement in the water, reflections can become distorted, creating abstract patterns and textures. These distortions add a layer of complexity and interest to the photographs.
End of workshop photo review
After the workshop I offer a one hour session for help with image selectionnd editing. This is usually done via a remote Zoom session.
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.
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- Street photography techniques
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Architectural techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Venice and more…
- Vast local knowledge gives you access to little known locations
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- 3 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
Venezia Fine Art Photography
Here’s a range of images taken in winter in Venice. We won’t visit every single location here as weather and accessibility may hinder some visits, but we will try to visit as many as possible.
