Carnevale Revellers, a photo from Venice, Veneto

Photographer's Note

It's the time of year for Carnevale! These two poseurs were seen in the Piazzetta San Marco, and were certainly playing to the gallery.

Masks have always been a main feature of the Venetian carnival. Traditionally people were allowed to wear them between the festival of Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day, December 26) and the start of the carnival season and midnight of Shrove Tuesday. They have always been around Venice. As masks were also allowed on Ascension and from October 5 to Christmas, people could spend a large portion of the year in disguise. Maskmakers (mascherari) enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws and their own guild.

Venetian masks can be made in leather, porcelain or with the original glass technique. The original masks were rather simple in design, decoration, and often had a symbolic and practical function. Nowadays, most of them are made with the application of gesso and gold leaf and are all hand-painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate.

The Carnevale di Venezia has a long tradition, but fell from use for a long time, only to be re-instated in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of their efforts. Today, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for Carnivals.

tyro, tyro, kasianowak, Royaldevon, Noel_Byrne, COSTANTINO, marina7, annjackman, annjackman, Miguel82, fabbs99, batalay has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

kasianowak (2215) 2013-02-07 6:25

Hi Will
Brilliant shot! You chose your subjects well, it's interesting to see two characters wearing the same colours during the Venice carnival. Great timing and crop.
Best wishes
Kasia

tyro (13021) 2013-02-07 6:29

Hello Will,

This is a fabulous photograph and I find your note very interesting too.

The crimson clothing of these two masquerade artists is stunning and stands out beautifully against the background stonework. The lighting on the subjects is superb with lovely light and shade which really "models" them and their costumes and their masked faces perfectly.

Perfect exposure, beautiful vibrant colours, excellent composition and stunning details and sharpness.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

yquem46 (32229) 2013-02-07 7:18

Hi Will
The Venice carnaval, definitely a "must go", that I have not attended yet !
Quite likely a plentiful of photo opportunities, colorful and luminous, just like the present one
Must be overcrowded though !?
Have a nice day, best regards
Patrick

Royaldevon (17741) 2013-02-07 7:34

Hello Will,

I have seen many carnival shots from Venice but never cease to be delighted and intrigued by their many forms and beautiful decoration.
I love how you have limited the colour palette and made these festive characters so very eye-catching. The details are pin sharp and the textural details so very well conveyed.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

lousat (57542) 2013-02-07 8:48

Hi Will,a great advertising for my country and for one of the most famous carnival of the world,magnificent capture in the best light of a sunny day for the best details and colors,very nice scene too.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Noel_Byrne (7259) 2013-02-07 11:15

Hi Will,
Very interesting shot, anda great note too, thanks. The poses of the people here are very interesting, and very dramatic. The pink costumes are striking against the light background, and of course, those masks look always like a mystery waiting to be Unveiled. Great shot, thanks for sharing.
All the best
Noel

COSTANTINO (42744) 2013-02-07 11:18

Hello
lovely scenery changing everybody s mood
your useful notes about Carnevale help
everybody to dream,impressive capture
particular atmosphere
thanks for sharing it with us
regards
Costantino

marina7 (5804) 2013-02-07 12:29

Hi Will,
that's very impressive. The Italians are the masters of design and a taste for dolce vita. You can look at these costumes for ages admiring every detail.
Still I don't get it why the gentleman chose to wear the same fuchsia pink as his lady.
Anyway the shot is brilliant even if they struck a pose especially for you.
Best wishes
Marina

ACL1978 (5729) 2013-02-07 19:36

Really bright and vivid colors here, Will! I like the very theatrical pose you've captured as well. Interesting to see the connections between the Carnevale here and the Carnival that can be found in creole cultures in the Americas, such as New Orleans, or Brazil and Uuguay. The bright costumes and masks along with the revelry all seem, if not similar, then at least of a piece. Thanks for this.

Andrew

dekanski (489) 2013-02-08 2:36

Nice, excellent moment! Pity that umbrella is cut off.

annjackman (13177) 2013-02-08 5:00

Hello Will,
Now this does need to be in colour! How well done to get these figures in pink against the grey and brown tones of the marbled building. A great crop and exceptional clarity - love it!
Kind Regards, Ann

Miguel82 (7693) 2013-02-08 13:28

A useful document about that worldwide famous carnaval Will.
Superb costumes and good pov, light and sharpness
Like pink colors and the way you've taken the action
Regards

fabbs99 (5334) 2013-02-14 11:29

Hi Wolfgang,

Excellent shot of the two poseurs.Great sharpness and contrast.Nice warm colors.Very well shot.TFS.

Cheers
Farhat

batalay (32840) 2013-02-16 3:40

Hello Will,

The colors are gorgeous, and the just the general view is eye catching. I particularly enjoyed reading the note. Have a good weekend,

Warm regards,

Bulent

abmdsudi (26215) 2013-02-26 22:08

Hi Will
Fabulous subject a bit of excellent costumes drama there and you capture them so brilliantly. The girlie pink against the bg looks good indeed. In short a rather beautiful and somewhat lavish photograph. Well taken shot, Congrats
Kind regards
P/s TE is my only outlet, Tx
Cheers