STEVE MCCURRY

Steve McCurry has been one of the most emblematic voices in contemporary photography for over forty years, with more than twenty books and numerous exhibitions worldwide.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McCurry studied film and art photography at Pennsylvania State University. After several years of freelance work, McCurry made the first of many trips to South Asia. With only a bag of clothes and another of film, he traveled the subcontinent, exploring the region with his camera.

After several months' travel, he met a group of Afghan refugees who smuggled him across the border into their country, while the Russian invasion was underway. After weeks spent with the mujahideen, McCurry brought back to the world some of the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Since then, McCurry has continued to create stunning images. His work covers conflict, disappearing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture, while retaining the human element.

Mr. McCurry has received some of the industry's most prestigious awards, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal. The French Minister of Culture also named him Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and, more recently, the Royal Photographic Society in London awarded him the Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement.

Day 1

Morning

Arrival of participants before noon and time to settle into the workshop environment.

Afternoon

• Presentation of Steve McCurry’s work and his photographic approach
• Overview of the themes explored during the workshop

Day 2

Morning

• Practical session dedicated to developing one’s eye in the field
• Focus on how to approach scenes and subjects with sensitivity and intention
  

Afternoon

• Shooting session in Venice guided by the day’s observations
• Personalized advice on composition timing and building a photographic rhythm
• Participants are encouraged to experiment freely while refining their approach

Day 3

Morning

• Continuation of shooting sessions in a variety of Venetian environments
• Work on strengthening visual coherence and finding a personal direction
  

Afternoon

• Group review and first selection of images
• Discussion on narrative intention atmosphere and the role of editing
• Preparation of a small series for the final presentation

Day 4

Morning

• Collective presentation of the work produced
• Exchange and constructive feedback to reflect on each participant’s photographic progression
  

Afternoon

• Conclusion of the workshop
• Please note that this program may be adjusted by the artist according to the flow and needs of the group
  

• Capture light and shadow in architectural and urban environments
• Develop portraiture skills rooted in authentic human encounters
• Strengthen storytelling through everyday street scenes
• Build compelling and coherent visual narratives
• Improve composition, contrast and framing techniques
• Refine personal photographic vision and approach

• Observation and visual sensitivity
• Composition and contrast control
• Portraiture techniques
• Street photography practice
• Narrative construction
• Technical confidence in diverse lighting conditions

Photographers of all levels wishing to deepen their technical and narrative approach while discovering Venice through the guidance of a master photographer.

• A digital camera with lenses
• Memory cards with sufficient capacity
• External hard drive or USB stick
• Personal laptop with charger
• Photo editing software installed

• The complete workshop: from Thursday, April 15, 2027 at 2:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 18, 2027 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

• Return transport to Venice and San Servolo
• The ACTV pass and the vaporetto journeys required throughout the workshop
• Accommodation: rooms are available on site in San Servolo; otherwise you will need to arrange your own accommodation in Venice
• Lunch is on your own: there is a cafeteria in San Servolo
• All insurance cover for lost or stolen luggage, delayed or cancelled transport, theft or breakage of equipment during the workshop

• Continuous assessment with daily feedback and group discussions
• Final presentation of each participant’s project during the screening
• End-of-session evaluation and self-assessment form
• Access to a shared alumni group for post-workshop dialogue and creative exchange

Participants’ series may be featured across Venezia Photo channels (newsletter, website, social). A private online group allows continued dialogue and project sharing after the workshop.

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