Campanile View

Campanile View: St Mark's Basilica From Above

This week brought a welcome surprise. On Friday I noticed a few last-minute spots had opened up in the New England Photo Workshop led by Bill Fortney and Matt Kloskowski. Having never attended a photo workshop before and long admiring both photographers' work, I decided to jump in — so on Saturday I head back to Maine for the experience. I'm looking forward to it enormously.

Now on to today's photograph. Venice stands apart as one of the most distinctive cities anywhere, a genuine paradise for photographers with a picture waiting on every street and canal. Our base during the stay was St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), the square that draws virtually every visitor to Venice and doubles as a favourite gathering spot for locals. The piazza is home to the celebrated St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. For a different vantage point on the basilica, you can climb its campanile — the bell tower — rising 323 feet for an overhead look at the basilica, where the five domes of St Mark's spread out against the surrounding cityscape.

Elevated view of the five domes of St Mark's Basilica in Venice seen from the campanile — The five domes of St Mark's Basilica viewed from the bell tower

Reader Comments

Chantal — October 3, 2025

Beautiful work, so crisp and sharp. Chantal recently posted..Beach set Reply

Steven Perlmutter — October 3, 2025

The architecture there is remarkable, and this is a wonderful angle on it. Well done. And best of luck in Maine at the workshop. Steven Perlmutter recently posted..Prepare for National Novel Writing Month with the Post a Day Challenge Reply

Marc — October 3, 2025

Lovely shot Len. Sadly I never made it up the Campanile while I was there. Great perspective on a wonderful city! Marc recently posted..Sky Catalogue? Reply

A.Barlow — October 3, 2025

Wow, nice one! Great detail and light. Very sharp. A.Barlow recently posted..Waiting For A Murder Reply

Rick Louie — October 3, 2025

That's an awesome view of the city and the domes! I've been following Matt Kloskowski's work too. Enjoy the workshop! Rick Louie recently posted..Sunset in the Black Canyon Reply

Dave DiCello — October 3, 2025

This is amazing, I love the point of view here and your processing is spot on. Dave DiCello recently posted..Similarly different Reply

Kris Koeller — October 3, 2025

What's the topic of the workshop? Sounds like fun. Great photo. I've been to every corner of Europe many times, but never to Italy. That's a crime. Beautiful shot. Kris Koeller recently posted..Daily Photo: The John Day Fossil Beds Reply

Len — October 3, 2025

It's a week-long tour of New England covering VT, NH and Maine, with an extended stay at Acadia NP. It includes photo critiques. And yes, it is a crime that you've never been to Italy. It's a must-see. Reply

Curt Fleenor — October 3, 2025

Fantastic shot Len, rich with warmth and detail! Curt Fleenor recently posted..Blue Devil Reply

Edith Levy — October 3, 2025

Absolutely stunning shot Len. I love the POV. The lighting, textures and colours all work so well together. I was very disappointed not to get up to the bell tower. Edith Levy recently posted..Concerto Veneziani Reply

Jim Nix — October 3, 2025

Nice Len, did you also get a shot from there across the large canal, over to that other church on the adjacent island (hope you know the one I mean!)? Great shot!! Jim Nix recently posted..EPCOT's Paris scene Reply

Len — October 3, 2025

I know the church you mean, San Giorgio Maggiore. No, I didn't even try, since I would have been shooting straight into the sun. I wish I'd gone back to catch the right light, but there was so much to see in Venice and so little time. Reply

A Creative Adventure/denise ippolito — October 3, 2025

Great perspective and detail, nicely done. A Creative Adventure/denise ippolito recently posted..Childs State Park Reply

Toad Hollow Photography — October 3, 2025

Holy cow, Len! This is amazing! Love the perspective, and the resulting detail in your shot really captivates. What an incredible image! Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..BC Forest Discovery Centre Reply

Steve Beal — October 3, 2025

Sounds awesome and I love your image today! I want to go back to Venice! Steve Beal recently posted..Souvenir Reply

Jimi Jones — October 3, 2025

Awesome shot, Len. This has such great detail. Good luck with your first workshop. Looking forward to seeing some of those shots. Jimi Jones recently posted..Bond Street Wharf Reply

Justin — October 4, 2025

That is such a great image! Justin recently posted..Out Their Front Door – Russ Barnes Reply

Mark Garbowski — October 5, 2025

This is superb. Have fun at the workshop. Mark Garbowski recently posted..Venting Reply