A Journey through Italy: Photos of Venice

Jim DeLutes is one of our Facebook community members and, after admiring the amazing photos of Italy he shared with us on Facebook, he kindly agreed to share a whole lot more photos of Venice and his story too, so let me hand things over to Jim...

There are many reasons why photographers first pick up a camera, but mine might be a bit different since my inspirations were painters and paintings. I would have followed the path of canvas, oils, acrylics, etc. if only my hands had cooperated with the brain. Since I didn’t have the dexterity it takes to draw and paint, I found that the camera was my tool.

For over 40 years, I’ve played with the camera to experiment and learn different techniques. Through trial and error (a lot of errors), I discovered the art of light and shadow, colors that play off of one another, and how to draw the viewer’s eye into the story of the photo.

In 2009, my wife and I fulfilled a longtime dream to travel to Italy. With five weeks and a rental car, we explored thousands of miles, all the way from the Dolomites to the Gulf of Taranto, along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts, and many points in between.

It was an amazing trip, and it inspired the artist in both of us (my wife is a watercolorist and muralist), and upon our return home, I began to process the 7,000+ images that I had taken. It was such a joy to me to work on these images and be able to bring out the wonder and magic that I felt when I was standing in Italy.

The more I brought these images to life, the more my wife and I knew we needed to go back. Although we initially thought that this was a trip of a lifetime, we decided it would be one of our trips of a lifetime.

In 2022, we returned. This time for 2 months, allowing ourselves the ability to stay in each area for a week or so. Renting houses or apartments allowed us to settle into an area and explore it with a more relaxed attitude.

We stayed at Lake Como, Lucca, and Cinque Terre, Florence, Le Marche, Cortona and the Amalfi coast on our 10,000+ miles  journey through Italy. And this time 8,000+ images.

Now we are wondering when our next ‘trip of a lifetime’ will happen.

Images from these trips can be seen at http://www.jdlphotos.com/

For images posted with a story - ‘Like’ my FB page 

Lastly if you enjoy the photos of Venice below please click "Like"...

Jim's Best Photos of Venice & Burano

The Santa Maria della Salute Cathedral is a sight to behold. Its elegant white marble façade and intricate domes create a striking silhouette against the Venetian skyline. 

Step inside this sanctuary of beauty and tranquility, and you'll be transported to a world of artistic marvels. The interior is adorned with exquisite artworks, intricate sculptures, and awe-inspiring frescoes that showcase the artistic brilliance of renowned masters.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Santa Maria della Salute holds a compelling story, very relevant for our times. Built in the 17th century as a gesture of gratitude for the city's deliverance from the plague, it stands as a symbol of resilience and faith.

For more on this incredible cathedral and the other most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Italy, click here.

Burano

Nestled in the captivating Venetian Lagoon lies a colorful island that will steal your heart from the moment you set foot on its shores. Welcome to Burano, a place where vibrant hues paint the streets and every corner reveals a new splash of color.

But Burano's allure goes beyond its vibrant palette. This small island is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Delve into the intricate art of lacemaking, for which Burano is famous, and witness the skill and precision that go into creating these delicate masterpieces.

To discover more about the hidden treasures and must-see attractions of Burano, click to access our free Visiting Burano Guide.