It’s been a while since I updated the blog, with plenty of everyday work to keep me occupied, a son starting school and a house extension to contend with. But it’s not all work and no play - there’s been plenty of camera action taking place as well.
One such photographic foray was a photo trip to Venice. Initially planned for two nights, I had to cut it short to one due to a coinciding work trip - so literally I had 24 hours in Venice. A whistlestop tour!
Equipped with my 24-hour vaporetti pass, I managed to navigate my way on the night vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to the wonderfully located Casa di Chiara, and my host Leonardo gave me some very useful tips about the best areas of Venice to explore away from the beaten track. So as soon as I’d woken in the morning, I made my way to the Cannareggio area and had a good explore. While I enjoyed the wandering from a traveller’s point of view, from a photographic point of view the pickings were quite slim so I decided to head to the main touristy parts of town.
St Mark’s Square was of course heaving with people.
The plus side of all of this tourist traffic is that nobody blinks an eyelid at you wandering around with your camera.
The downside of course is that it’s pretty much impossible to stand still for a minute to compose a shot, let alone actually take one without a cast of thousands.
Venice is an extraordinarily beautiful city, almost totally unique (Piran in Slovenia is close in character, without the crowds of course). And while there’s nothing wrong with taking standard snapshots of famous, beautiful places, if you’re looking for something mildly different you have to dig quite hard to find it in Venice - and certainly with just 24 hours to spare.
Venice side eye
Burano
Even though time was short, I decided I might be better off jumping on a vaporetto to Burano island. The 45-minute journey gave me time to rest my legs in preparation for the colourfest to come.
Burano, too, is filled with daytripping tourists of all nationalities, and with good reason. It’s a wonderful island of pure popping colour, all of the buildings painted vivid hues. Apparently the story goes that fishermen used not to be able to recognise their houses through the famous Venetian lagoon fog, so they painted them in bright colours. Now it’s home of course to these buildings, lots of delicious smelling restaurants and a LOT of washing hanging out to decorate the island.
Burano brights
Reflections of Burano
Burano smalls
In the warm early October sun, it was wonderful to wander around and take a huge number of photos of these colourful buildings and the inhabitants, and the peace was palpable after the chronic crowds of Venice central.
Evening in Venice
Although exhausted by this point, after returning to St Mark’s and having a quick rest at the hotel, I decided it would be foolish not to explore the nighttime sights that Venice has to offer. It was after all why I was there.
Night shooting in Venice is arguably more rewarding than taking photos during the day. The tour groups are largely tucked away elsewhere, the cruise passengers are back on board and those colours are so rich and vibrant. I wish I could have spent more time out and about during the night and, as a lone female, I didn’t for a minute feel unsafe or threatened in any way.
Gondolas of Venice
Venetian gondoliers
After a summer of strong bright light it came as a bit of a shock to have to shoot in the dark again, and it took me quite some effort to master the new lenses I’ve acquired - but it gave rise to opportunities to play with bokeh effects, which creatively I love. The lights and the water of Venice’s canals make for beautiful creative effects with a fast lens and a bit of imagination.
The next week at work was a bit of a tired one after all of the mad dashing around - and definitely I’d recommend more than 24 hours in Venice out of choice - but with 300 shots in the camera and a wonderful break from rainy London, it was worth it. Next time I go back, I’ll take my time stalking out spots and being patient where the light is good. Venice has amazing potential for street photography but, like anywhere else, not when you’re in a hurry.
Next trip: Romania.