Best Photo Spots in Venice
Venice is one of the most photogenic cities. It’s like walking through an open air museum.
In July 2021, we got inspired by photos on Instagram and decided to capture self portraits from around the city. The crowds had not come back to pre pandemic levels. It was summer so the weather was very hot during the day. Therefore, most mornings we woke up at 6am to take these photos. That is why we got photos with no one in the background and with beautiful light. Even if you miss sunrise, the tall buildings and walkways provide shadows for soft light. Most of the colours in Venice are neutral so we dressed to match the city. Keep reading to find out where I spontaneously proposed to my love in the ‘City of Love’.
The photos were taken with 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.8 lenses. To learn about what settings we use and how we capture the perfect couple selfie, click here!
Rialto Bridge
Many people take photos of the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge. However, we found these 2 spots on either side to capture its architectural beauty.
To find the first spot, walk to Naranzia (cafe) then continue along the Grand Canal for 40 metres towards Rialto Bridge.
The second spot is in front of a shop called Nino & Friends.
St Mark’s Square
There are many photo spots at St Mark's Square. However, this is the busiest spot in Venice so be sure to get here early.
We love this photo as it’s rare to get a photo in front of St Mark's Basilica with no one in the background. We had to take a lot of photos to capture it without anyone else in background. However, it is simple to remove people in Lightroom. In the morning the sun rises above the spires of the Basilica that creates this soft warm light with interesting shadows.
In front of the Doge’s Palace entry, gondola’s line up next to wooden piers and street lamps. The ‘Serviizo Gondole’ sign is photogenic. The Lagoon and surrounding islands are in the background.
In front of the Doge’s Palace exit is a street light. You can be creative with the poses on the pole. In the background are the magnificent St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Try to compose the photo so the light is in between the buildings.
The L shaped walkway around the Doge’s Palace is incredible. Early in the morning the soft light comes under the archways.
Opposite the Doges Palace is another passageway. However the architecture is very different and the archways don’t let as much light in.
Also in this passageway is The Library of Saint Mark with a beautiful entrance. Grand statues stand on either side of the doorway. The best time to get a photo is in the morning before the library opens as the doors will be closed, the sun lights this passageway and it’s less busy.
Next to the Doges Palace is the Bridge of Sighs. From the Doges Palace, walk over the bridge and you will see the spot on the left.
Fondamenta della Zattere
There are many stunning photo spots along the 1.7km long Zattere with stunning architecture and the Giudecca Canal. It’s located away from the other main attractions so it’s not busy. Our favourite photo spot along the Zattere is outside Punta della Dogana which is at the pointy end. The concrete columns are perfect for framing and creating a depth of field. From here you also get the view across the Grand Canal.
The Proposal
Finally, the spot where I got my knee dirty. A little canal near St Marks Square. This canal is very unique as not many have timber piers and not many people come here as it’s a dead end. This is a popular route for boats so you may get a beautiful wooden boat in the background of your photo. We had visited this spot the morning before to take photos, however there was a delivery boat parked there. After encouragement from my Uncle I decided to get a temporary ring to propose with from a local artisan called Orafa ABC. We came back the next morning (Sunday). I set up my large tripod for the photos and a smaller tripod for the video which I had never done before. Luckily Tammy wasn’t suspicious and was completely surprised when I got down on 1 knee.
It’s great to have these photos to remember our magical time in Venice.