Post by Lynn and Paul Henni

Venice by Night

Our Italian trip started with a few nights in Venice.  We had spent a week here 4 years previously but that was BP – Before Photography (or at least what photography has become for us – shooting in raw, looking beyond the obvious, envisaging the world in black and white).  So, unsurprisingly, we took a lot of photos.  This blog post focuses on Venice by night.

We have to start with a fairly classic view.  We stayed in a pensione opposite the Santo Stefano church, a short walk from this bridge which attracts many tourists snapping away whether with mobile phones on selfie sticks or full frame cameras; it is a beautiful spot with domes of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the distance.

The bridge is itself lit with these rather rickety-looking lights which had a slightly sinister tinge when you are passing over the deserted bridge late at night.

Once back over the bridge, the Campo Santo Stefano is a popular hangout with restaurants and the best Gelateria we found in Venice, the Paolin.  Perhaps that’s why so many families lingered in the square – this one playing with toy lights.

This stall outside our pensione sold such toys along with all sorts of other vital supplies – even at night, Italians might need to buy some sun glasses.

Despite being main thoroughfares, canals are generally unlit beyond the light which reflects from the buildings and narrow lanes between the buildings.  This makes for interesting reflections.

Or darkness which sets the architecture off beautifully.

As everywhere, smokers can be found lurking in dark corners.

There was an event at the local theatre which looked like a graduation party with everyone done up to the nines – this group were being waved off by their parents at the start of their evening.

Venice by day – and many more – to follow.