Monochrome Masterclass in Venice Workshops
Learn the art of monochrome street photography against a backdrop full of mystery and intrigue. There’s no place quite like Venice in the winter months; most of the tourists have gone home and the city returns to its ‘real life’ state. Think fog, dark, mysterious alleys, cloaked characters and . . . more fog! It’s all so photogenic.
We’ll be shooting stylised, conceptual and abstract images based on classic Venetian iconography with all its shapes, textures and contrast. You’ll be encouraged to work on a personal project (with full support from Brian) and you should aim to produce a book or zine as a record of your time in Venice.
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. We will shoot the sunrise and the sunset (weather conditions permitting) and and will include some shooting in the hours of darkness. You will learn how to . . .
Develop your own style as a photographer and how to conceive and undertake artistic projects
Produce a cohesive and meaningful body of work rather than random ‘tourist’ shots
See in black & white and to use tone, form and texture in your images
Find real photographic potential in otherwise ‘ordinary’ scenes; find beauty in the mundane
Use creative techniques for exposure, focus and composition
Become invisible and shoot your environment quietly and unobtrusively
Conquer your fear of photographing strangers
Shoot striking abstracts
Understand and work with great light
Develop a strong narrative
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 farewell drink, aiming to finish between 5-6pm.
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).
