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 emphasises 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
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.
Explore further - Much more than just the usual hot spots
I hate the word expert, but if I listed one destination I know best, it's Venice. After 20+ visits I know so many places to shoot, many others don't even know exist. I know what works, where and when to visit. Join me in the most wonderful of places when Venice is beautifully lit for Christmas.
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 put together a large 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.
Visit a historic Gondola workshop
We will visit a historic gondola workshop that has stood on the same site since the 16th century and has remained in the same family for generations. Our guide Francesca will guide us around the history of the gondola and other traditional Venetian craft, discover how they are hand-built using time-honoured techniques, and understand what makes them so unique. The visit also explores the rich traditions and history behind becoming a gondolier. You will also be able to take photos of the gondolas being built or restored by the amazing craftsmen.
The cost of the tour is included and is subject to availability.
Long exposure on the Venetian Lagoon
The Venetian Lagoon is a captivating body of water forming the very heart of Venice — an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, renowned for its shallow depths, scattered islands, and rich biodiversity. Among its 60-plus islands, hidden gems like these traditional stilted fishing huts await discovery. Pairing long exposure with early morning mist and still waters, we'll craft stunning fine art images. We'll also explore intentional camera movement (ICM), a technique that introduces beautiful, dynamic lines and a sense of flow to your photographs.
Alternative views of Venice
Looking through the images on this page, you may think "that doesn't look like Venice" - and in some cases, you'd be right. I've spent considerable time researching and scouting unique and lesser-known locations around Venice and the Venetian Lagoon, bringing you perspectives that other tours and workshops overlook or don't know exist. Ofcourse we'll cover the iconic hotspots too, but if you're searching for something truly different, this is the workshop for you.
Your 3 star hotel accommodation in Venice - Five nights
Our hotel is located one minute walk from San Marco, in the heart of Venice and ideally located to minimise walking to locations. Vaparetto stops are also close by.
All rooms are classic doubles for single occupancy with private ensuite bathrooms. Cooked and continental breakfast is also included as well as afternoon tea and cake, plus 25% bar discount. The afternoon tea is a wonderful bonus after a long day of photography.
What makes this such a great Venice photography workshop?
Venice in winter transforms into a city with a distinct and captivating atmosphere, a contrast to the busy summer crowds. Here’s what to expect…
Compared to summer, winter in Venice offers tranquility and peace. The streets are significantly less crowded, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and historic charm without feeling rushed. Wander narrow alleys, explore hidden squares, and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.
Foggy mornings, soft sunlight, and glistening canals create a romantic, ethereal mood. The city takes on a mystical aura, especially at sunrise and sunset, when warm light washes over the buildings.
Venice has long been a muse for artists, and photographers are no exception. Its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture provide endless inspiration for all styles.
Schedule
Please arrive on Sunday 6th December 2026 after 14:00. We’ll have an optional group dinner that evening. The workshop begins Monday 7th with 4.5 full days of photography, ending Thursday 10th, with departure on Friday 11th. We will also shoot on arrival and departure days if conditions are good.
New for 2026 – Now 4.5 full days
I’ve added an extra day to the workshop. My list of locations has grown so much it was difficult to fit everything in, and recent scouting in a new area of the Venetian lagoon revealed more hidden spots I’m excited to share. Three days simply isn’t enough - yet the cost remains lower than many others charge for 3 days!
Shoot the quintesential life and colours of 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 and colours 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 selection and 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
Over the duration of the workshop we will work on various photography subjects and elements, including:
- 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 small selection of images taken in winter in Venice. You can see a much larger gallery of 60+ images from this workshop HERE
