When in Venice, beauty and misery.

Venice was founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, and became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world’s greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and others. The city itself is a unique artistic achievement, composed of an unforgettable landscape which striking beauty that inspired numerous artists and painters. This unique city symbolizes the people’s victorious struggle against the elements, as they managed to master a hostile nature.

Venice is the most unusual city in Italy and possibly even the world. Its uniqueness is precisely what makes it so photogenic and one of the most beautiful places in Europe. It’s impossible to say whether you’ll get the best motives from a Vaporetto or a gondola ride or simply by strolling on foot — but it simply doesn’t matter. Venice is equally breathtaking from every camera angle!  Getting lost in it is something everyone should experience one day. Forget Google Maps and lists of the best places to take photos in Venice, just wander around, and you’ll stumble across many photo opportunities and beautiful places wherever you end up.

Personally, when I walked around Venice, I focused mainly on the aspects of good street photography, i.e. the details, the portraits of ordinary people, and the dark side of mass tourism. The biggest obstacle for me was the crowds of tourists, which I had to skillfully avoid, capturing the desired motifs. That’s why I recommend using a 50 mm lens to capture unforgettable moments when walking through the narrow, sometimes dark streets.