Venice was our very first family adventure — our little Jo had just turned one, and we set out to explore this magical city together. This place gave us memories we’ll hold forever - and this is our story, one photo at a time.
Day 01 - Arrival
We flew from Birmingham to Venice - our very first Europe trip with Jo, who had just turned one. The flight itself was short and uneventful, but I couldn’t resist pulling out my camera to capture a few little moments. Even on a “boring” two hours in the air, there are always things to notice - the bright yellow seats, the view of snowy peaks from the window, and Jo toddling around the airport with his tiny shadow following along.
Landing in Treviso, we made our way to Venezia Santa Lucia station. Stepping out was like walking straight into a dream - the first sight that greeted us was the beautiful Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo, standing proudly by the water. That was our first taste of Venice, and it felt like a postcard had come to life. Despite the hot 35° sun, I couldn’t keep my camera down; everything begged to be photographed. From there, we hopped onto a Vaporetto - Venice’s famous water bus - and cruised towards S. Angelo, the stop closest to our Airbnb. On the way, we passed the iconic Rialto Bridge, and I had one of those “wow, we’re really here” moments.
Part-time lone wolf
After my very successful first day as a photographer, I was dying to get outside for more shooting. But I had to remind myself - this is a family trip. I’m not that lone wolf hunting for the next frame all the time anymore. I wanted this trip to be meaningful for the three of us, not just me lost in my own world.
So I made a deal with myself: I’d head out at times that wouldn’t interfere with our family time. That actually worked out well for me.. I got up really early every morning and wandered through the streets until it was time for our first coffee. The bonus? I couldn’t have asked for better light. The streets were mostly empty, a cool breeze cut through the deadly summer heat, and I got my morning steps in. And boy oh boy, the frames I captured were pure magic.
The Clichés
As a photographer, I always told myself I’d avoid the obvious photographer cliches and travel off-the-beaten-path and all that yada. But as I’ve grown a little more mature (ahem! old), I’ve realized clichés are famous for a reason. Now I make sure to tick them off first, so I don’t spend the rest of my life regretting why on earth I skipped the most beautiful sights just to be “different.”
In Venice, St. Mark’s Square tops that list. We went there real early in the morning like 7ish. Not much tourists around (as if I am not one of them). Oh my god - it was stunning. The sun hit the palace from behind and it looked like something straight out of alladin. We let Jo wonder around in the big empty square. He was having the time of his life as he just unlocked the “level 3 – walking.” I put a camera on a tripod to take a image of us two undisturbed. But Jo wasnt having it. He came to mark his territory - photo bombing our romantic couple portrait. That marked a statement - Your couple days are over!
Millionaire House tour - 14th century version
Ever wondered what if you had so much money that you never know what to do with it? That was the feeling we got when we were in the Doge’s Palace. It was luxury for the sake of it. Ceiling frescoes so detailed you get a neck workout, marble floors so shiny you’re afraid to sneeze on them, and gilded council chambers so over-the-top you’d think government meetings there were just excuses to show off.
The Bridge of Sighs sounds super romantic, right? In reality, it’s more like Venice’s “last look at freedom” bridge. It connects the fancy Doge’s Palace to the not-so-fancy prison across the canal. Back in the day, prisoners would shuffle across, peek out at the gorgeous lagoon one final time, and let out a sigh… probably not of love, but of “well, this sucks.” It’s basically history’s least fun shortcut.
The Bridge of Sighs sounds super romantic, right? In reality, it’s more like Venice’s “last look at freedom” bridge. It connects the fancy Doge’s Palace to the not-so-fancy prison across the canal. Back in the day, prisoners would shuffle across, peek out at the gorgeous lagoon one final time, and let out a sigh… probably not of love, but of “well, this sucks.” It’s basically history’s least fun shortcut.
Okay. I just realized - You might be bored right now. I know its quiet a photo dump. Well, I can’t help it. Everything is so F’in fantastic!
So let’s call this the end of Part One. Plenty more stories and photos still to come. Until then… ciao from Venice ✌️