Blue Dream 藍色の夢

The Venetian Carnevale was a whirlwind of masked faces and shimmering costumes, but one figure stood out with an aura of undeniable mystery. A woman clad entirely in shades of blue, from her flowered mask to the intricate velvet cloak of her gown, moved through the throngs like a phantom. No one seemed to know her, yet all eyes were drawn to her. Whispers followed her trail - some said she was a visiting noble, others a long-lost member of a powerful Venetian family, returned to reclaim her heritage. The true identity of the lady in blue remained elusive, adding another layer of intrigue to the already fantastical scene, leaving those who caught a glimpse of her wondering if she was a dream, a ghost, or something far more enchanting.

Imagine a fairy, shimmering like the lagoon under a Venetian twilight, her dress the exact shade of Venetian blue. Not the bright, cheerful azure of a summer sky, but the deep, almost melancholic blue found in the shadows of the Rialto Bridge and the glassy depths of the canals at dusk. This Venetian blue fairy doesn't dance on moonbeams; instead, she flits amongst the crumbling palazzi, a guardian of forgotten stories whispered on the salty breeze. Her magic isn't about granting wishes, but about preserving memories, imbuing the ancient stones with echoes of laughter, secrets, and the timeless beauty of Venice itself. She is a keeper of the city's soul, a melancholic but beautiful reminder that even the most vibrant places carry shadows of their past.

I have been to the Venice Carnevale more than 10 times now...when I photograph Venice, I see not the iconic tourist destination the city has become, but the mysterious society that resides behind its elegant doors and shuttered windows....

My masked friend Patty says the name of her costume is Blue Dream.

As usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...