Chasing a Dream: a photoshoot of Amelie in Venice
My best friend was living in Venice, so naturally I booked a flight and took my camera with me.
Amelie had been living there that summer, working at the Maltese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious contemporary art events in the world. So when I arrived, I wasn't being shown Venice by a tourist. I was being shown it by someone who had made it, temporarily, her home. That changes everything about how you experience a place and how you photograph it.
Who is Amelie?
"Venice was life-changing for me. It was so much culture on one small island. I learnt so much more about art in general, and about myself. Three words to describe Venice: history, mystery and wonder." - Amelie
Amelie Dimech is a Maltese artist and graphic designer based in Malta. With a degree in digital arts, her creative path has taken her from the island we both grew up on all the way to the canals of Venice. You can explore her work on amelieportfolli.com.
The Shoot
We didn't plan locations. We just walked for hours and let the city lead us. One of the most striking places we ended up was Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, a 15th-century Gothic palazzo on the Grand Canal.
"The art and history there is beautiful, and it means so much to me that I could be a part of that art." - Amelie
Shooting in Venice as a photographer based in Malta was a different experience entirely. The architecture offers endless opportunities; every alleyway is a natural frame, every bridge a leading line. Best of all, without a modern building or digital screen in sight, the colours stay consistent and the whole city just feels cinematic.
Along the way, locals stopped to compliment Amelie. Those small, unplanned moments are the ones you can't manufacture and often the ones that make a session.
On Being an Artist in Venice
"Living in Venice encouraged me to try as much as I want. There is no one route to take as an artist. Seeing so many artists with their own unique journey inspired me to do what I want with my own." - Amelie
That quote says everything, honestly. It's also part of why I love destination photography: a place that means something to someone produces images that mean something. The emotion is already there, I just have to capture it.
Thinking About Booking a Photoshoot in Venice?
A few things I'd tell anyone planning a shoot there: shoot early before the crowds arrive, don't over-plan your locations, and wear something comfortable. Venice rewards spontaneity. Some of our best frames came from simply turning a corner.
Work With Me
I'm Phoebe, a lifestyle photographer based in Malta, available for destination shoots across Europe. If you're a travel planner or luxury concierge looking for a photographer to recommend to your clients, I'd love to hear from you.
📩 info@photographoebe.com | 🌐 www.photographoebe.com
Based in Malta. Shooting everywhere.
