Images of Venice

About.“Images of Venice – Beautiful Photography and Posts”

Beautiful photography of Venice and highly informative posts, let you discover and experience this city in a unique way.

See and experience all the elements, colour, texture and detail that characterise this historic city and get a better understanding and appreciation of its history and rich cultural heritage.

Currently 52 themed Galleries, with over 900 exhibition quality images and 209 highly informative and illustrated posts; provide a unique non-commercial “go-to” resource, for lovers of Venice and fine photography. This duality of approach with its clean and contemporary design, is what sets this website apart; from the plethora of more tourist or image-based sites available online.

How to benefit. “Images of Venice – Beautiful Photography and Posts”

Venice is said to be one of the world’s most photographed cities and one of unlimited photographic potential. Yet the images seen online tend to show the same limited subject matter and viewpoints (often with the use of unnaturally saturated colour effects). There is so much more to Venice than this! The wide range of gallery themes presented here, will give you both the ideas and the inspiration; to improve your own photography and help develop a wider and more individual approach.

If you are planning a trip, research is the key to a successful visit. The more you know about Venice; the better your experience and enjoyment will be and the more productive your photography will become. This is especially relevant if your time is limited in the city.

Successful photography, requires raising your awareness or level of consciousness. I hope this site will help you “see”, rather than “look” and be more selective in your approach; because “less” is often “more”. It can often be about learning to take images, that others would pass by.

Venice is a city of “stone, water, colour and texture”; all modulated by time and weather and thankfully today, little pollution. Floating in its own lagoon, it is the interface of ever-changing direct and reflected light and water; that gives Venice its magical quality, so beloved by artists, writers and poets. However, contrary to what you might imagine, when considering “detail”; I often prefer to photograph when its wet and damp. What happens when you put stone in water? The colour and its textures come to life. 

In Venice, you also need to learn to adapt your photography, not only to the ever-changing weather conditions, but also the hordes of humanity; that descends on the city every day. Victorian artists and writers, that flocked back to the city after the demise of Napoleon; often described the “duality” of Venice – the “superficial” and the “hidden”. For some, the “real” Venice, was to be found “far from the maddening crowds“

The image galleries will show you what you can achieve, whatever the weather and lighting conditions; in the main tourist locations, or in the back streets.

Why? “Images of Venice – Beautiful Photography and Posts”

I love Venice because it is unique – there is nothing like it in the world. A network of canals and walk-ways, formed from 119 small islands linked by around 400 bridges; all appearing to float in the middle of its own lagoon.

Who could ever imagine, that out a malarial infected swamp with low level islands, mostly around one metre above sea-level; would rise such a Republic that has given us a culture of great architecture, art, music and much more….. One that has survived and thrived for more than five centuries, because of its political, economic and naval prowess; until its slow decline and the eventual fall. 

To me, Venice is all about relationships and balance; clearly seen even today. What makes its development unique is the relationship of “man against nature”; its “triumph over adversity”; “survival over decline”; the close relationship of “the state, church and its people”; its blend of “east and west” and the relationship between “permanence and transience”. This last relationship, is particularly reflected in the street art and advertising on walls and public utility structures

What we tend to love about Venice, is the feeling of unsurpassable beauty tinged with picturesque decay – giving a romantic ambience; so loved by travellers, writers, poets and artists, over the centuries.

­­Yet Venice is still is a living and vibrant city, coming to terms with and adapting to the 21st Century. Anxieties for the future, are reflected in current art-world mantras, such as: “changing place – changing time – changing thoughts – changing future” and “adapting for the 21st century”.

Historically, all the great civilisations have inevitably declined. Look at what’s happening to our current world. We all need to learn from history, in order to move forward into the future; if we are to adapt and survive. For me, Venice, of all the great cities; brings this important fact into focus. Furthermore, understanding the history and culture of Venice; helps us to learn more about ourselves.

Ian Coulling is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society  (rps.org), awarded in 1985 for his contribution to the field of Pictorial Photography. He is proud to be associated with the world’s most prestigious photographic society; founded in 1853 and granted a Royal Charter in 2004.

Click the link: Access to the complete Index of Blog Posts

Xmas 2022, saw a significant milestone in the development of the “Images of Venice” website, in reaching 200 published blog posts; making this a large wide-ranging information resource; free of commercial interests and potential bias. My only motivation is to share my love and knowledge of this fantastic city; so that you too, can become a “Venice expert” in no time at all.

So, where do you start?

I have sifted through my posts to bring you a wide introduction to this unique city. If you are planning a trip (especially if your time is limited), a student, or simply what to learn more about Venice; the collection of posts listed below, will act as a platform to markedly increase your basic understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of this remarkable aquatic city.

 (Click on the links below in blue bold)

Introduction to Venice.  This is a very big post, designed to give you a broad introduction to Venice – “all about the city” rolled into one and a great place to start!

The Venetian Lagoon and its Ecosystem. The Venetian lagoon is the most important survivor of a system of estuarine lagoons, that in Roman times extended from Ravenna north to Trieste. During the 5th to 6th century, the lagoon gave security to people under Roman rule; fleeing Hun and Lombard invaders. One of my most viewed posts, it covers location, development, historical perspectives, the Metropolitan City of Venice, its islands and the lagoon ecosystem. One can only marvel and ask yourself “who would have imagined building one of the world’s greatest city, in the middle of a malaria infested swamp; on islands mostly less than one metre above sea-level”!

Getting Around – Basic Terminology. This post is about helping you arrive and get around Venice and about getting to grips with some basic architectural, trade and artistic terminology; to enrich your experience of this wonderful city.

Santa Lucia Train Station. Everything you need to know about the history, development and use of this important terminal, in the historic centre of Venice; one of the city’s two railway stations. The other, “Venice Mestre”, is a mainline junction station in the Metropolitan City of Venice’s, mainland district of Mestre.

Piazzale Roma Bus Terminal.  There’s much more to the historic city’s bus terminal, linked to the mainland by the Ponte della Liberta; than you might first imagine. Within the square is the “Venice People Mover”: an overhead rail public transit system, operating since 2010 and connecting Piazzale Roma to the Marittima cruise ship port and Tronchetto island. The latter allows more extensive car parking facilities.

Useful Apps for Venice.  For the technically minded, this post gives an overview of the most useful free apps, for your trip to Venice. They will help you get around and make the most of your stay: vaporetto routes and time-tables; museum, exhibition, gallery and church opening times and entrance fees. Useful discounts and which streets are flooded by the “acqua alta” and much more! Download and install the apps, before you set off to Venice and if possible, create a separate window on the phone; with your new collection of Venice related apps.

 The Language of Venice. The language is unique, despite modern worldwide cultural influences; as it remains original and is used by all classes of society.  It should not be considered a mere local dialect, since during the Republican era, it was used in official documents and in a considerable body of literature. Many directions signs in the historic centre, are shown in both Italian and Venetian.

Political Empire through Trade. Venice played a major role in reopening the Mediterranean economy to West European commerce and to the development of links with Northern Europe. It created institutions that formed the basis for commercial capitalism and made major progress in shipping technology. Also, it helped transfer Asian and Egyptian technology to the West, in the area of cane sugar production and processing, silk textiles, glassblowing and jewellery.

Cuisine of the Veneto. This post covers the traditional cuisine and drinks of the Veneto and its seven regions. In general, traditional Venetian food can be characterised by its authenticity and the use of the finest (yet sometimes humble) main ingredients; combined in simple recipes and without being strongly flavoured or hot. Specialities often reflect the Venetian Republic’s success, in the development of its mercantile and overland trade; into the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Silk Route into Asia and the Orient. Exotic spices and herbs, were used for flavouring food and as ingredients in medicinal and cosmetic preparations; that also became a significant part of its trade revenue.  Finally, from the end of the 18th century, some new specialities were introduced, following the French and Austrian occupation.

San Marco – District and Main Attractions.    Dorsoduro – District and Main Attractions.  If it’s your first visit or on limited time, these two comprehensive posts will cover many of the main tourist attractions. The districts are close together and easily accessible on foot or by a short Vaporetto trip.

Venice Museum Guide – Introduction.  This post features links to all my comprehensive  posts, on my list of “Top 25 recommended Museums”. Each post contains: descriptive information, their official websites to get the latest information about visiting and any current health regulations required for entry; together with links to all the featured museums. Also included, are links to my own relevant published posts, including the main attractions in each of Venice’s six districts. All the background information necessary; to widen the experience and enjoyment of your visit. Possibly the most comprehensive set of museum guides available.

The Grand Canal of Venice.     Bridges of the Grand Canal.      Venetian Palace Architectural Styles: Byzantine – Venetian Gothic – Renaissance – Baroque – Neoclassical.  A boat trip along the Grand Canal, is one of the world’s greatest pleasures. These three posts, tell you “all you need to know” about this famous canal, its four bridges and historic palaces. The latter post shows you how to recognise and differentiate the various period styles.

The Venice Carnival.    History of Venetian Masks.   Venice Carnival – Events 2020.      Although from 2020, this post will give you a great idea of what to expect in 2023 – just search for “Venice Carnival 2023”, find the official website; to see all the latest information on dates and events.

History of Venetian Glass  “Vetro Veneziano”, has been made for over 1,500 years and since the 13th century, production has been concentrated on the island of Murano.  It has a long history of innovations in glass making, being Europe’s first major glass making centre; but is today renowned for its artistic creations.

Venetian Wells – Drinking Water.  As the population of Venetians in the Rialto area developed, there was one item lacking to ensure survival; a plentiful supply of fresh drinkable water. The lack of fresh water could normally be solved through the construction of typical draw-wells to access underground water sources.  Venice, however, was built on islands of low-level marshland in a salt water lagoon; the normal way of obtaining fresh water was impossible.

History of Travel Posters.  This post provides a brief history of Travel Posters and includes a representative selection of the best Venetian examples. Fun to look at and great to decorate your walls; at an economical price!

Photographing Venice – Developing a more personal vision.  Venice is probably the world’s most photographed city – so how do you say something different about the place or start to develop any sense of individuality and a more personal vision? This post will help you become more perceptive, open to different ideas and achieve greater photographic success.

Acqua Alta and the Mose Project.     The Great Venetian Flood of 1966.    Two of my most popular posts, giving everything you need to know about high flood tides and their control; together with the story of Venice’s worst flood in recent times.

Images of Venice – Beautiful Photography and Posts