I do not really know where to start with this Blog.  I have just returned from a photojournalistic foray through three areas of Italy, starting with Venice followed by the Dolomites and finally ending at Lake Garda with many stops along the way.  For a Wedding Photographer in Cumbria this was quite a different challenge.  I will dedicate this first Blog to Venice. For those who have not had the opportunity to visit the land of the Gondola it comes as a bit of a shock.  Our approach to the Islands was through Bologna, a heavily industrialised and unattractive city.  Within a couple of miles we arrived at the water taxi station from where we transported round to Piazzo San Marco.  Unfortunately the first thing that strikes you as the approach to land is made are the huge hoardings that cover what must underneath be some of the areas most attractive buildings.  We were told that this has happened following the ‘sinking’ of the buildings and the need for Corporate investment to fix the problems they are facing.  Once on land the next thing we noticed was all the litter, this is in stark contrast to some of the pristine villages in the Dolomites.  To create the photographs for this Blog and the photographic assignment a lot of photoshop work went on to get rid of it.  Having said all that there is no doubt the location has charm and a sense of being totally unique. There is romance in Venice, especially at night when the lights are on!  Having carried heavy camera equipment all day, including a tripod, in temperatures exceeding 30d I was pleased to see nightfall!  I hope you enjoy the photographs.  I will do another Blog soon of Venice and include some of the night shots we captured, so keep looking.