SECRET VENICE

DAY 1 — OPENING YOUR EYES

San Servolo & Venice

10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Welcome to San Servolo

The experience begins on the quiet island of San Servolo, away from the crowds of central Venice.

Introduction to the group, the rhythm of the workshop and a few essential photographic principles around exposure, focus, framing and reading natural light.

12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch & Conversation

A relaxed lunch on the island before heading into Venice.

1:00 – 1:45 pm | Across the Lagoon

Departure towards Venice and introduction to the afternoon’s photographic exploration.

1:45 – 5:30 pm | Discovering a Different Venice

The afternoon unfolds through a carefully selected part of the city, away from the most obvious routes.

The focus is not on ticking off landmarks, but on finding the details that give Venice its character: shadows against old walls, reflections, gestures, façades, passages and fragments of everyday life.

Throughout the walk, participants receive individual guidance on composition, point of view and how to make stronger photographs in changing conditions.

5:30 – 6:30 pm | Return & First Impressions

Return to San Servolo and informal discussion around the day’s discoveries, images and challenges.

DAY 2 — FINDING YOUR VENICE

Venice

9:00 – 9:30 am | Finding a Visual Thread

The morning begins with a short image review.

Participants identify what naturally caught their eye the previous day: reflections, silhouettes, architecture, light, textures, passages or everyday gestures.

This becomes a personal thread to follow throughout the day.

9:30 – 10:30 am | Into the City

Departure for a new photographic route through Venice.

10:30 am – 12:30 pm | An Intimate Venice

Participants explore a quieter side of the city, observing façades, thresholds, inhabited spaces and local life.

The rhythm becomes slower and more observational, with attention to how photographs can begin to relate to one another rather than exist as isolated images.

12:30 – 1:30 pm | Lunch in Venice

Lunch in the city, integrated into the day’s exploration.

1:30 – 4:00 pm | Following the Light

The afternoon continues through changing streets, canals and neighbourhood scenes.

The route is intentionally fluid, allowing the group to respond to light, atmosphere and unexpected encounters.

Individual guidance helps participants refine composition, strengthen their visual choices and build greater coherence across their images.

4:00 – 5:00 pm | Return to San Servolo

Return across the lagoon.

5:00 – 6:00 pm | From Photographs to a Series

Back on San Servolo, participants review and select their strongest images from the previous two days.

DAY 3 — YOUR VENICE, YOUR STORY

Venice & San Servolo

9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Final Shooting Session in Venice

The final day begins with one last photographic walk through Venice.

Participants return to the streets with greater confidence and a clearer sense of their own visual direction, putting into practice everything explored over the previous two days.

This final session is an opportunity to slow down, complete a personal thread, revisit an idea, or simply respond to the city one last time before leaving.

12:00 – 1:00 pm | Return to San Servolo & Lunch

1:00 – 3:30 pm | Editing & Selection

Participants review the images created during the workshop and build a final selection.

The group discusses exposure, timing, composition, recurring motifs and the relationship between individual photographs.

Each participant refines a small personal series reflecting their own experience of Venice.

3:30 – 5:00 pm | Final Presentation & Closing Discussion

The workshop concludes with a group presentation of each participant’s final selection.

The session is followed by collective feedback and a final discussion on how to continue developing an analogue photographic practice beyond the workshop.

The workshop ends at 5:00 pm.

The programme is indicative and may be adjusted by Venezia Photo and the photographer according to weather conditions, light, transportation schedules, the pace of the group and the needs of participants.

• 3-day photography workshop with a Venezia Photo Master
• Small-group photographic walks in Venice
• Individual photographic guidance throughout the workshop
• Image reviews and editing sessions
• Any equipment loans
• Access to the workshop space on San Servolo Island
• Fine art printing session

• 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
• Meals
• Vaporettos and other water cabs outside the excursions scheduled as part of the workshop
• All insurance cover for lost or stolen luggage, delayed or cancelled transport, theft or breakage of equipment during the workshop

• Continuous assessment through daily individual feedback and group discussions
• Final presentation of each participant’s work during the collective screening
• End-of-session evaluation and self-assessment form to measure satisfaction and learning outcomes
• Access to a shared alumni group for post-workshop dialogue and creative exchange

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.

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