At the carnival in Venice the 2 ‘ladies’ below appeared on at least 2 occasions dressed in the most beautiful ball gowns. Each time I saw them they were wearing different dresses. They were both loving the attention and loved being photographed.

photograph of man in drag at Venice carnival

photograph of man in drag at Venice carnival

A couple of years ago I went to Venice during their carnival week, this is always in the winter either late January or early to middle February, the dates change each year. Their carnival is not like most other towns carnivals with processions through the streets (too narrow, the ones that aren’t canals!). People go along in the most elaborate costumes you can imagine and stand and pose to be photographed or walk slowly through the streets. They are all masked and sometimes you would never recognise the wearer, even if you know them. Men as well as women dress in the most beautiful dresses and pose.  I arrived on the Grande Canal front at 7.30am on 2 occassions and the place was already busy with models and photographers making the most of the beautiful early morning light. Over the coming weeks I will post some photographs from that week to show the sort of thing that goes on. Here is the 1st one of the models by the Grand Canal.

photograph of masked person at Venice Carnival