Storytelling in Venice - (3 day workshop, 22-24 October 2025) - FULLY BOOKED

This workshop takes place over 3 full days; we will meet for a light, relaxing supper on the evening before the first workshop day (optional).

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 . . .

• Develop your own style as a photographer and how to conceive and undertake a narrative-based project

• Produce a cohesive and meaningful body of work rather than random ‘tourist’ shots

• Find real photographic potential in otherwise ‘ordinary’ scenes; find beauty in the mundane

• Learn some of the principles involved in producing books and zines

• You should aim to finish the workshop with a compelling body of work and then go on to produce your own book or zine

COSTS

We find that most people prefer to organise their own accommodation and flights; accommodation is plentiful (we always use AirBnB) and budget airlines fly to Venice from most UK airports. Please let us know if you need any advice regarding your arrangements – we know the city very well and we’re happy to help. You are advised to take out travel insurance prior to your trip.

WHAT LEVEL IS THIS?

This is an intermediate level workshop, ideal for those with a reasonable knowledge of basic photographic principles such as exposure and focusing. However, as the group is so small, there’s plenty of opportunity for individual coaching throughout the day.

ITINERARY

Pre-workshop evening (optional)

We will meet for a drink and a light informal supper to get to know each other. Costs not included but it won’t be an expensive or late night!

Shooting Day 1

• We meet at 0930hrs in a cafe overlooking the Grand Canal for coffee and a thorough briefing before setting off into the city.

• Our itinerary will take us to some great street photography ‘hot spots’, where we will put into practice some of the principles learned in the morning session.

• Throughout the day, participants will receive a significant amount of one-to-one tuition and coaching from Brian Lloyd Duckett a full-time working professional street and documentary photographer.

• We’ll find somewhere quiet for a short lunch break, with a group discussion, at around 1pm, before hitting the streets again for the second structured photographic session.

• We will finish the formal part of the day at around 1730hrs with drinks, a thorough debrief and a further Q&A session.

Shooting Day 2

• We will have an early start to shoot the extraordinary Venice sunrise (weather permitting).

• Street shooting with exercises and working to a brief.

• We will finish the day with a debrief and Q&A session over a drink

Shooting Day 3

• Street shooting with exercises and working to a brief.

• We will finish the day with a debrief and Q&A session over a farewell drink, aiming to finish between 5-6pm.

AFTER THE WORKSHOP

• Individual critique for photos taken on the day is available during the week following the course; you will also (if you wish) be able to share your work with your workshop peer group, gaining wider critique.

• After the course, you will be encouraged to keep in touch through the StreetSnappers Collective.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Three full days’ tuition with Brian Lloyd Duckett.

• Vaporetto (waterbus) tickets when required.

• Follow-up and critique after the workshop.

• You will need to pay for your own drinks, refreshments and any public transport costs during the weekend.

YOUR COURSE LEADER

Your course leader for the weekend is Brian Lloyd Duckett, a well-known documentary photographer and professional street photographer. Brian has run many workshops in Venice and knows the city well. He teaches as a Visiting Lecturer on photography degree courses and is a member of the BPPA (British Press Photographers’ Association).