Winter street & documentary photography workshops in Venice

Experience the magical city of Venice in the best months: it’s dark, it’s mysterious and it’s misty!

Venice in winter: a city for photographers

We’re the Venice specialists! Brian runs group photography workshops in Venice in the winter months - and one-to-one experiences can be arranged at any time. Together we’ll explore the real, hidden Venice away from the tourists and into the area where the locals live, work and play. Our Venice workshops combine street shooting with elements of documentary and travel photography, with expert guidance all the way.

Join us on a Venice photography workshop to experience this ancient, unique and charismatic photographers’ paradise. Venice provides a wealth of photographic opportunities for photographers in stunningly beautiful surroundings which are greatly enhanced by the ever changing light.

You will be in a small group (maximum of 6 participants) and there will be ample opportunity for one-to-one discussion, tuition and mentoring.

We will work on techniques for exposure, focusing and composition; learn how to spot an opportunity for a unique picture; discover how work with great light and become a master of it; build your confidence as a street photographer. Most of all, you will discover new ways of telling the story of your travels through stylish and distinctive images. We will be doing lots of structured shooting and you will receive coaching, mentoring and constant feedback from your course leader, Brian Lloyd Duckett.

Your workshop will be immersive, inspiring and great fun. The experience will challenge you, stretch you and will elevate your photography.

We will explore the ‘less trodden’ Venice, taking in the sights and sounds of this most charismatic of cities well off the beaten track. Working in a small group, you will discover the city’s photographic ‘hot spots’ and learn how to shoot striking, compelling and engaging images with a professional street and documentary photographer. We will aim to visit each of the sestiere (districts) of the city, each of which has a distinctive feel and its own special photo opportunities. You will learn how to . . .

  • Find your photographic ‘voice’ and learn how to develop projects

  • Use creative techniques for exposure, focus and composition

  • Become invisible and shoot your environment quietly and unobtrusively

  • Maximise the potential of your camera when photographing buildings and urban landscapes

  • Conquer your fear of photographing strangers and build your confidence

  • Spot opportunities in everyday scenes; find beauty in the mundane

  • Shoot striking abstracts

  • Understand and work with great light

  • Tell the story of your travels through striking images

Quotes from the six participants of my February 2024 workshop in Venice . . .

“Just wanted to say many thanks to everyone for a great few days of fun and friendship; I’ve had a great time. Special thanks to Brian for such a great workshop; top-notch as ever.” (Pete)

“Really enjoyed the time away with everybody and thanks Brian for re-energising my photography. Looking forward to the next one now!!!” (Lyn)

“It’s been a great workshop and a wonderful group to spend time with. Thank you Brian for your patience and generosity of spirit.” (Jane)

“Thanks for helping to make my first workshop so enjoyable. A special thanks to Brian for sharing is expertise in so friendly and inspirational way.”( Steve)

“Thank you for a memorable time in Venezia - and thanks to Brian for leading and teaching us so well . . . thank you so much for all this wonderful information and guidance!” (Jen)

“Thank you all for the lovely company and many thanks for Brian for this interesting and instructive workshop. Really enjoyed it! Definitely have my creative juices flowing now with some projects in my hometown.” (Yves)

FAQs

  • Yes, I usually set aside time for individual workshops either side of the advertised group workshops in February and November. However, workshops can be arranged at any time during the year - please contact me to discuss dates and costs. Workshops can be arranged for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and can be for individuals or small private groups of up to six people.

  • No. We find that our clients have widely differing requirements, tastes and budgets and our fees do not include flights or accommodation. Brian knows the city well and will be pleased to advise on the ideal locations for your stay.

  • There will never be more than six participants. This is the optimal number to ensure a good group dynamic whilst providing plenty of opportunity for individual coaching and attention from Brian.

  • Whatever your level of experience, Brian can help you develop your skills. He is used to teaching photographers with different levels of knowledge and experience. However, some knowledge of the fundamentals of the basic camera settings would help you progress more quickly.