Tips/Rules for using a Tripod in Venice & Italy in general

[Jersey Vic]

Buon giorno tutti;

I've been given a 1 week + solo pass prior to the birth of our little one in April & think I'm going to Venice next month. I was shooting hand held last time I went so this never came up. What is the general rule for putting down a tripod on the ancient streets of Italy ? Any tips, experiences, etc would be appreciated. That last thing I need is a $500 euro fine for not having an 'easily' secured permit.

Thanks,

Victor

[ongarine]

Ciao Vic,
there will be no problems in Venice if you will place your tripod in the ancient and NARROW streets until you will block the passages of pedestrians, cats and pigeons, at that time you will have complains from the Venexiani, gatti e piccioni and at the end from Municipal Guards.
If you will be in the main place of Venezia you have to be careful of tourists flux and not to be an obstacle, in doubt ask to the security force.
It is forbidden to put down the tripod in churches, museums and others interiors, except for a private house in which you can ask the permission.
Last suggestions try to avoid the main touristic places they are crowded, best to visit them at the dawn or the dusk of a grey and foggy day. Some interesting places are in the islands surraunding the town: Torcello, Burano, Lido with the Jewish cemetery and Malamocco.
I invite you to ask for Venetian foods and dishes you will be satisfied......
If you need some specifications ask.

[Shawn Rahman]

Buon giorno tutti;

I've been given a 1 week + solo pass prior to the birth of our little one in April & think I'm going to Venice next month. I was shooting hand held last time I went so this never came up. What is the general rule for putting down a tripod on the ancient streets of Italy ? Any tips, experiences, etc would be appreciated. That last thing I need is a $500 euro fine for not having an 'easily' secured permit.

Thanks,

Victor

Send an email to Jeff Curto through his website: www.jeffcurto.com

Or through his blog: www.cameraposition.com

His blog is wonderful, and he photographs in Italy every year. His blog is filled with experiences of shooting in Italy. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to help you with advice and experience tidbits.

Good luck.

[David Henderson]

No problem at all outdoors- just don't get in the way.

When you're on private land bear in mind that the owners/ managers can decide to allow photography or not, or tripods or not at their discretion- just like in the US. I've been refused entry to a private gardens - open to the public paying an admission- because I was carrying a tripod. But thats just once in many weeks of photographing in Italy and probably twenty days in the last ten years in Venice alone.

[Nick Zentena]

Right now I'm more worried about the hunters then fines-)

[Jersey Vic]

Grazie mille tutti. This is great and welcome information. I'll be using a light and quick tripod for medium format work (Holga, Pinhole, Rollei) and may shoot my speed graphic a bit but probably will use it hand held. I'll probably stay in northern Cannaregio close to the market and Santa Lucia Station (I like the sandwiches and prices there & may also visit family in Zagreb).
The long hike to San Marco is a great early eye opener and being 1/2 Dalmatian (as well as 1/4 venetian 1/4 lombard), the trip towards the Riva Dei Schiavoni feels like I'm walking home Does anyone know a good place to stay or restaurants they can recommend? I speak some italian and welcome non touristy places/areas.

[FM2N]

Try this web-site www.cross-pollinate.com
My wife and I stayed at Ca' Riccio. It was very nice and clean with a great breakfast and nice views from the room. It is in Venice but off the beaten path. Early mornings were fantastic with really no tourists around. The streets were all mine. At $106 US a night it is a steal for Venice or anywhere. You will not be disappointed.
Arthur,NYC

[mark]

Thanks for Jeff Curto's site.

[eddym]

Alternate tripod suggestions: 1. Monopod; 2. Tabletop tripod (mine is an old Leitz).

As for hotels, when we went in 1982 we stayed at the Hotel Bocassini, on the back side of Venice from San Marco. It was inexpensive, quiet, and quaint. We loved it. I was pleasantly surprised recently to find it on Google Earth, still under the same name!

[ongarine]

The long hike to San Marco is a great early eye opener and being 1/2 Dalmatian (as well as 1/4 venetian 1/4 lombard), the trip towards the Riva Dei Schiavoni feels like I'm walking home Does anyone know a good place to stay or restaurants they can recommend? I speak some italian and welcome non touristy places/areas.

Ciao Vic,
from which part of Dalmazia your ancestors coming from?
Venezia had many contacts in the past centuries with parts of actually Slovenia and Croazia......
I will post in these days a list of places to visit, to stay and to eat/drink that could be useful for visitors of Venexia.