The Venetian's Venice, a photo from Venice, Veneto

Photographer's Note

Venice, the storied city situated in a lagoon off the northeast corner of Italy, is comprised of 117 small islands, 150 canals and 409 bridges. Indeed, the gondolas are its cars, the vaporetti its buses, the canals its roads, and the sweeping S-shaped Grand Canal its major thoroughfare. It would be an understatement to say that it is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities of the world. The immensely creative individuals who called the city home at one time or another include painters, Titian, Bellini, Tintoretto; composer, Vivaldi; astronomer-mathematician, Galileo; lover and general low-life, Cassanova… and for a short time in the early 16th century, the universal genius, Leonardo.

There had been no new bridges built in the last 70 years when in 1996 the contemporary Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, was awarded the commission to build the 409th bridge — a 94-meter (310 ft) long, single-arch bridge — the first bridge in 70 years, and only the fourth bridge spanning the Grand Canal. With an expected price of 5 million Euros, the bridge was to have been completed by 2005. Because of endless vicissitudes, however, the cost of the bridge and its completion date turned out to be a pipe dream — the cost soared to four times the expected, and the bridge was opened in 2008, sans an opening ceremony. Its many admirers described it as “… a carpet of light,” while an army of detractors called it “a whale… a monument to bad administration, and a waste of Venice’s money.” I happen to belong to the former group. For me, the Calatrava Bridge is breath takingly beautiful in its graceful lines, its glass façades allowing reflection and refraction, depending on how the light hits it. I believe personally that rather than emulate the architectural styles of earlier periods, the Renaissance and Baroque, it is better to build in a contemporary design, and make it harmonious with the setting. I posted a photo of the Calatrava Bridge almost three years ago after touring Venice with my good friend Paolo Luigi Germano.

The present photo was shot on September 29, 2012, and shows one of the lesser known Venetian bridges. Located in the Northern Sector of city, rarely seen by tourists, this area represents the Venetian's Venice, off the beaten track. I would like to dedicate this photo to Paulo and his wife Paula who showed took us on another memorable walking tour. It was a mostly overcast day, but the composition and colors reminded me of the early 19th century watercolors of the period.

brianmcc, Sonata11, Glint, macjake, daddo, aliabazari, worldcitizen, Highmountains, snunney, jhm, krzychu30, chrisvek, tedesse, Didi, Graal, Atousa, Kielia, Curious_Eye, Tigerlily, bayno, corjan3, ebingul, nikkitta, delpeoples, smash2707, mirosu, Silvio1953, ChrisJ, PaulVDV, pierrefonds has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

brianmcc (6221) 2012-11-17 11:34

hi bulent,
a lovely image of venice. the colours are very natural and attractive. your viewpoint is excellent and helps guide the viewers eye down the canal taking in the houses and buildings along the way. superb depth of field. very interesting notes as well.
have a great weekend,
brian

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-11-17 11:49

Hello Bulent - This is such a different look at Venice; the back-waters are, perhaps, more enticing than the well-trodden tourist routes and here we see an image populated by locals going about their business. I love the colours and the light cast by an overcast sky, both impart a timeless feel to the shot. TFS this well composed and detailed photograph and for your comprehensive note. Warm regards rosemary

Glint (6171) 2012-11-17 11:53

Hello Bulent,
this is not a tourist postcard shot of Venice as it has an understated quality that I like. This is Venice everyday rather than the Venice of holiday dreams,blue skies and gondolas.We are shown its interesting architecture without all the usual bells and whistles.Could this be the Venice of Daphne Du Maurier's "Don't Look Now".Perhaps not, as it would need to be converted to black & white to go with the period.
Bev

holmertz (92898) 2012-11-17 12:03

Hello Bülent,
Venice is a perfect place to get lost. In fact it is almost impossible not to lose your way if you dare to leave the major tourist tracks. Then you will no doubt end up in places like this, the not so marvellously pretty backstreets and lesser known canals. As you say in the title, this is the Venetian's Venice, and I am sure I would find this area a lot more interesting than the Piazza San Marco (and I would pay less than half for a coffee or a beer). The slightly dull light has a great quality and has softened the colours very nicely.
Kind regards,
Gert

macjake (96157) 2012-11-17 12:05

Hi Bulent
now this is classic Venice.
Its great to see the 'real' Venice, where the locals live, and I'm thinking this is it. Its also fun to see the more touristy sides, but this is even better.

In my opinion, this is more charming, more rustic.
you had a fine day actually, the overcast light worked in your favor - better to have this than a super bright day where all the subjects are overexposed at high noon or 2pm.

this view is so easy on the eyes, its a delightful presentation!
cheers
craig

daddo (28728) 2012-11-17 15:06

Merhaba Bulent Bey. As you say, the colour is reminiscent of long ago and so is the tonality. If it wasn't for the motorized boats and the modern dress of the folk, it could be something redeemed from time travel.Gentle to the eye. Selamlar. Klaudio.

emka (152314) 2012-11-17 16:00

Hi Bulent,
When I see such a view of Venice, I murmur at once Aznavour song Que cest triste Venice.. After the TE meeting organized by Paolo I spent three days in Venice, walking and loosing my way in this labirynth. Ans sometimes I could not find my hostel. This bridge reminds me the place near where I stayed, but there are many similar. With this cloudy sky and warm colours the photo has nostalgic mood.
Warm regards
Malgo

aliabazari (18418) 2012-11-17 17:17

Hi Bulent Dear
A very beautiful capture to display. I love it. Very good exposure.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of my world view. If I understand your feelings well. I always feel fine when I view the photography of the region. I bow to you, Dear Teacher ...

Regards ...

worldcitizen (14308) 2012-11-17 19:54

Hello Bulent,
The soft colors in this photo really do make it reminiscent of a watercolor painting. I like the reflections in the canal, and the glimpses of daily life that we can see on the side. I have never been to Venice, and I wondered looking at this photo if there are any green spaces in this city. This photo was taken in the fall, but without trees, it could be any season.

Highmountains (2674) 2012-11-17 20:43

These small canals are unique and very photogenic too. The old buildings on either side and the typical bridge connecting the two sides...
Here we have a full reflection of the bridge on the still waters of the canal.
There is a softness to the tone of the photograph.
On the left we find people going about their daily life. Not tourists, who usually crowd the bridges. This bridge has no one standing on it.
Please permit me a Workshop, where I would try and work on the sharpness and colour-range of this excellent photograph.
Thanks for sharing, Bulent.

[workshop] [compare]

snunney (130967) 2012-11-18 1:50

Hello Bulent,
The subdued light and muted colours set the mood here and are perfect for the scene. A wonderful evocation of Venice out of season. I visited Venice once in February during the Carnival when it was shrouded in fog, quite mystical. Venice is really a place best to visit out of season when the crowds have gone home as you show here.

jhm (203085) 2012-11-18 3:48

Dear Bulent,

I see almost every week Bruges, the name from Bruges "Small Venice of North" has almost the same composition with a lot small bridges and narrow canals, also nice old houses beside the river.
Writes Bruges in your agenda for a visit in future, you shall never have regret.
Excellent composition and good presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Sunday,
John.

paololg (31448) 2012-11-18 6:20

Dear friend,
I have no words to thank you for this beautiful tribute to Venice and the pleasant personal dedication. You have posted an interesting image of the unknown Venice, but also the real one. Your POV and your mood reminds me of some of the paintings of Francesco Guardi and Bernardo Bellotto, two painters that can be compared to the most famous Canaletto. About the Calatrava Bridge, we have different thoughts, my perhaps more emotional, your perhaps more technical and historical, but surely this will always be our unforgettable meeting place for the next meetings in Venice!
A dear hug also from Paola, my friend!
Ciao, have a nice week!
Paolo

krzychu30 (15512) 2012-11-18 7:33

Hello Bulent,
Venice at its Best!Beautiful architecture along canals and countless bridges.What I like more about your composition is color scheme of it.Colors are not overblown,are more decent and these dominating brown tones create here really lovely,kind of "vintage" effect.Venice looks beautiful at every corner and is certainly an inexhaustible subject for photographers.You captured perfectly its charming character.
Have a nice sunday
Krzysztof

Sonata11 (34119) 2012-11-18 8:48

Hello Bulent,
this is striking beautiful picturesque from Venice. This city is unique, very beautiful and charming. I remember and love this city. Execution is perfect and magnificent management of light, colors, sharpness, perfect clarity, fantastic POV and DOF also fantastic. I love it picture and this city. Thanks for sharing. Awesome !!!
All the best and have a great Sunday,
Barbara

francio64 (39888) 2012-11-18 9:00

Hi Bulent,
bella immagine di una Venezia fuori dai tipici percorsi turistici.
Buona la prospettiva e bello il riflesso del ponte a formare un occhio.

Well done!
Francesco

willperrett (14029) 2012-11-18 9:56

Hello Bulent
Love this; don't like your workshopped version! Keep it simple, stupid! Actually this also looks as if it's seen some P'shop manipulation, maybe something to do with the colour, I can't be sure. Never mind, it's a cracker; the muted tones and quiet scene both contribute to a memorable image. Yes it does have a 19th century feel to it (no cars, TV aerials, as well as the ambience...)
Regards
Will

Bluejeans (64251) 2012-11-20 9:49

Ola Bulent ,
Uma boa composição neste canal de Veneza , lindos os detalhes de arquitetura destes edifícios únicos no mundo , gostei do reflexo da ponte na agua , boas cores e luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

chrisvek (7003) 2012-11-23 16:28

Hello Bulent

Very nice shoot with splendid composition and so unique atmosphere.Nice framing and POV too.Great job as always!Well done!

Best Regards
Chris

tedesse (25147) 2012-11-23 22:53

Hello Bulent!
Excellent point of view, showing the interesting architecture of Venice. Nice frame and composition, beautiful colors and excellent sharpness.
Have a nice weekend
Tadeusz

Didi (61589) 2012-11-24 4:24

Hi my friend
Very nice view and good perspective on the canal.
I don't know the time of the image capture, perhaps it was on the late evening.
I save my pictures with the exif file.
Best regards for a good weekend

Graal (103040) 2012-11-24 12:40

Hi Bulent,
Venice is amazing and beautiful. Classic view here with the old bridges, canals and houses. Good shot from fine POV. Photo is well done. An interesting note, too.
Have a nice evening.
Aleksander

TopGeo (38220) 2012-11-25 10:11

Hello Bulent!
The present photo are one of the lesser known Venetian side but have more interesting of old character of perfect architecture and of bridge but and of faces houses The beautiful old historic Venetian side is caught in low light that brings out ture color, fantastic details and soothing shadows.Thank you for the beautiful pictures sharing
best regards
Georgios

Atousa (7131) 2012-12-03 6:48

Salam Bulent,

A great shot.. it is as if I'm looking at an old painting.. very pleasant view n colors.. tfs
Best regards, Atousa

sacavem (18620) 2012-12-03 7:56

Olá Bulent,

The landscape is beautiful and lovely.Great depth of scene and exceptional detail.Great view under bridge.

Cumprimentos,
Filipe

Kielia (24077) 2012-12-03 8:44

Dear Bulent,
a very beautiful impression of this fascinating and not so well known architecture! The composition is excellent and the light creates a wonderful mood.
It was also a pleasure reading the interesting notes. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

Curious_Eye (1320) 2012-12-05 5:21

Dear Bulent,

Well composed and rich in details, this picture captures charming, vibrant, yet everyday Venice so very well. I enjoyed your note as much as this shot!

With best wishes,
Izabela

Tigerlily (3381) 2012-12-09 2:48

Hi Bulent,
How are you? You had a wonderful holiday, perfect time.
I do agree with you. I had a look of the new one, it doesn't seem quite fit in. I thought that Italians were doing well to preserve their heritage.
A beautiful image, looks like an old painting. I don't think that you were carrying your tripod with you, S25/sec, back light and handlheld, wow...excellently done! Were you on the boat as well? Great work.

bayno (18348) 2012-12-09 23:45

Ciao Bulent,
looks like a Renaissance painting, excellent POV, I really like the tones and the framing, very beautiful...
regards,
Valter

corjan3 (2109) 2012-12-11 5:29

Hello Bulent,
A very beautiful image and informative note. Even though the image is sharp, the colours are still soft, giving it a painting-like appearance. It gives me the impression of tranquility even though there are people around. Good composition and lots of detail with the lines, shapes and patterns further contributing to this lovely scene. Best wishes.
Neels

serp2000 (47063) 2012-12-13 20:16

... and a sound of mandolin. Another interesting presentation of Venice, dear Bulent. Attractive composition, fine details. I see the weather was not the best, but we can't choose it, unfortunately. The note is very informative.
Greetings from the cold Ural town,
Serghei

ebingul (1984) 2012-12-14 15:26

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Harika bir Venedik karesi.Yansımaları seven biri olarak özellikle hoşuma gitti.Elinize sağlık.
Selam ve saygılarımla,
Emin

nikkitta (17070) 2012-12-15 16:11

Hola Bulent

A different capture of Venice, un unknown
bridge and soft colors add to create a very interesting and creative capture of one of the most photographed city of the world
Congrats and TFS

Maria

Afsanehbagheri (3228) 2012-12-16 10:34

سلام دوست من

وضوح و سایه ،نورو شفافیت تصویر عالی است .

تبریک با آرزوی بهترین ها

delpeoples (60326) 2012-12-20 4:40

Merhaba dear Bulent

Ahhh a timeless image, so beautifully composed and realised. Looking at this is such a pleasure and is almost as good as seeing it myself :) I love the symmetry, the reflections and of course the characteristic architecture which tells us that we can be in only one place in the world. A magnificent photo, I could look at it for ages.

Warmest regards
Lisa

zoomer (6) 2012-12-22 11:05

Hi Bulent,I like your mundane reprentation of Venice.It seems to get closer to it's soul with the subdued colors and overcast light.all the best,Wolf. PS. I love Mussorgsky's music in it's original version and in Ravel's orchestration.

smash2707 (3320) 2012-12-29 23:27

Beautiful view of Venice is soft colors which make the shot look as from another time. Nice perspective, beautiful colors. Thank you for sharing some less known spots of this touristy city. TFS

mirosu (16313) 2013-01-01 3:22

Hello Bulent,
Composition is strong, I like the fact you have a clear foreground and background. Excellent colors clarity and sharpness. Nice reflections as well. Wel done.

Many thanks for all your comments in 2012, and I like to wish you and your family a happy and successful New Year 2013.
Miro

dkmurphys (78000) 2013-01-11 3:28

Hi Bulent,
Classical image from Venice. I like the high quality and the presentation. Good work!

Daniel

Silvio1953 (205826) 2013-01-22 0:48

Ciao Bulent, classic and beautiful view of les known corner of fantastic Venice, great perspective, excellent clarity, fine details, splendid light and wonderful pastel colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Kamilutka (8107) 2013-02-14 8:38

Hello Bulent,
thanks for showing this less commercial side of Venice - which although so charming and undoubtely pretty is spolit a little bit by the whole touristic industry. I like not only the whole composition and very good POV but most of all the very natural colors which make the whole scene look more realistic.
Thanks for sharing
Kamila

claudeD (47754) 2013-03-01 11:39

Hello Bulent,

Typical but wonderful view from Venice with an excellent composition, fine sharpness and very good clarity. I like the atmosphere of the shot very much.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

jcpix (14030) 2013-03-03 17:19

Hi Bulent,

Love the image, love the title! There's almost nothing better than the local perspective, away from the highly crowded tourist areas. Venice is the kind of city where I relish getting lost and exploring the side streets and more intimate side of its inhabitants. Splendid composition and an amazing, antiquated tone and quality to this image. There's so much character and charm to such a lesser known area of town. Thanks for sharing this corner of Venezia.

Cheers,

Jason

ChrisJ (160104) 2013-03-18 12:47

Hello Bulent

A well composed shot with good sharpness and wonderful sharpness and symmetry. I like the diminishing linear perspective and the stone bridge is well positioned over the vanishing point. Nice symmetry and excellent color and saturation. I like the warm cold color contrasts and the pastel colours. Tfs!

PaulVDV (54909) 2013-04-14 14:33

Hello Bülent,
Indeed, a less known and less often shown canal and bridge. But what a beautiful sight!
The water has a rather dark colour but still reflects the bridge and the boats wonderfully.
A real nice area to wander around.
Best regards, Paul

pierrefonds (103621) 2013-05-25 16:28

Hi Bulent

The reflections on the water are assets to the composition. The length of the canal is giving depth to the scene. The point of view is showing the details and colours of the facade of the buildings and of the bridge. The good luminosity is enhancing the colours. Have a nice day.

Pierre

adidas5nb (5743) 2013-05-27 22:11

this picture represents the perception of venice perfectly.love it.great pov.
regards
dwaipayan

Corry (4508) 2013-10-29 20:54

Bonjour Bulent

Beau point de vue sur ce canal avec ses petits ponts, ses bateaux et ses vieilles maisons. J'aime bien la composition. Félicitations. Bonne journée.

Yvon

elenimavrandoni (0) 2014-05-06 19:33

Bulent, first I would like to thank you for your kind comment on my last post and then to tell you that I was very impressed with your story...I am very happy that you got to visit Nafplio and to enjoy this magnificent place..every time I go there I also climb the 900 steps...and it feels great to see the view from above...
You picture and title are very artistic and very beautiful presented..a fabulous postcard from the most romantic city in the world and a great note to accompany!! my compliments and thank you very much for your kind attention!!
kind regards,
Eleni

mayjayne (7354) 2015-07-09 4:07

Dear Bulent,

Sometimes, the back streets and smaller canals allows us the opportunity to witness the everyday life and activities of the locals. The shot has a nice local flavour to it, and as you put it: the Venetian's Venice' - well said !
TFS,
May