Paul Rousteau - Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

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Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

PAUL ROUSTEAU

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

An immersive photography workshop in Venice

Festival Workshop

“For me, photography is a playground for perception. We’ll try to see Venice not as it is, but as it could appear in a dream — through reflections, distortions, and colours that bend reality. I want each participant to surprise themselves, to lose control a little, and to find beauty in what happens by chance.”

- Paul Rousteau

This immersive workshop led by Paul Rousteau takes place over four days in Venice, combining hands-on practice, collective exchange, and creative exploration in one of the world’s most inspiring cities. Participants will experiment with ways of seeing, transform reality through playful interventions, and explore the poetic tension between what is visible and what can be imagined.

Venice is an ever-changing theatre of light and reflection — a city where water, sky, and stone merge into a living canvas. Nowhere else does the line between reality and illusion blur so naturally. Its golden air, mirrored canals, and timeless atmosphere make it the perfect laboratory for experimenting with perception and the act of seeing.

Bio

Born in France in 1985, Paul Rousteau explores the limits of photography and perception. His work, composed of optical illusions and vibrant colour harmonies, moves freely between digital and painterly expression.

From portrait to landscape, his hallucinatory and contemplative visuals have been featured by The New York Times, Hermès, M Le Monde, Louis Vuitton, Mucem, Vogue, and The Louvre.

Pedagogical learning

Learn to see and photograph differently by exploring perception, illusion, and visual distortion.
Experiment with filters, mirrors, and creative tools to twist reality and invent new perspectives.
Develop a poetic and experimental photographic approach, between abstraction and representation.
Produce a coherent photographic series based on visual experimentation in Venice.
Work with light, colour, and material to reveal a personal and creative vision of the world.

Skills targeted

Conceive and produce a personal photographic series through creative experimentation.
Use alternative and handmade tools (filters, mirrors, plexiglass, coloured materials) to generate unique images.
Adapt practice to a specific environment and the distinctive light of Venice.
Develop a personal visual language at the intersection of photography, painting, and imagination.
Present a coherent body of work during the final collective screening.

Target audience

Professional photographers, visual artists, and advanced amateurs wishing to explore new forms of photographic expression. All levels welcome.

Prerequisites

Autonomous practice of digital photography.
Personal equipment (camera, lenses, cards, HDD, laptop + software).
Bring 3–5 personal objects/filters (mirrors, plexiglass, coloured papers, fabrics, broken lenses, etc.).
Full participation for the entire duration; sunrise-to-sunset outdoor work.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The complete workshop: from Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1 p.m.3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 cocktails

Access to the closing evening

Any equipment loans

Access to any tourist sites or places of interest planned as part of the workshop

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Return transport to Venice and San Servolo Accommodation: 100 rooms are available on site, in San Servolo, otherwise you'll need to arrange your own accommodation in Venice.Lunch is on your own: there is a cafeteria in San Servolo.Vaporettos and other water cabs outside the excursions scheduled as part of the workshopAll insurance cover for lost or stolen luggage, delayed or cancelled transport, theft or breakage of equipment during the workshop.

Detailed program

Day 1

Welcome and group introduction. Presentation of Paul Rousteau’s approach, participant portfolios and goals. Creation of handmade filters and first experiments. Visit to Le Stanze della Fotografia (Mapplethorpe). Group welcoming dinner on San Servolo.

Day 2

Early-morning photo session in Venice, followed by exploration of filters and editing processes on the island, mixing manual and digital interventions. Informal encounters and book signing over an aperitif; group dinner.

Day 3

Sunrise shoot in Venice, group discussion on images and direction. Afternoon devoted to experimentation and post-production, pushing boundaries between painting, photography, and abstraction. Sunset shoot on the Zattere promenade.

Day 4

Final edit, selection and sequencing. Collective screening and feedback to close the workshop.

Please note that this program is subject to adjustments by the artists to best serve the needs and direction of the workshop.

Evaluation methods

Private end-of-course interview and feedback
Continuous evaluation of the personal photographic series throughout the workshop
Group and individual oral evaluation at the end of the course

After the training

Participants’ work may be featured through Venezia Photo’s communication channels (newsletter, website, social media).
A private online group will allow participants to stay connected, share projects, and continue discussions beyond the workshop.

ACCESSIBILITY

All efforts are made to accommodate participants with disabilities. Please contact us in advance for adaptation of conditions.

Language of instructor

English or French

Duration & location

San Servolo - 4 days

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

Photography and illusion : how to see differently ?

€1.290,00