Carnivale Venezia! Venice

Bristir Chhonde · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 11:27 PM

Carnivale Venezia! Venice is one of the most beautiful and photographed cities of the world. As the sun sets, it burnishes the old buildings with a splendid rosy glow that is reflected, then refracted, in the waters of its 150 canals. The city is luminously beautiful and startingly visual in the wintertime, especially when the cloud curtains part and trapezoids of sunlight reheat the ancient stones. Little wonder that, long before photography, Romantic painting flourished in Venice. The Venetian gift for intrigue comes into its own during Carnival, a vibrant playful festival preceding the abstinence of Lent.

First held in Venice in the 11th century, Carnival consisted of two months of revelry every year. Carnival fell into decline during the industrialization of the 18th century and at its peak of popularity and outrageousness, but was revived in 1979 with such success that the causeway has to be closed at times to prevent overcrowding in the city.

Beauty in pink
Ornamental Venice Carnival costume, Italy

Carnival Mask reflecting in mirror, Venice, Italy

Carnival in the 18th century began with a series of balls in the Piazza San Marco, as is depicted on the walls of Quadri's famous cafe in the square. The high spirits of Venetian women scandalized many foreign observers. Laws forbidding the wearing of costly lace were suspended at Carnival and fortunes were squandered every night at the state-run casino.

Carnival Mask reflecting in mirror, Venice, Italy

Extravagant costumes of Venice Carnival, Italy

Today the 10 day festival is mainly a wonderful excuse for donning a mask and costume and parading around the city. Anyone can buy a mask and participate while watching the gorgeous costumes on show in Piazza San Marco. Numerous theatrical and musical events take place, both in theatres and in the streets and campi. Each year sees more lavish costumes and impromptu celebrations.
Many masks, and the characters that they represent, are deeply rooted in Venetian history. Though instantly recognizable, each character can be interpreted in a style that is unique to its maker, making each piece a true work of art. Mask designs range from Commedia dell'Arte motifs and animals, to modern abstracts from young designers that are very intricate and colorful. The "plague doctor" in his sinister Carnival garb is based on the medieval doctor's beaked face-protector and black gown, worn as a precaution against the plague. The"columbine" is a classic female Carnival figure who wears lace and an apron but no mask.

Italian seafood exposed in Venice restaurant, Italy

Close-up portrait of Carnival Mask in Venice, Italy

The official beginning of Carnival starts with the "flight of the angel". An Italian woman, wearing an angel's costume, is lowered on a wire from the top of the Campanile to the Plaza floor. It is an unbelievable sight to behold!

The costumed and masked revelers pose willing for photographs at San Marco and floating down the many canals in gaily decorated gondolas. No need for model releases here, since no one is recognizable behind their splendid masks.

Our hotel in Venice is located within a few minutes walking distance to Piazza San Marco, the center of all the action, with its cafe tables where pigeons and waiters alike swoop out from the dark arcades while one of the numerous orchestras begins another haunting melody. It is vital to stay close to San Marco as this is where the costumers come to display their creations. We do not have to stand in lines to take the very crowded vaporettos to get to our best shooting locales. Unbelievably, many revelers show up at sunrise just to be photographed by the serious photographers and to be captured at the best light. It is photography at its best.

Close-up portrait of Carnival Mask in Venice, Italy

Light Fantastic has arranged for some fabulously costumed models to pose for us throughout Venice. We will be shooting them in various photogenic locations to capture the most compelling images. We bring along many props for our models to use. We have so much fun that our models plan their vacation to Carnival to coincide with our tour.

Light Fantastic clients are always amazed with the opulence and creativity that goes into the hand-made costumes and decorated masks. Each costume is literally more fabulous than the next. Many Europeans will come for the first weekend in one costume and then come back the next weekend with a different costume. It is also common to see a group with a common theme. There are a lot of theatrics that go into the posing and street performances taking place in many of the squares plus a live show takes place on San Marco every evening.

People in extravagant costumes posing

Fancy mask with fan during Venice carnival, Italy

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Photos of Venice Carnival, fancy masks and extravagant costumes