I hit the jackpot.
Yes, I’d been waiting for this rare occurrence, Venice Snow. Last winter I waited and hoped. But no luck. Ever since I saw a few photos (on display at a local gallery) that had captured Venice blanketed in snow, I’d been itching to have my own crack at it. I have volumes of Venice images in color-saturated summer, and in dreary rain, but no snow. Imagine my delight when I saw snow in the forecast with a high probability. We hopped on hotels.com, found a screaming deal of a room adjacent to the Rialto Fish Market, and I charged my batteries and packed up my photo gear. We boarded the train to Venice with great optimism. Would the forecast be correct? Would I be gifted with this rare opportunity?
Yes, yes, and yes!
Feeling the Bite © 2018 Jed Smith
Four hours of wandering in the Venice snow yielded bountiful results.
It wasn’t easy. The snow wasn’t timid and I had to wrap my scarf around my beloved Canon 70-200mm f.2.8 and my Canon 5D Mark III camera body while still allowing control with my fingerless gloves. And, conditions were ideal for slipping and falling. Not a good scenario for my gear. Simone offered to be my pack mule and carry my bulky camera backpack. Otherwise, I couldn’t have managed. And thank God the Venice city workers (see the fella above) were out in full force making sure the main pathways were cleared and dusted with salt.
Wine Time, No Matter What © 2018 Jed Smith
Venice snow doesn’t crimp Venice style.
Imagine my good fortune to stumble upon this scene of locals having their lunch aperetivi. With a decent umbrella in hand, you’re good to go.
This leads me to pause in wonderment at the apparent preparedness of a city that rarely sees snow. While things might be slowed down a bit, the Venice I saw on this snowy day didn’t falter at all.
Vaporetto Departure in the Snow © 2018 Jed Smith
The Grand Canal traffic was hopping as usual.
Vaporettos came and went with the same frequency. Commercial deliveries continued. And it all happened against the subtle, yet sublime wintry backdrop.
Snow-Dusted Gondolas © 2018 Jed Smith
But gondola business came to a standstill.
I didn’t witness one gondola in operation during the Venice snow. No gondoliers were to be seen offering their services and their boats had been parked and were steadily collecting snow.
So, yes, lucky, lucky me to have had this amazing photo opportunity. These images are only scratching the surface of what I experienced. I love the mood of these black and white images, but I have several other images that excel in color. Those are coming next week, so stay tuned!
So hard to believe given how hot it was in July. Thank you for capturing and sharing the snowy side of Venice.
Hi Tony! Yes, now you see the extremes. Snow and this kind of cold is a more narrow window of opportunity, while the heat you experienced in July often seems like it won’t abate!
Everything about this post is delightful! Thank you for my favorite Italy Wise entry of the year. I know it’s early yet; but I’m casting my vote for this as the best of 2018.
You are too kind, Cyndi! I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Thank you for your vote!
Lucky is the perfect word for your opportunity. Thanks for sharing the results.
Yes, Nancy, I’m still pinching myself!!!
Jed, um… You told me that I shouldn’t worry about not being able to see Venice in the snow because, “It’ll happen again”. Now I’m reading your post about how rare it is! What gives? ;^)
Hi Amy. I guess it sounds like I’m speaking out of both sides of my mouth. It WILL happen again, though the odds are a bit like standing at the roulette table and waiting for the ball to drop on your number. I had to wait at least five years for the planets to align, which included my being just 30 minutes away––so I effectively could be on standby when the forecast came to fruition. When it snows in Venice, it’s usually just a day, maybe two, and then it vanishes. Perhaps you’ll live in Italy one day, or be here for an extended period in winter. Then, you can be like me and hover over the forecast and position yourself to seize opportunity! In this particular instance, snow was steadily forecast for at least five days prior. And my photo trigger finger was ready!
Love these pictures! I have shared this on Facebook.
Thanks, dear friend!
Ah lucky you to experience snow in Venice what a fun adventure. Great photos and looking forward to seeing more!!
Good to hear from you, Nicole! It’s a view of Venice not readily seen by most people.
Love, love the images Jed!!!
Thanks, Joe!
Absolutely Beautiful ! Thank you both for your adventure. Looking forward to the colored photos.
Deborah, you’d have been in awe! Glad I could transport you to the experience just a little!
Simply wonderful. Cha-Ching.
Thanks, Gloria. I’d love to do a gallery exhibition of a broader selection. They really do tell a story!
I would like to send you my snow images
Please do, Suzy! I’d love to see.
I could feel your excitement and love the photos
Grazie, Mark! I was like a kid, playing in the snow, but in a different way this time!
Love your enthusiasm and your pictures. Both make me wish I had been their myself to see the city dusted white. I’m looking forward to seeing more. Beautiful, Jed!
Thanks, Joyce! The window of opportunity was narrow and I was fortunate to live so close so as to be on “standby” to capture the day. I hope you like the color edition next week.
Venice in the snow, how romantic! And it didn’t leave potholes in the roads, like down here in Umbria!
Romantic indeed! The proliferation of city worker in Venice is impressive. I suspect they’d gladly exchange a few potholes for high water and constant erosion!
Cool beans! Thanks Jed!
Glad you like, Chip! Hope all is well.