Two Venetian Gondoliers, Venice, Italy, photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
TWO VENETIAN GONDOLIERS, VENICE, ITALY: Gondolas are synonymous with Venice. Some might say that no trip is complete without a ride in the ubiquitous boats. However, as a photographer, I’d much rather photograph them from a distance. Most gondoliers wear their distinctive and traditional hats and shirts. They know they are the constant subject of photographers.
Gondoliers have a website that explains their official rates. Find rates at: GondolaVenezia.it. It’s not cheap, by any means. At the time of writing, prices were approximately 80 Euros for a 40 minute ride for up to 6 persons. And that’s during the daytime.At night, rates rise to 100 Euros for a 40 minute ride. If you have your heart set on a romantic ride for two, that’s the rate you’ll pay. But if you hang about the popular spots where rides commence, you’ll find fellow travelers looking for others to share the cost of the ride. Don’t be surprised if gondoliers ask for more than these posted rates. So, settle on the price and length of the ride at the outset. Also, check the time of the start of your ride and confirm it with your gondolier. Why? Gondoliers’ watches can run suspiciously fast!
Shot with a Nikon D300, Nikon AFS 16-85mm at 80mm, f8, 1/320 sec, ISO 1250, Photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
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Girl Chasing Pigeons, Venice, Italy, photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
GIRL CHASING PIGEONS, VENICE, ITALY: I was in a laneway, off the beaten path near the Grand Canal, taking photos of laundry lines and pretty windows. This little girl ran on ahead of her papa, scattering a clutch of pigeons that was feeding on the sidewalk. It was one of ‘those moments’ when an unexpected scene appears before a photographer. It occurred to me that this little girl and her father are among the dwindling number of people who actually call Venice their home. The historic old city of Venice has a population of approximately 60.000 (2009) residents– down from about 120,000 in 1980.
Shot with a Nikon D300, photo illustration by John Ecker | pantheon photography
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Venice, Italy, Gondolier, photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
VENICE, ITALY, GONDOLIER: Gondolas are synonymous with Venice. Some might say that no trip is complete without a ride in the ubiquitous boats. However, as a photographer, I’d much rather photograph them from a distance. Gondoliers wear their distinctive and traditional hats and shirts and know they are the constant subject of photographers. This fellow hung about for some time, very conscious of the constant clicking and enjoyed the attention. Gondoliers have their website that explains their official rates. Find rates at : GondolaVenezia.it It’s not cheap, by any means. Prices are approximately 80 Euros for a 40 minute ride for up to 6 persons. And that’s during the daytime. At night, rates rise to 100 Euros for a 40 minute ride. If you have your heart set on a romantic ride for two, that’s the rate you’ll pay. But if you hang about the popular spots where rides commence, you’ll find fellow travelers looking for others to share the cost of the ride. Don’t be surprised if Gondoliers ask for more than these noted rates. So, settle on the price and length of the ride at the outset. Also, check the time of the start of your ride. Why? Gondoliers’ watches can run suspiciously fast!
Click here to see learn more about gondolas and to see more of my photos of Gondolas in Venice
Shot handheld with a Nikon D300, AFS 70-300mm lens at 122mm, f4.8, 1/320 sec. ISO 1250.
Photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
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Two Girls Wearing Masks, Venice, Italy, photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography
TWO GIRLS WEARING MASKS, VENICE ITALY: I was in St. Mark’s Square enjoying a beautiful summer day, admiring the shop windows. Murano glass, Italian leather and of course myriad Venetian masks fill so many shop windows in Venice. These two little girls were proud of their new masks and paused for a quick photo. I was struck by their pose and had just enough time to shoot two frames. It’s funny, one can wander for hours looking for a ‘perfect’ shot that might never come. Then, out of the blue, a beautiful scene assembles and disassembles, in mere seconds, right before your eyes. The long focal length and low light result in some motion, but in this case I think it only adds a dreamy quality to the photograph. Here’s a link to another of my favourite mask photos. And here’s a link to an excellent Venetian Mask Shop and more information about the history of Venetian masks.
Shot handheld with a Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm at 210mm, 1/60 sec. f9, ISO 1250. Photo by John Ecker | Pantheon Photography
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Venetian Mask, Venice, Italy
VENETIAN MASK, VENICE, ITALY: Venetian masks are steeped in lore. I just thought they were for parties, but boy, was I wrong. Having done some extensive research on masks (Google!), I frankly don’t know fact from fiction. As I understand it, the masks got their start in Venice (brilliant) in the 11th century AD. In the crowded city-state they were a convenient disguise to conduct both lawful and unlawful business. As a large part of the population came to habitually wear masks, they were also used to conceal identities for carnal pursuits— notably prostitution and homosexual sex. The influence of the church restrained the use of masks— including bans during holy days. Gradually, they became more acceptable and the church allowed them to be worn between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday. Apparently, this pre-lent period became “Carnevale” or “remove meat.” Make sense? I don’t know either. All I know is everywhere one goes in Venice, the fancy masks are for sale, from just a couple of Euros to many hundreds. If you like this photo, please see my “Two girls wearing Venetian masks.” Here’s a link to a Venetian Mask Shop and more information about their history. Shot handheld with a Nikon S7000, 1/160 sec. f.2.8, 37mm, ISO 64. Photo by John Ecker | Pantheon
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