Behind the Scenes with a Local Photographer
For most of the year, my life as a photographer in Venice revolves around love stories—surprise proposals on gondolas, intimate weddings, timeless couple portraits, and family memories captured against the canals and palaces. But every year, for ten unforgettable days, the rhythm of my work changes completely. The Venice Film Festival—or as we call it here, the Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica—transforms the city into the beating heart of world cinema.
It is the oldest film festival in the world and one of the most prestigious. The red carpet at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido has welcomed the greatest names in cinema for decades, and when the Festival arrives, Venice becomes the center of international attention. For me as a photographer, this is a unique moment of the year: instead of working mainly with couples, I shift into a world of actors, directors, producers, and international talents who come together to celebrate cinema.
Working at the Venice Film Festival is inspiring. It is also intense: ten days filled with early mornings, late nights, and constant movement between hotels, water taxis, press calls, and premieres. These assignments demand not just technical skill, but also flexibility, discretion, and the ability to adapt quickly to very different situations.
Arrivals at the Lido
The Lido di Venezia is the beating heart of the Festival. Arrivals here are some of the most anticipated moments. Guests step out of sleek wooden boats and are greeted by photographers, fans, and press. These images often set the tone for how an actor or director’s presence at the Festival is perceived.
For me, covering arrivals at the Lido means being prepared to capture spontaneity: a smile, a wave, a brief pause for the photographers. It’s a mix of reportage and portraiture, condensed into a few minutes. The images need to feel authentic while also polished, since they are often shared widely.
Press Conferences and Photocalls
Another important assignment during the Festival is documenting press conferences and photocalls. These usually take place in the morning or early afternoon at the Excelsior or the Palazzo del Casinò.
Photocalls are a more controlled environment than arrivals or red carpet moments. The setting is prepared, the background is branded, and the cast or directors pose together. Here, the challenge is to bring out personality within a formal context—to catch expressions that feel alive, natural, and true.
Press conferences, on the other hand, allow for storytelling: capturing the way a director explains their vision, the interaction between cast members, or the reactions of journalists. These images become part of the narrative of the film’s journey at the Festival.
The Red Carpet
Of course, nothing symbolizes the Venice Film Festival more than the red carpet at the Palazzo del Cinema. This is the moment when the entire world is watching. Photographers line up, flashes go off, and talents step into the spotlight.
The red carpet is exciting, but it is also the place where the personal touch of the photographer is the least visible. Everyone is capturing the same walk, under the same lights, in the same setting. That’s why, whenever possible, I like to combine red carpet coverage with more personal portraits or behind-the-scenes photography that truly reflects the personality of the client.
When I cannot personally be present at the carpet due to overlapping assignments, I work with trusted colleagues who specialize in this area. This way, clients receive a complete coverage: the essential red carpet shots, plus the more intimate and customized moments that define their Venice experience.
Parties and Exclusive Events
Beyond the official program, the Venice Film Festival also means private parties, receptions, and celebrations hosted in the city’s most prestigious hotels. Places like the St. Regis Venice, San Clemente Palace, Gritti Palace, and the Excelsior become the backdrop for glamorous evenings.
Here, photography takes on a different character. It is about atmosphere, style, and capturing the mood of an event. Sometimes it is about documenting a brand activation, other times it is about providing discreet coverage for a private celebration. Each assignment requires sensitivity, as the balance between visibility and privacy is key.
A Photographer’s Perspective
Looking back, what makes these ten days so unique for me is not only the prestige of the Festival but also the creative inspiration it brings. Photographing actors and directors, capturing the emotion of arrivals, or portraying the elegance of a private party—all of this enriches my perspective for the rest of the year.
Working at the Venice Film Festival also sharpens my ability to move seamlessly between different worlds: from intimate love stories in Venice’s hidden corners to global cinema on the red carpet. Each experience complements the other, and both share the same goal: telling stories through images.
Working Together at the Venice Film Festival
I seldom cover all aspects of the Festival for a single client—it would be impossible to be everywhere at once. But together with my network of colleagues, I can ensure that several lines of events are covered simultaneously: portraits, arrivals, photocalls, red carpet, and evening events.
If you are attending the Venice Film Festival—whether as an actor, director, producer, or guest—and you would like professional portraits, event coverage, or discreet photography during your stay, I would be glad to help.
The Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having it documented with care and artistry makes it last far beyond the ten days in Venice.
You can discover more about my work at Venice Film Festival Photographer and get in touch to plan your session.