Carnevale di Veneza
Once Upon a Time in Venice
Since Sophie Farfalla changed her theme this year to a painting inspired one ("The Kiss" by Klimt), I aimed to use painterly light for her portraits
The First Sunrise
As is our tradition, first sunrise of shoot each Carnevale is at Ponte dell'Accademia
Nadine and the Moon
Carnevale 2020 with Nadine at sunrise in Piazza San Marco
Serenity Now
Joe and Joyce in some late afternoon light during Carnevale 2019
Kristina Venezia
Kristina at Carnevale 2017
Order of the Phoenix
Comtessenathalie Desmons in Carnevale 2017
Dare to Dream
Sophie Farfalla enjoying one of the best sunsets of Carnevale 2017
The Princess
Veronica at the Gritti Palace, Carnevale 2017
Artemis
Sophie as Artemis in 2017, Goddess of the hunt, forests and hills, the moon and archery
The Pitassi Show
Joe and Joyce at the Doge's Palace during Carnevale 2019
Out of the Fog
Venice Carnevale at its most mysterious
Fantasie Impromptu
Going for a dark fantasy feel with Sophie in 2019
The Great Show
My first Carnevale back in 2008, with Arnaldo in San Marco
Wonderland
Sophie turns on the sun at Carnevale 2013
Witchcraft
They say the 2014 Carnevale was the year of the selfie, then 2015 was the year of the selfie stick but for me 2015 was the year of the birds, there seemed to be so many more than usual like this image with Sophie
Ride of the Valkyrie
The first time I managed to catch a mask in front of the Rialto Bridge, which required Karin to stand up in the gondola
Fairy Tale
2013 Carnevale was one of the most memorable for heavy snows followed immediately by a very high Aqua Alta (flooding), during the evening I literally chased after this photo, running after an unknown cloaked figure while shooting and adjusting my settings until the last frame where the exposure was correct
Bonjour Tristesse
Tear under the eye at the bridge of the canal where the Bridge of Sighs passes over the canal between the old court and prison chambers
The Kiss
Patrice and Kristine at sunset on the island of San Giorgio
Canaletto Dreams
I had the Italian painter of Venetian landscapes Canaletto on my mind when I photographed Sophie and Charlotte amidst a massive throng, like many of his paintings featuring a crowded San Marco, passing gondolas and a beautiful sunset
King of Tarots
Arnaldo at Carnevale 2015
Venificent
Karin's Maleficent inspired costume at the 2015 Carnevale
Turandot
No guesses what Sophie was singing on this gondola ride
Flamingo Fantasy
Sophie at sunrise at Carnevale 2019
Light of My Life
Working some divine light with Joe and Joyce during Carnevale 2019
Mirror Mirror
Veronica and her historical Canaletto inspired costume at the Gritti Palace in 2019
Invisible Touch
A very pleasant afternoon with Daniel and Nadine in an oasis of tranquility, far from the craziness of San Marco
Madame Flamingo
Sophie at a quiet canal in 2019
Sunrise Birds
Sophie at Accademia bridge for sunrise
Return to Venice
Return
Double Dreaming
Finding quiet places at a busy time with Joe and Joyce
Golden Ride
Late afternoon light with Rialto on view and Sophie in a gondola
What Marc Does in the Shadows
Marc Bodson at sunrise during Carnevale 2023
Living in a Dream
A unique perspective during the 2023 Carnevale of Sophie with the front Academia bridge in view
Photographing the Carnival of Venice
History and Tradition behind Carnivale di Venezia
Dating back to the 11th century, the Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest and most famous carnivals in the world. It began as a celebration of the victory of the Venetian Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia and quickly became a symbol of Venetian culture and tradition.
I have visited this remarkable event for an astounding 11 years. Why? Because it captures the most impressive subjects against an equally stunning background. There is no place on earth quite like Venice, with its intricate network of canals that wrap around the island. To photograph the masks that dedicate the entire previous year to creating their costume is truly inspirational. The level of detail in some of these costumes is remarkable.
