Carnival in Venice
February 23 - March 1, 2025
Jim has made some amazing contacts during the many photo workshops he has conducted in Venice, and this means his groups get unbelievable pictures during this 7-day workshop. We shoot costumed models in a gondola, in a 15th-century palace, in traditional bedroom with Venetian decor, and in other locations that provide stunning backgrounds. You will be breathless after each day of shooting simply because the outrageous costumes, the colors, and the medieval backdrops will afford you the best pictures you’ve ever taken in Europe.
This trip sells out so fast that people get upset with me when they can't get a space. Therefore, if you really want to join Jim in Venice during carnival, please don't wait to sign up.
Venice is a wonderful and romantic place to visit any time during the year, but during Carnival it is unbelievable. Set in a medieval environment with stunning architecture and history behind every door is a festival that photographers just shouldn’t miss. Hundreds of people compete with each other for the most outrageous and creative costumes imaginable. The colors are breathtaking and the imagination of the designers knows no bounds. However many pictures you think you will take at this event, multiply that by at least ten. Your camera will be smoking on a daily basis!
In addition to the many costumed people to photograph in San Marco Square and elsewhere in Venice, we will also have several private sessions where we will have models in full costume for private shoots and under our direction. The model shoots will be in different locations, including a 15th century palace, a 19th century palace, a private hotel room with stunning decor, a gondola shoot, and Burano Island which is famous for it’s amazing colorful architecture.
You arrive in Venice on Feb. 23 at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice (airport code VCE). If you want to arrive one day early, let Jim know and he can reserve an extra night for you (at your expense) so you can recover from jet lag. We meet for the first time as a group in the lobby of our hotel at 4pm on the 23rd for a slide show and an orientation to the workshop. Departure from Venice is on March 1 at any time.
HIGHLIGHTS of the PHOTO WORKSHOP
– Spectacular photography of costumed carnival participants
– Private gondola shoot
– Session with models in a 16th century palace
– Twilight photography of famous Venetian architecture
-- Interior photography of the famous La Fenice theater
– Critique sessions of your work
– Discussion of Photoshop techniques to enhance your images
– One of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have
Among the many topics Jim will cover in the informal lectures are:
1. How to shoot people
2. How to protect the highlights from blowing out in your pictures
3. The RAW workflow
4. Composition techniques
5. Professionally replacing backgrounds in Photoshop
6. How to expose your images successfully at twilight
7. Creatively using extreme wide angle lenses
8.. How to clean your sensor
9. How to use off-camera flash
10. Understanding white balance
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The only options for travel within Venice are by foot and by boat. Expect the weather to be cold so bring a very warm jacket, gloves, and hat. A color eBooklet will be sent to you about four months prior to departure, and this includes a list of recommended gear, the hotel contact information, weather issues, private water taxi transfer from the airport information, and more. While you will be shooting every day, time is set aside for photo instruction as well as critiques. If you don’t want to travel with a laptop, you can load your images on Jim's computer for the critiques.
If you want time to explore Venice on your own, you'll have that opportunity. Jim can recommend some excellent places to see and to photograph.
SKILL LEVEL
The workshop is open to people of all skill levels and experience. If you are not familiar with the basic principles of photography, let Jim know and he can give you some instruction by phone prior to the trip or spend quiet time in the hotel lobby to go over the basics. If you have purchased a new camera, make sure you are familiar with its controls. You don't want to be fumbling with buttons and menus during carnival. Everyone should bring the instruction manual for their camera.
Duration: 7 days, six nights
Tour cost: $4750 based on double occupancy
Single supplement: $825 (to have your own room)
Includes: All lodging (accommodation in double rooms) , all breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, transportation from the airport to the hotel by private taxi if you arrive on February 23 (if you arrive early, you must make your way to the hotel on your own per Jim's very clear directions), a week-long Venice public water taxi pass, entrance fee and photo fee for La Fenice, photo instruction, models, critiques of your work.
Not included: International transportation to Venice, alcoholic beverages, tips, private water taxi directly from the airport to the hotel if you choose that option. A visa is not required to visit Italy for American, European, and Canadian citizens.
Please note:
This photo workshop involves a lot of walking. You will be given a pass that's good for one week so you can use any of the public water taxis (they circulate on the main canal every 8 to 10 minutes), and that will reduce the amount of walking you'll need to do. However, many of the shooting locations are in places where the public taxis don't conveniently go. In addition, there are many steps to negotiate on the bridges that cross the canals. Therefore, if you have any physical issues making it difficult to walk or climb steps, please contact Jim so you and he can discuss the matter.