Venice Photography Workshop

May 7 – 12, 2026 (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Fully Booked

Venice Photography Workshop

May 7 to 12, 2026

6 days / 5 nights | Small group | Cityscape and street photograph

Total trip price: $4,200

Interested in Venice with us? Explore our October 2026 workshop instead.

Venice Photography Workshop in October.

Quick facts

  • Dates: May 7 to 12, 2026

  • Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

  • Location: Venice, Italy

  • Instructors: Terje Svendsen and Bjørn Joachimsen

  • Group size: Maximum 12 participants

  • Instructor ratio: Maximum 6 participants per instructor

  • Focus: Cityscapes, street photography, blue hour, and long exposures

  • Total trip price: $4,200

  • Deposit: $500 to reserve your place

  • Included: Workshop tuition, accommodation, two online follow-up sessions, and access to a private WhatsApp group before departure

  • Not included: Flights, local transport in Venice when needed, meals, travel insurance, and personal expenses

  • Start: May 7 at 3:00 PM

  • End: May 12 at 12:00 PM

Why join this workshop

This workshop is designed for photographers who want both iconic Venice locations and real guidance in the field.

With two instructors and a maximum of 12 participants, we keep the group small enough to give you close support throughout the week. Our aim is not just to bring you to beautiful places, but to help you improve how you see, compose, and work with light, timing, atmosphere, and visual storytelling on location.

Over six days, we photograph some of the most rewarding subjects Venice has to offer, from quiet canals and elegant bridges to gondolas, façades, reflections, blue-hour scenes, and the flow of daily life in the backstreets. The workshop combines cityscape photography with guided street photography, helping you work with both the iconic side of Venice and the quieter, more lived-in character that makes the city so special.

Venice in spring is a wonderful time for photography. The mornings can be calm and soft, the evenings often have beautiful color and atmosphere, and the city offers endless possibilities for both carefully composed cityscapes and more spontaneous street moments. It is a fantastic setting for photographers who want variety, atmosphere, and a workshop that combines strong locations with real learning.

What to expect

This workshop combines classic Venice locations with hands-on coaching in both cityscape and street photography.

We photograph at sunrise and in the evening whenever conditions are strongest, and use the middle of the day for street photography, visual exploration, optional review, rest, or quieter photographic sessions. The workshop is built to give you both iconic Venice views and practical experience working with life as it unfolds in the streets, canals, and neighborhoods of the city.

During the workshop, we help you work on:

  • Building strong and intentional cityscape compositions

  • Developing confidence in street photography

  • Using morning, evening, and available light well

  • Working with reflections, canals, and layered urban scenes

  • Using long exposures during blue hour and evening sessions

  • Seeing beyond the obvious viewpoints and making stronger visual choices

  • Creating a more consistent and thoughtful set of images from the week

The goal is not only that you come home with strong photographs from Venice, but that you leave with more confidence, better visual awareness, and a clearer understanding of how to work photographically in a visually rich and sometimes complex city environment.

IS THIS WORKSHOP RIGHT FOR YOU?

This workshop is suitable for enthusiastic beginners, intermediate photographers, and advanced photographers who want strong locations and personal guidance.

The pace is active but manageable. Venice is a walking city, and the workshop includes regular walks between locations, time on your feet, some early starts, and movement through bridges, narrow alleys, and busy public areas. A reasonable level of mobility is therefore helpful.

If you enjoy cityscape photography, street photography, reflections, evening atmosphere, and working in a small group with close support from two instructors, this workshop is likely a very good fit.

A typical day rhythm

Our days are planned around light, atmosphere, and the rhythm of the city.

We usually begin early when Venice is quieter and the light is soft, making the most of sunrise before the busiest hours of the day. Later on, we balance guided sessions, street photography, rest, optional review, and independent time depending on the plan and the energy of the group. In the evening, we head back out for warm light, blue hour, long exposures, reflections, and the special atmosphere that Venice is known for after sunset.

Some sessions focus more on classic cityscapes and the best-known viewpoints, while others lean more toward quieter canals, neighborhoods, and everyday life. This balance gives the workshop both variety and a strong visual rhythm across the week.

Day 1 (May 7):

Arrival & Grand Canal Sunset

First impressions of Venice — reflections, gondolas, and golden light

  • Arrival, welcome, and introductions at the hotel. The workshop starts at 3 PM, giving everyone time to settle in before we head out.

  • Late-afternoon shoot from Accademia Bridge, framing the Grand Canal and Santa Maria della Salute in warm evening light

  • Group dinner at a traditional Venetian trattoria

    .

Venetian canal at twilight with illuminated historic buildings and a gondola in the foreground.
Interior view of a boat with a captain operating the controls in Venice, and passengers seated inside in a canal-side city.
Gondolas on a canal with historic buildings in Venice, Italy, during sunset.

Day 2 (May 8):

San Marco Sunrise & Street Life

Iconic views at dawn — and the city awakening around you

  • Sunrise at Piazza San Marco: gondolas, lagoon glow, Doge’s Palace arches

  • Morning street-photography walk through the backstreets of San Marco and Castello — cafés opening, boats delivering goods, locals beginning their day

  • Afternoon free time or optional editing review

  • Evening session in the quieter canals of Cannaregio, focusing on candid storytelling and everyday life

View of St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, at dusk with empty outdoor restaurant tables, the Campanile di San Marco (bell tower), and the Basilica di San Marco in the background.
A man steers a gondola with two passengers, a man and a woman, passing by a weathered wall with peeling paint and two barred windows in a Venetian canal.
Nighttime scene of a canal in Venice with old buildings, a small bridge, boats, and people sitting by the water.

Day 3 (May 9):

Colorful Burano & Evening Venice

Island color palettes and classic Venetian twilight´

  • Morning boat trip to Burano — vibrant houses, calm canals, lace shops, and rich color compositions

  • Afternoon rest or independent exploration

  • Sunset at the Rialto Bridge, capturing reflections on the Grand Canal as lights begin to glow

Sunset view of a canal in Venice, Italy, with gondolas and boats, old colorful buildings lining the water, and a vibrant sky with orange and purple clouds.
Colorful houses along a canal with boats, reflected in the water, on a clear day.
Three people sitting on the sidewalk against a white wall with open window shutters. One woman on the left is sitting on a small foldable stool, reading a book with a backpack and water bottles beside her. A man in the middle is standing, leaning against the wall, reading a book and wearing glasses, a backpack, and casual clothes. The woman on the right is sitting on a small foldable stool, reading a book with a backpack and shoes on the ground nearby.

Day 4 (may 10):

Dawn in Accademia Bridge & Showcase Session

Classic Venice views — long exposures, elegant bridges, and evening life on the Grand Canal

  • Sunrise at Accademia Bridge, photographing the Grand Canal in soft morning light with Santa Maria della Salute as the focal point

  • Long-exposure session looking toward San Giorgio Maggiore, practicing smooth-water effects and subtle cloud movement

  • Midday break or optional street photography in nearby artisan neighborhoods

  • Sunset along the nearby canals, capturing gondolas, reflections, soft evening colors, and everyday life in the quieter sestieri

Venice. A black and white photo of a cityscape with a prominent domed church or cathedral, buildings along the waterfront, and wooden posts in the water in the foreground.
Sunset over a canal in Venice captured from Accademia Bridge, Italy, with historic buildings and domed churches along the water and boats traveling on the canal.
A view of a canal under a bridge in Venice, Italy, showing a staircase leading to a higher street, a gondola, and textured brick and stucco buildings with barred windows.

Day 5 (May 11):

Dawn in San Marco & Showcase Session

Classic morning light, elegant details, and refining your portfolio

  • Sunrise in the San Marco area, photographing the Bridge of Sighs, nearby canals, and the quiet morning atmosphere before the city wakes

  • Slow walk through the surrounding alleys, capturing early light, soft reflections, and unfolding street moments

  • Late morning group showcase and feedback session, where each participant presents favorite images for in-depth critique and guidance

  • Afternoon free for additional shooting, relaxing, or last explorations

  • Farewell dinner along the canals to celebrate the week and your best captures

Venetian architecture at sunset, with a historic building on the left, a tall column with a winged lion sculpture on top, a bell tower, and domed church in the background, along with lampposts and a waterfront promenade.
Black and white photo of Bridge of Sighs in Venice, with historic buildings on both sides and a small arch bridge in the background.
Three women in elegant black dresses pose on a Plaza San Marco in Venice, with a man walking past in the background and a streetlamp nearby.

Day 6 (May 12):

Final Sunrise & Departure

Our last dawn in Venice — one more chance to capture the city waking up in golden light.

  • Optional sunrise sesion and early street walk

  • Return to hotel for breakfast and goodbyes. The workshop ends at 12 PM, giving everyone time to pack up and head out at their own pace.

Gran Chanei in Venice captured from Rialto bridge during dawn with colorful historic buildings, docked boats, and reflections in the water under a partly cloudy sky.

Ambitions & Goals

This workshop is about your growth and your images.

Many photo tours focus heavily on being at the right place at the right time, but the instructors may still spend much of that time making their own photographs. Our philosophy is different. We are there to guide you personally, whether that means helping you refine a cityscape composition, respond to changing light, improve your technical decisions, or become more confident in street photography and visual storytelling.

With a small-group format and close daily contact, you receive personal support throughout the week. The aim is for every participant to return home with photographs they are proud of, along with more confidence and a clearer visual approach.

Just as important is the shared experience. Venice is a city full of beauty, rhythm, detail, and atmosphere, and the workshop is designed to help you enjoy that fully while growing as a photographer.

Venice Photography Workshop

May 7 to 12, 2026

This workshop gives you six days of focused photography in one of the world’s most photogenic cities, with two instructors, a small group, and a balanced program built around both iconic Venice cityscapes and guided street photography.

Included in the workshop

• 6 days / 5 nights of on-location photography training in Venice

• Two instructors working closely with the group throughout the workshop

• Maximum 12 participants

• Accommodation included

• A balanced focus on cityscape and street photography

• Guided sunrise, evening, blue-hour, and street sessions

• Two follow-up online sessions after the workshop

• Access to a private WhatsApp group before departure for updates, travel planning, practical information, and gear discussion

Not included

• Flights to and from Venice

• Local transport in Venice when needed

• Meals

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

Price

Total trip price: $4,200 per person

Deposit: $500 to reserve your place

Summary

Venice Photography Workshop

May 7 – 12, 2026

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
A narrow canal in Venice, Italy, with colorful buildings on each side, two gondolas with tourists, and the bell tower of San Marco in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of a historic building in Venice, Italy, surrounded by water with reflections, and neighboring buildings on either side.
A smiling man with glasses, medium-length brown hair, and a light beard, wearing a striped shirt and a light-colored jacket, in front of a plain background.

Meet the Instructors

  • Bjørn is a versatile photographer with over 20 years of professional experience across genres including people, nature, and architecture. He is one of Norway’s most active photography instructors, teaching nationwide and internationally. His collaborations include Sandra Bartocha, Anna Ulmestrand, Otto von Münchow, and David Beckstead (USA).

    Portfolio: joachimsenphotography.com

A young man wearing sunglasses and a black New York Yankees cap is sitting in a convertible car parked near the coast, with a view of the ocean and a wooden fence in the background.

  • Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscapes and cityscapes. He leads workshops in Paris, Italy, and the Dolomites, and knows Paris particularly well from previous workshops there. His work is showcased through exhibitions and available as fine art prints.

    Portfolio: terjephotography.com

 FAQs

  • Six days and five nights of on-location photography training in Venice with both instructors

    • Accommodation included for the full workshop stay

    • A small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants

    • A balanced program combining cityscape photography, street photography, sunrise and sunset sessions, blue-hour photography, and guided daily shooting sessions

    • Two instructors working closely with the group and offering personal guidance in the field throughout the workshop

    • Two online follow-up sessions after the workshop to help you review and refine your images

    • Access to a private WhatsApp group before departure for practical updates, travel planning, gear discussions, and sharing work

    • Ongoing support with planning, local recommendations, and general guidance before and during the workshop

  • Flights to and from Venice, meals, local transport when needed, travel insurance, attraction or entrance tickets if applicable, and personal expenses are not included.

    If you would like to arrive early or stay longer, we are happy to advise on extra nights and practical planning.

  • Yes. Accommodation for the full workshop stay is included in the total workshop price.

  • We start in central part of Venice on Day 1 and finish in central part of Venice on the last day.

    After you register, you’ll receive a practical info sheet with:

    • exact meeting point and time

    • suggested arrival time

    • daily meeting times and key locations

  • Most people join solo. We keep a friendly, supportive atmosphere, and you’ll quickly feel part of the group.

  • Venice can be especially photogenic in bad weather. Rain, mist, reflections, and changing light often add mood and atmosphere that work beautifully for both cityscapes and street photography. We adapt the plan with:

    • covered walkways and sheltered areas

    • cafés and indoor breaks for review, editing, or discussion

    • reflections, moodier canals, and more atmospheric scenes

    • flexible timing to make the most of the best weather windows

    You will still have strong photographic opportunities during the workshop.

  • This workshop works well for enthusiastic beginners through advanced photographers.

    You don’t need to be an expert, but it helps if you’re comfortable with basic camera controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). We’ll meet you where you are and help you improve your technique and confidence.

  • Yes. You do not need to be highly experienced in street photography to join. We guide you through both the practical and visual side of working in the streets, including observation, timing, confidence, composition, and how to respond to changing situations.

    The workshop is designed to help you grow, whatever your current level.

  • When you register, a $500 deposit will be charged to secure your spot.

    The remaining balance will be invoiced about one month before the workshop begins.

  • After the workshop, we’ll meet online for two sessions focused on:

    • selecting your strongest images

    • practical editing workflow and refinement

    • getting the most out of your Paris shots

    Details and dates will be shared with participants during the workshop.

  • Yes — you’re welcome to bring a partner or spouse.

    • If we arrange accommodation: please tell us at the time of registration so we can book the right room setup.

    • If you book accommodation yourself: no problem — just let us know they’ll be joining.

    Partners are welcome to join the outdoor photo sessions as an observer and enjoy the locations with the group. However, coaching and tutoring are for registered participants only, and we’ll prioritize instruction time for the photographers on the workshop.

    • Camera (DSLR or mirrorless)

    • Wide-angle lens (24mm or wider) and a telephoto lens (70–200mm recommended)

    • Sturdy tripod

    • Remote release (wireless or cable)

    • ND filters (10-stop, plus 3–6 stop optional)

    • Extra batteries and memory cards

    • Laptop/tablet for editing (optional but recommended)

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Clothing for variable spring weather (layers + rain protection)

    • Phone + charger/power bank (handy for maps/metro)

    If you’re unsure about gear, message us before departure — we’ll help you pack smart.

  • If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com

 FAQs

  • When you register, a $500 deposit will be charged to secure your spot.

    The remaining balance will be invoiced about one month before the workshop begins.

    • Six days and five nights of on-location photography training with both instructors

    • 5 nights of accomoation

    • A small, focused group of like-minded photographers exploring Paris together (maximum 12 participants)

    • A balanced program covering cityscape photography, street photography, sunrise/sunset shoots, and structured daily sessions

    • Two instructors working closely with the group, offering one-to-one guidance in the field

    • Post-workshop online review sessions to help you refine your best images

    • Access to a private WhatsApp group (opens months in advance) for travel tips, shooting advice, gear discussions, and sharing work

    • Support with planning, local insights, recommendations, and general guidance throughout the trip

  • Meals, local transport, and attraction tickets are not included in the workshop fee.

    If you want to arrive early or stay longer in Venice, we’re also happy to help arrange additional nights.

    • Camera gear (DSLR or mirrorless)

    • Wide-angle lens (24 mm or wider) and telephoto lens (70–200 mm recommended)

    • Sturdy tripod

    • Wireless remote or cable release

    • ND filters (10-stop, plus 3–6 stop optional)

    • Extra batteries and memory cards

    • Laptop/tablet for editing (optional but recommended)

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Clothing for varied spring weather (light layers, rain protection)

    If you’re unsure about equipment, contact us before departure for guidance.

  • We accept all level of experience in photography, but just make sure you have the gear needed; otherwise it will be no fun for you. If you are missing a lens or a ND filter don’t worry about it!

  • If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com

Venice Photography Workshop

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Venice Photography Workshop *

Several gondolas docked along a canal in Venice, Italy, with city buildings and a church tower in the background during sunset.

VENICE Photography Workshop

May 7 – 12, 2026 (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Tickets: $ 4,200 per person

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