Matthias
Hello, my name is Matthias Wassermann and I am a photographer who documents Venice’s Carnevale in my own special way. Imagine a wonderful place that gets even more beautiful with people walking around in their most elaborate dresses and masks that make the city even more colorful. That’s Carnevale.
The small bridge at the The Bridge at the Palazzina Selva the the closeup vista to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Monello Venezia in 2019. ©Copyright Matthias Wassermann 2019
My first visit to the Carnival in Venice was 2017 followed by another visit in 2019. After the COVID-19 Coronavirus lockdowns, I started coming in 2023 on a regular basis. I usually stay for around 13 days, exploring many places and trying to find new photography locations. As a photographer, I am amazed and in awe of the beauty of the masks and the costumes. Putting Venice’s Carnevale in the center of all my photography is a big thrill to me and I enjoy every moment being in the city.
Solemn Beauty standing in the western arcades of the Palazzo Ducale. Model unknown. ©Copyright Matthias Wassermann 2024
I simply like Venice. I love the beauty of the costumes and the atmosphere during Carnival. So much so that Carnevale is the only time of the year I would visit Venice. The more you visit, the more friends you make. And I love meeting friends, especially those from the time during Carnevale.
My interest in Carnevale specifically began in 2012 when I was asked by my camera dealer to take some shots of a mask and costumed customer of his. This was during a city fair and this was a promotion for the camera store. This is how I met my first Venetian mask and costumes. His name was "Il Primo Matteo“.
Before Matteo allowed me to take pictures of him, he showed me a book of all his trips to Venice. He made this look as if it were the best time of his life. Together, with Matteo, I organized meetings with photographers and masked persons in our home city thereby deepening connections to many different masks and costumed people.
Roberto Giocondus Grimani aka the Fallen Angel at and on the Rialto bridge. © Copyright Matthias Wassermann 2025
A few of my favorite places in Venice:
1. Palazzo Ducale at sunrise. I especially love the western Gallery, which seems to never end.
2. Bacino Orsoleo at night. I love this place when all the tourists have left and the water is very calm.
3. Fish Market and Rialto Bridge. I love the columns, the orchards and the woodwork and the ceiling. I furthermore love the iconic location of the famous Rialto Bridge.
4. Campiello dei Miracoli. This is a very confined and small area. However, the immediate surroundings are very beautiful and give you the chance to take some fantastic environmental images.
The Vista of the Basillica Santa Maria della Salute close to Ponte San Biasio delle Catene. Nadine Hoffman standing tall in the early Morning hours. © Copyright Matthias Wassermann 2023
5. Ponte del Diavolo Fondamanete de l’Osmarin leading up to Rio St. Lorenzo. I love the compact Bridges that make up for intimate pictures where can isolate the models.
6. Ponte San Biasio delle Catene. This is a unique place which makes for special images.
7. The area around Arsenale di Venezia
8. The Bridge at the Palazzina Selva.
9. Basilica Sanat maria della Salute.
10. Ponte de le colonne and the Sotopertego that leads to it.
11. Restaurant: Al Vecio Canton
12. Restaurant: Ristorante ai Barbacani
13. Shop: La Vetrinetta di Claudia
My first noteworthy from 2017 that gave me the feeling I need to come again. Sabine Ast, Germany. © Copyright Matthias Wassermann 2017
Every moment is very special in during my time in Venice. As a photographer, I relive Carnival when editing all the images. After the editing comes the preparation for the next Carnevale. So, my whole year revolves around Carnival in this wonderful city called Venice. And just being there makes for a wonderful and special time.
If you’ve never been before, Carnevale in Venice can be overwhelming at first. But just take it all in. And prepare to get addicted.