Why a Photography Tour or Workshop in Venice is Worth It

Venice is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, but exploring it with a camera in hand alongside a professional photographer takes the experience to another level. Whether you’re a traveler wanting to see Venice with a fresh perspective or a photographer looking to refine your skills, a photo tour or workshop can be one of the best investments you make on your trip. Here’s why.

VENICE SEEN DURING A TWILIGHT WORKSHOP

See More in Less Time—with the Eye of a Local Photographer

Venice is a maze of canals, alleys, and hidden corners that most tourists never get to see. A photography tour with a local expert allows you to:

  • Discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots.

  • Maximize your time by going straight to the most photogenic locations.

  • Capture the city at the best moments for light and atmosphere—whether it’s the golden glow of dawn or the moody reflections of twilight.

  • Learn about the history and stories behind the places you photograph, adding depth to your images.

Instead of wandering aimlessly, you’ll experience a deeper, richer Venice—the one that only locals truly know.

Improve Your Photography Skills in One of the Best Places on Earth

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, Venice offers the perfect environment to hone your skills. A photography workshop allows you to:

  • Learn how to compose better shots in a visually complex city.

  • Master the use of light, reflections, and textures—essential elements in Venice photography.

  • Get hands-on guidance on camera settings, focusing techniques, and creative approaches.

  • Develop a personal photographic style, with feedback tailored to your skill level.

Why Choose a Private Photography Tour Over a Regular Tour?

Many travelers opt for standard walking tours of Venice, but a private photography experience offers much more:

  • Personalized Itinerary: Unlike group tours, a photo tour is customized to your interests and skill level.

  • Small Group or One-on-One Attention: No rushing, no big crowds—just focused guidance on making the best images.

  • Exclusive Access & Timing: Unlike typical tourists, you’ll visit locations at the perfect moments, avoiding the busiest hours.

  • A Lasting Souvenir: Instead of just taking snapshots, you’ll return home with gallery-worthy images that truly capture the essence of Venice.

When is the Best Time to Book a Photo Tour or Workshop?

Venice is stunning year-round, but my photography tours and workshops run from mid-September to the end of May—skipping the overcrowded and harshly lit summer months.

  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Beautiful light, misty mornings, fewer tourists.

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Venice at its most atmospheric, with fog and dramatic skies.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Longer days, softer light, and perfect conditions for portraits and landscapes.

Final Thoughts

A photo tour or workshop in Venice is more than just a guided walk—it’s an opportunity to see the city through a new lens, develop your photography skills, and experience Venice in a way that most visitors never do.

Whether you’re looking to capture its magic for yourself or simply improve your craft, a photography experience with an expert guide ensures you make the most of your time and leave with unforgettable images.

Discover the Real Venice: Why a Photography Tour Led by a Photojournalist is the Ultimate Experience

A photography tour led by a photojournalist or a photographer offers a unique way to discover the real Venice. Here are the reasons why:

  1. Expert guidance: Photojournalists have a trained eye and a wealth of experience capturing the essence of a location. They can show you the best spots to take photos and give you tips on how to take better pictures.

  2. Behind-the-scenes access: A photojournalist has often worked in the area they are leading the tour, and therefore they have contacts and access to places that are not typically open to the public. This can give you a deeper understanding of Venice and allow you to capture unique shots that you wouldn't get otherwise.

  3. Cultural immersion: By learning about the history, culture, and daily life of Venice from a local expert, you'll get a better appreciation of the city and its people. This can enhance your photography skills by giving you a new perspective and a deeper understanding of what makes Venice special.

  4. Personalised attention: Photography tours led by a photojournalist are 1-2-1 or smaller in size, which means you'll have more personal time with the guide. They can provide you with tailored tips and advice based on your individual needs and interests.

In conclusion, a photography tour led by a photojournalist is an excellent way to capture the essence of Venice and gain a deeper understanding of the city and its people.

Venice Carnival 2012 - What to do and where to go?

When you think of Venice, what do you think of first? Certainly, the canals and Venice gondolas come to mind quickly, but almost as quickly you’ll get images of people in gorgeous and elaborate costumes – complete with ornate masks – as they celebrate Carnevale each year. While Carnevale (Carnival in English) is a holiday which is recognized throughout Italy, Venice is the most famous city in Italy for its Carnevale festivities. So, if you want to see Carnevale in Venice, keep reading – you’ll need a few tips before you dive in. I wrote about the history of carnival here before. VENICE, ITALY - MARCH 02:  Carnival costumes and masks pose near St Mark's Square  in Venice, Italy. The Venice Carnival, one of the largest and most important in Italy, attracts thousands of people from around the world each year. The theme for this year's carnival is 'Ottocento', a nineteenth century evocation, and will run from February 19 till March 8...HOW TO BUY THIS PICTURE: please contact us via e-mail at sales@xianpix.com or call our offices in Milan at (+39) 02 400 47313 or London   +44 (0)207 1939846 for prices and terms of copyright.. (Marco Secchi)

- Bring yourn own costumes or hire them. Anyway, be a mask or a historic costume. A brillian place for Masks and Costumes is Ca del Sol - The only problem is that t will be so hard to cross San Marco. Lots of people are trying to photograph with you and you hear mostly: "Una foto per favore..." - Most action happens around San Marco and it is a good idea to stay not far from it - Attend a ball if you can afford it The Ballo del Doge by Antonia Sautter is the place to be...and be seen! - Get lost and discover the real Venice... This can be done anytime but it is particularly true around Carnival Time - Eat lots of Frittole and Galani - Attend a costumed dinner - Pray for good weather - Attend a Venice Carnival Photography Workshop ;-)  this year I will host one with my colleague Guillem Lopez! - Learn the programme

The Venice Carnival Photo Book

My  photo book  "Carnival in Venice 2011" is out, it is about 40 pages and more than 50 photographs. You can take a look at the preview of few pages

Every year Venice celebrates Carnival, which lasts for two weeks and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, so today was the final day! Compared to last year, the last day of this year's Venice carnival is estimated to have witnessed a rise in tourist numbers. The combined figures offered by Venice police and hotel operators suggest that as many as 160,000 tourists were in Venice for the annual carnival's closing Sunday.

It has been a very busy and intense 2 weeks, but with lots of fun as well and hundreds of pictures.