Ann Seymour (no relation) attended my street photography workshop in Venice and generously shared her experience in a Venice Street Photography Review. Her insights provide a fantastic perspective on what it’s like to join one of my courses, offering a firsthand look at the journey, the learning process, and the overall experience from a participant’s point of view
Review of the ‘Streets of Venice’ Photography Workshop by Ann Seymour

A Transformative Photography Workshop with Mark Seymour: My Experience in Venice
I had never thought about joining a photography travel workshop before, but after a strong recommendation from a fellow photographer, I decided to explore the idea. Following the passing of my mother, I knew it was time to do something just for myself—an experience that would inspire me both personally and creatively.
As a photographer, I often find myself on a “busman’s holiday”, always capturing images but rarely taking the time to truly immerse myself in the moment. When I saw that Venice, a city I had dreamed of visiting for years, was an option for a guided photography tour, I knew this was the perfect opportunity. It was time to step out of my routine, refine my skills, and experience a destination I had always longed to explore through my lens.
What sealed the deal? The Streets of Venice Photography Tour was led by Mark Seymour, a highly respected street and wedding photographer whose work I had admired for years. His documentary-style approach to storytelling through street photography has always inspired me, and I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Without hesitation, I booked my place on the workshop.
The Pre-Trip Experience: A Great Start
One of the standout aspects of the experience was the pre-trip preparation. Mark created a WhatsApp group for tour participants, allowing us to connect before we even arrived in Venice. This thoughtful initiative made a significant difference—especially for newcomers like me, as many Light & Land travellers are repeat clients. The group chat eased my nerves, introduced me to fellow photographers, and helped me feel part of the community before setting foot in Italy.
Why Book a Photography Tour with Mark Seymour?
If you’re contemplating joining a workshop with Mark Seymour, don’t hesitate. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, Mark Seymour’s photography workshops offer expert guidance, hands-on training, and an immersive street photography experience in some of the most photogenic locations in the world.
For me, this was more than a photography trip—it was a journey of personal growth, learning, and artistic inspiration. If Venice street photography or any trip with Mark Seymour tour is on your radar, I highly recommend taking the plunge. This experience exceeded all expectations, and I can’t wait to embark on my next adventure with Mark Seymour.

My initial fears quickly disappeared, replaced by excitement and anticipation!
The day finally arrived, and I set off for Heathrow, where I met a fellow participant. We connected just before take-off and soon landed safely at Venice Marco Polo Airport. There, we joined the rest of the group and were warmly welcomed by Mark Seymour, who had already arranged our private water taxi from Venezia Santa Lucia into the heart of Venice. From the very start, the experience felt extraordinary!
If you’ve ever watched a classic 1950s Hollywood film, this moment was straight out of one. As we stepped out of the terminal and onto one of Venice’s iconic wooden water taxis, I felt an overwhelming sense of adventure. With the Venetian skyline ahead, the lagoon shimmering, and a blue sky above, I pulled down my sunglasses, adjusted my hat, and knew I was about to embark on something truly magical..

Staying at Hotel Ala: The Perfect Accommodation for a Venice Photography Workshop
Our home for the week was the charming Hotel Ala, a beautifully preserved 18th-century hotel nestled in a quiet Venetian square. This historic accommodation in Venice was the ideal retreat after long days of street photography. Each morning, we gathered in the square for breakfast, discussing the day’s plans and reviewing our captures from the previous day.
Conveniently located, Hotel Ala sits just 40 meters from the Santa Maria del Giglio Vaporetto stop and a short 500-meter walk to St. Mark’s Square, making it the perfect base for exploring Venice’s best photography locations. Although compact, the hotel was welcoming, and the exceptional staff ensured we had everything we needed. It quickly became our comfortable home away from home.
The cosy rooms provided all the essentials for a Venice photography trip, and since we traveled light, space was never an issue. The daily breakfast buffet was a feast—fueling us for a full day of shooting. Each evening, we dined together, either on location or at one of Venice’s hidden culinary gems, handpicked by Mark Seymour or decided by group consensus. The experience combined cultural immersion, expert photography guidance, and incredible food, making for an unforgettable Venice photography workshop.

An Unforgettable Photography Journey with Mark Seymour
From the moment we arrived, Mark Seymour set the stage for an incredible week of street photography in Venice. After a warm welcome and an initial briefing, we quickly became a tight-knit group of photographers, each bringing different levels of experience and equipment. The camaraderie developed effortlessly, thanks to Mark’s ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
If you’re considering a workshop ot travel experience with Mark Seymour but feel unsure, rest assured—Mark is one of their most experienced and knowledgeable guides. His ability to adapt to each participant’s needs is outstanding. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a complete beginner, he ensures everyone gains valuable skills and insights.
I had a ton of questions, both before and during the trip, and Mark handled every single one with patience, expertise, and enthusiasm. His willingness to share knowledge and problem-solve in real time made the learning experience incredibly rewarding. If he didn’t have an answer on the spot, he would go the extra mile to find out—a true sign of a dedicated mentor.
Mark’s guidance extended beyond technical advice; he helped us see the streets of Venice through a new lens, refining our ability to capture authentic moments and compelling compositions. His teaching style, combined with the immersive nature of the trip, made this a truly unforgettable experience.
For anyone contemplating a photography workshop, this is the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, and be inspired. Join and let Mark Seymour take your photography to the next level!

Elevating Your Street Photography in Venice with Mark Seymour
Before joining Mark Seymour in Venice, I had limited experience with street photography. I quickly realized how challenging it can be, especially in the first few days. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I began to doubt whether I would capture any worthwhile images to share at the end of the tour.
Our first outing took us to the Rialto Market, a bustling hub where fresh fish catches arrive daily. Early starts are essential, as the market comes alive at dawn. Despite the pressure of shooting in a fast-moving environment, Mark Seymour provided invaluable advice, always offering encouragement and discreet guidance. His supportive approach helped ease my nerves, and I never felt rushed or overwhelmed.
Walking through the streets of Venice on a glorious spring morning, before the tourist crowds arrived, was truly mesmerizing. Navigating the winding alleyways, passing luxury shopping districts, and capturing the reflections along Venice’s famous canals, the entire experience was breathtaking.
It was tempting to get lost in tourist photography, capturing postcard-perfect scenes, but Mark kept us focused on our first-day challenge—observing moments, interactions, and details that tell a genuine visual story. The week’s itinerary was thoughtfully designed, allowing us to explore hidden corners of Venice that most visitors never get to experience.
For anyone looking to develop their street photography skills, this Venice photography workshop is the perfect opportunity. With expert guidance, inspiring locations, and hands-on experience, I left Venice feeling confident, accomplished, and with a portfolio of meaningful images. If you want to elevate your photography a workshops with Mark Seymour is an unforgettable experience!.

An Inspiring Photography Adventure with Mark Seymour
Our final evening was a mix of emotion, reflection, and excitement, marking the end of an incredible week. What I took away was far more than just memories—I gained invaluable skills, creative confidence, and new friendships that will stay with me forever.
If you’re on the fence about joining Mark Seymour’s photography tour, don’t overthink it—just go for it! As a solo female traveler, I felt instantly welcomed into an amazing group of like-minded photographers, all with different levels of experience but sharing the same passion for capturing life through the lens.
From refining my approach to street photography composition to truly understanding the power of storytelling through imagery, I explored my bucket-list destination in a way I never imagined possible. The hands-on guidance, real-world practice, and immersive cultural experience made this trip nothing short of transformational.
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, this is a chance to push your creative boundaries, elevate your skills, and see the world differently. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the journey, and capture stories that matter—you won’t regret it!

A Photography Experience That Totally Transformed My Skills as a Photographer
Mark brings a wealth of experience not only in Venice but across some of the most photogenic locations around the world. His deep knowledge of street photography, composition, and storytelling made this workshop an invaluable learning experience. After this trip, I have no doubt that I’ll be joining another one of his photography workshops in the near future.
Looking back, I can confidently say that this experience has made me a better photographer. The hands-on guidance, expert critiques, and immersive approach to capturing authentic moments have given me a newfound confidence behind the lens.
I want to express my gratitude to Mark for his exceptional leadership, patience, and mentorship throughout the journey. This wasn’t just a photography tour—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has left a lasting impact on both my skills and my love for photography.

ALL IMAGES taken by ANN SEYMOUR
A review by Ann Seymour, Photographer
The Streets of Venice Tour – Light and Land
Led by – Mark Seymour, Photographer.
May 2024
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