I'm thrilled to share my updated LinkedIn profile with you all!

As a passionate Photojournalist and Educator, I've dedicated my career to capturing stories that matter and sharing the art and craft of photography with enthusiasts and professionals alike.

📸 Check out my journey from award-winning photography projects to leading workshops and masterclasses in Venice, Budapest, and Ljubljana. I'm also deeply involved in consultancy for photo agencies and archives, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

🌍 Whether you're a fellow professional in the visual arts, someone passionate about photography, or interested in potential collaborations, I'd love to connect and explore opportunities to work together.

✨ Let's create, inspire, and make an impact through the power of imagery. Visit my profile to learn more about my work and get in touch!

My LinkedIn Profile Link

#Photography #Photojournalism #VisualArts #Education #Collaboration #Networking

Participate in the Venice Photo Awards for Free: An Exclusive Invitation for Past Workshop Attendees

In celebration of your continuous support and the shared passion that binds our community, I am thrilled to extend a special invitation to you. We are launching a Virtual Exhibition at Venice Photo Awards, and I would be honoured to feature a piece of your perspective on Venice.

What’s Happening?

For the first time, we are inviting our beloved clients and followers to participate in a Free of Charge exclusive Virtual Exhibition on venicephotoawards.org. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your vision of Venice, viewed through your lens, to a global audience.

Why Participate?

Showcase Your Talent: Your photograph will be displayed in a curated online gallery for one month, celebrating the diverse and personal views of Venice.

Complimentary Feature: As a token of appreciation for your support, this opportunity is completely free of charge for our clients.

Connect and Inspire: Join a community of like-minded individuals, share your insights, and draw inspiration from the collective creativity.

How to Participate?

Select Your Photo: Choose ONE photo that captures your unique experience or perspective of Venice. We welcome all forms of expression, reflecting the city's essence through your eyes.

Rename your picture in the following format: Sender's name_Example_Filename.jpg  example  Marco_Secchi_Royal_Family.jpg (start with a capital letter for each word, and use _ between words. We accept .jpg

Resize your image: Please resize to longer side 2000 pixels max  and no more than 3/4MB

Submit Your Work: Check my email or contact us for the special link for previous customers!

Deadline for Submissions: 23rd February 2024- Make sure to send your photo by this date to be considered for the exhibition.

This Virtual Exhibition is not just about showcasing the beauty of Venice but also about celebrating the connection we share with this magnificent city and each other. It’s a testament to the power of photography in bringing us together, even when we're apart.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your ongoing support. I can't wait to see Venice through your eyes and share it with the world.

Capturing the Essence: A Venice Photographer's Guide

Venice, a city of timeless beauty and mystery, offers an endless canvas for photographers. From the serene canals at dawn to the vibrant streets at dusk, each moment in Venice presents a unique opportunity to capture something truly magical.

As a seasoned Venice photographer who has traversed these historic streets and waterways, I've gathered invaluable insights into photographing this enchanting city.

These will be some of the themes and insights I will share during my workshops.

Understanding Venice's Light

• The play of light and shadow in narrow alleys and open piazzas.

• Best times of day for photography in different seasons.

Iconic Locations & Hidden Gems

• Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square: Capturing these famous sites from unique perspectives.

• Discovering lesser-known but equally captivating spots, discover the real Venice of the Venetians

The Venetian Palette: Color and Texture

• How to use Venice's rich colours and textures to add depth to your photos.

• Tips for both colour and black and white photography.

Venice in Motion: Gondolas and Vaporetti

• Techniques for capturing movement, from gondola rides to bustling markets.

• Long exposures

Portraits of Venice: People and Culture

• Ethical considerations and tips for street and portrait photography in Venice.

• Capturing the human element amidst a historical backdrop.

Seasonal Variations: Festivals and Floods

Photographing events like Carnival and the acqua alta (high water).

• Gear Recommendations

• What to pack for different types of photography in Venice.

• Advice on navigating the city with your equipment.

• Post-Processing Tips

• Enhancing your photos while retaining the natural beauty of Venice.

• My workflow for editing Venice photography.

• The Photographer's Mindset

Elliott Erwitt in Venice

Today, we bid farewell to a legendary eye behind the lens, Elliott Erwitt.

A man who captured life's serendipitous moments with wit, warmth, and a profound depth of humanity.

His photographs were conversations without words, often lighthearted, sometimes solemn, always deeply human.

I had the honour of photographing him few times. The last was in Venice in 2012, experiences I cherish profoundly.

His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with us.

Rest in peace, Maestro of Monochrome.

#ElliottErwitt #PhotographyLegend #RestInPeace #MonochromeMaster #Venice2012 #Inspiration #Legacy #ElliottErwittTribute

Saint Mark's ..the Dolomites and "stravedamento"

Awakening Serenity: A pristine morning over Venice as the Dolomites stand sentinel in the distance. The timeless dance between sea and sky is a silent symphony to those who wander through San Marco's embrace.

In the realm of photography, certain atmospheric conditions can transform a familiar scene into something otherworldly.

This is captured in the Italian term 'stravedamento,' a phenomenon where the horizon is rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing distant objects to appear startlingly near. Such clarity is often the gift of strong winds that sweep away atmospheric veils like smog and haze, extending visibility from mere kilometres to potentially hundreds.

In my latest photograph of Venice, the Dolomites loom over the city with an ethereal presence, a spectacle made possible by 'stravedamento.' This is no digital illusion but a natural marvel, where the mountains, over 100 kilometres away, seem to rise dramatically behind the iconic silhouettes of San Marco's spires. The telephoto lens plays a crucial role here, compressing the space between Venice and the Dolomites and enhancing the intimacy of this geographic juxtaposition. I have shot this photo with a Leica camera. You can easily see some of the most famous. Mountains like Monte Grappa, Antelao, Civetta, Cavallo, Pale di San Martino to name the few I can recognise.

While there is no direct English equivalent for 'stravedamento,' the term could be likened to 'crystal-clear visibility' or 'atmospheric clarity.' However, these phrases only begin to describe the unique blend of meteorological and optical magic that 'stravedamento' embodies. It's a term that speaks to the heart of the photographer's experience, capturing moments of pure clarity that bridge the gap between earth and sky, near and far, in a single frame.

#VenetianVoyage #DolomiteDreams #VenicePhotography
#SanMarcoSquare #PhotographyWorkshops
#GettyImagesArtist #MarcoSecchiPhotography
#TravelItaly #LandscapeLovers #SloveniaToVenice

Sior Rioba an enigmatic Venetian figure

Shadows and Secrets: The Timeless Enigma of Rioba and Campo de Mori

In the heart of Venice, where canals breathe life into the city's ancient bones, the still gaze of the Rioba Statue falls over Campo de Mori. Captured in the stark contrasts of black and white, the image transcends mere aesthetics—it taps into the soul of a Venice that exists beyond the reach of time.

The Rioba Statue, renowned for its mysterious visage—a grimace or a smile depending on the eye of the beholder—stands as if whispering secrets to passersby.

The statue of Sior Antonio Rioba is a fascinating subject steeped in Venetian folklore and history. Located in Campo dei Mori in the Cannaregio district, the statue is one of four figures that represent the Mastelli brothers—merchants from the Morea (now part of modern Greece) who settled in Venice during the 12th century. Among the brothers, Sior Antonio Rioba is the most famous and has come to embody various myths and stories over the years.

One of the most popular tales suggests that the statue served as a sort of "complaint box" for Venetians. People would stick notes or messages into the statue's mouth to share grievances, which would then allegedly be reviewed by the Venetian government. It is said that this is where the Venetian phrase "Parlar col Rioba" (Talking to Rioba) originates, implying the action of speaking without being heard or of making a complaint to an indifferent authority.

The statue's face was vandalized in the 19th century, losing its nose and jaw. It has since been restored, but the incident only added to its aura of mystery and intrigue. In more recent times, it's become a symbol of Venice's complex past and its multifaceted relationship with trade, power, and oriental influences.

The statue is made of a composite material resembling bronze, and its countenance—whether viewed as a smile or a grimace—invites multiple interpretations, adding another layer to its enigmatic appeal.

The Campo dei Mori itself has its colourful history, meaning "Field of the Moors," and serves as a lasting testament to Venice's diverse, cosmopolitan past. The square is adorned with various oriental elements, reflecting the city's longstanding trade relationships with the East.

So, if you're capturing this fascinating subject through the lens of your camera, you're not just photographing a statue but an enigmatic figure entwined with the myths, legends, and history of Venice itself.

Madonna della Salute

The Madonna della Salute is the most heartfelt holiday for the Venetians, celebrated every year on November 21st. It honours the ex-voto made by doge Contarini in 1630. At that time, the Plague had already killed a quarter of the city population.

A temporary votive bridge is set up across the Grand Canal so celebrants can cross the water from Giglio to a lane near the Salute. Thousands of locals crowd into the small streets leading up to the church and line the bridge as they watch the procession carrying the statue of the Virgin Mary through town.

The genesis of the celebrations dates back to the beginning of the 17th century when an epidemic plague swept through the lagoon city of Venice. Hundreds of people died every day. The governor at the time,

Francesco Morosini, was so alarmed by the situation that he gathered the people of Venice around him and asked what they would do to stop the disease from spreading further. The response he received was an overwhelming plea for a miracle.

Morosini promised that if they prayed to Our Lady of Health to heal the sick and stop the spread of the disease, he would build a church in her honour as a symbol of gratitude. Over the next few months, the funds to build the church were collected and the plans were drawn up. The church was officially named Santa Maria della Salute and was inaugurated on Christmas Day 1631.

Since then, hundreds of Venetians have gone to the Salute church yearly to light a candle and say thanks. It is a very beloved tradition, luckily not touristy.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Venice

The magical city of canals and bridges will come to life at nighttime with the illumination of the bridges and boats all dressed up in colourful lights & lanterns. At this time of year, you can also enjoy a romantic stroll along the banks of the canal as you enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

There are fewer tourists at this time of year as the summer crowds have left, and the restaurants and shops are less crowded.

You will get a much more authentic experience of the city, especially if you're planning on visiting one of the museums and sights, as they generally have fewer visitors during the winter months. It is also cheaper and more convenient to find accommodation as it is off-season and many hotels are much cheaper during this time.

The city becomes even more romantic at night with live music from the cafes and small bars.

The weather during winter in Venice will be a bit cold (average temperature of 38°F (3°C) in January and 41°F in February), but visiting Venice in winter is quite enjoyable. Always keep yourself warm and dry during your stay in Venice.

Winter in Venice is generally between December to February, but months such as November and March can feel wintery in Venice as well. Winter in Venice means Christmas decorations and Carnival, a foggy fairy-tale world, and the occurrence of snow and lesser crowds to fight. The skies are clearer, which means you can see beautiful sunsets over the canal.

Venice is also beautifully decorated in winter, with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. Some many shops and cafés are open year-round, where you can relax and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

A visit to Venice during the winter can be very relaxing and enjoyable as you don't get as many tourists, and it can be very easy to escape the tourist areas and explore parts of the city that are usually closed to the public in summer

Poveglia: home of an abandoned 17th-century asylum, like you’ve never seen it before!

Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Poveglia, an island steeped in history and brimming with photographic opportunities. Join our exclusive photography workshop and embark on a journey that combines the art of capturing stunning images with the allure of this unique location.

Why Choose Our Poveglia Photography Workshop?

Our workshop stands out as a remarkable experience, offering you the chance to enhance your photography skills while immersing yourself in the captivating ambiance of Poveglia. Here's what sets us apart:

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our professional photographers who will provide you with valuable insights, personalized instruction, and guidance throughout the workshop.

Unparalleled Island Location: Poveglia's rich history and picturesque landscapes provide an idyllic backdrop for your photographic exploration. From its crumbling ruins to its lush flora, every corner of this island offers a story waiting to be captured.

Hands-On Practice: Engage in hands-on photography sessions, allowing you to apply newly acquired techniques and experiment with different styles under the guidance of our instructors.

Unique Shooting Opportunities: Access exclusive shooting locations on Poveglia, including hidden spots rarely seen by visitors. Capture breathtaking images of the island's haunting beauty and preserve its essence through your lens

This small island located in the Venetian Lagoon, located between Venice and Lido is known for the dilapidated 17th-century asylum for the mentally ill. Tales of hauntings, ghostly moans, screams and spectres make this place known as one of the most haunted locations in the world. 

Complete with a plague burial ground, this site is deserted and off-limits, making images reasonably rare. 

Stranger yet is the local’s reaction to being asked questions about this foreboding place; very few Venetians talk about the island or answer questions. Many pretend the island doesn’t even exist, which only adds to the mystery, intrigue, and ultimate sadness of the location. 

I regularly organize photography workshops, especially the 10h Black and White that include a visit to Poveglia. Check with me about availability.

My photo zine of Poveglia is here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WJY7WNB Do check for your local Amazon Marketplace for free handling and shipping!

This black and white zine will bring the sense of dread of the island into your living room and pique your curiosity about all the secrets buried on Poveglia.

Must stop moaning

Image by

ophelyee

via Flickr

I have complained before about the so called Artist Block at least here and just few days ago . Today I realized that I must stop moaning, at least for the time being, and here are few of the  reasons:

• I am lucky enough, in this period of my life, to leave in one of the most beautiful and inspiring places of the world: Venice.

• I live very close to the sea, probably 20 meters and I believe the sea is very inspiring

• I live about 100mt from where Tintoretto used to live and work, there are so many of his works close to me that is unbelievable.

• Venice is so rich of libraries, galleries,  museums that is so easy to get inspiration.

• Life here is relaxed and at a different pace, so you do not get stressed and have all the time you need to get inspired.

• In Venice lived just to mention some Italian Artists  Canova, Canaletto, Vasari, Giorgione, Mantegna, Titian....

No more excuses then!

Related articles

• Visions of Venice 300 years apart (bbc.co.uk)

• Canaletto's Venice: a city for pleasure seekers (telegraph.co.uk)

• 12 Hours In Venice - Venice, Italy (travelpod.com)

Venice Carnival 2019.....is here

The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival, held in Venice. The Carnival starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday.

The Venice Carnival is now world famous - it always takes place during the ten days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Carnival, being a pre-Lent festival, means 'farewell to meat' and is celebrated throughout Italy.

It was first held in Venice in the 11th century and consisted of over two months of revelry, until it fell into decline during the 18th century. It was revived in 1979 with great success and nowadays it is a great excuse to don a mask and costume, parade around the city, enjoy the live music in the main squares of the city, the events organised by the tourist board and is a wonderful open-air festival where everyone can join in. Fantastic costumes are displayed in St Mark's Square and Venice is the perfect back-drop for amazing photographs.

Carnival in the 18th century began with a series of balls in St Mark's Square, as can be seen on the fresco on the walls of the famous café Quadri's. Fortunes were squandered every night of Carnival in the Ridotto Gambling casino, whatever the social status all the people wore costumes and masks, many connected to the Commedie del'Arte, Harlequin, Columbine, the Plague Doctor and of course the courtesans.

The 2019 edition will run from Sat, Feb 16, 2019 – Tue, Mar 5, 2019

Venice Photo Walk and Tour

During your Photo Tour of Venice, I will point out details invisible to the untrained eye and reveal the best vantage-points on your chosen route. Learn to tell a story through images, take great shots of iconic monuments and capture atmospheric images off the beaten track.

So bring your walking shoes and be prepared to discover the mysteries of the city. Bring your camera and learn how to have more fun with your camera.

• Discover parts of Venice less travelled by tourists. • Hear interesting tales and stories • Take better photos • Turn your photos into exciting stories. • Have fun!

Let a Creative Italian Photographer walk you through the city of Venice in an unforgettable Photo Walk capturing real candid moments of your stay in beautiful pictures. Enjoy a relaxing vacation and bring home remarkable pictures of your visit.

Touring Venice can be a very exciting experience, but it can also be quite an adventure if you are unsure of which places to visit and how. The language barrier may also represent a curious obstacle but it can also be frustrating. We offer innovative and unforgettable Photographic Tours to welcome you to the most fascinating and romantic place in the world. Experience Venice through the eyes of a native Italian Professional Photographer. He will guide you in an exclusive tour through the most interesting Venice landmarks and monuments.

All city excursions are exclusively custom-made to fit your needs. You can explore the sites whichever way you like and at your own pace.

Walking around Venice together with a professional photographer is an enlightening experience. He will show you all the tricks of the game but it is also a fun and new way to visit a city like Venice. You will be able to visit, see, experience and tour places, situations, people that would be otherwise difficult to come across. The Photo Tours will take you through off-the-beaten tracks to the most important monuments and landmarks. You will avoid the tourist pedestrian highways and will take more secluded, intimate and truly Italian passageways. Let it be romantic, creative, fun and friendly, the astounding imagery will do the rest. We will show you the right places to eat, where true Italian dwell and the hidden beauties of the wonderful city.

• Tripadvisor Venice Photo Walk with Marco Secchi rated "excellent" by travellers

Biennale Arte 2017

My  picture "Checkpoint 2017"  was on display at the Biennale Arte 2017 at the Tunisia Pavilion "Absence of Paths"

Link http://www.theabsenceofpaths.com/commission/checkpoint

An abandoned checkpoint at the Slovenia–Hungary border.

On the trail of Tintoretto

An exhibition honouring 16th-century Venetian master Tintoretto opens in Rome today Saturday, following the painter's career from his days as an ambitious disciple of Titian to a bitter old age. "Tintoretto was the most controversial painter of his time," Melania Mazzucco, one of the organisers, told reporters in the Italian capital.  Tintoretto, whose real name was Jacopo Robusti, owed his nickname to his father who was a manufacturer of dyes ("tinta" in Italian). He became one of the greatest practitioners of the Venetian style.

Tintoretto used to live meters away from Campo Dei Mori where he used to walk probably every day

The exhibition, which runs until June 10, begins with one of his monumental works "The Miracle of the Slave" (1548), measuring 4.16 metres by 5.44 metres (14 feet by 18 feet) and normally jealously guarded in Venice. The choice of putting a slave at the centre of the painting instead of the saint who is rescuing him was considered scandalous at the time.Another masterpiece in the show is "The Theft of the Body of Saint Mark" (1564) showing a group of Christians in Alexandria taking away the saint's body from a bonfire that has been miraculously extinguished by rain. Apart from religious and mythological subjects, Tintoretto also painted hundreds of portraits -- a source of revenue from aristocrats, writers and celebrities that he used for contacts and protection. Tintoretto's pride was legendary: he once turned down a knighthood from French king Henry III because he did not want to kneel down and he refused to allow his beloved daughter Marietta to leave his home. His final years were cruel to the painter. Marietta died in 1590, followed by his son Giovanni Battista. His last self-portrait shows a somber and humbled Tintoretto, his face marked by the harshness of life. His last child died in a convent in 1652, leaving him without descendants.