Index of Blogs

Index For Italy, Our Italy Blog Articles

You can access blog articles for Italy, Our Italy by Date or Subject or by key-word searching

By Date of Publication

2023

07/24/2023 — The Results Are In - Part 22> One more horn tooting by Steve as he shows you the photos that were recognized in the black & white International Spider Awards.

06/29/2023 — Eating in Italy - Digestivi> This article on after-dinner drinks ends Steve’s 6-part series on Eating in Italy. See just what digestivi have in store for you.

2022

07/20/2022 — The Ignominious Past of Venice> Venice has a past of which it is not proud. And, it set the tone for a future that was not very bright for mankind.

07/05/2022 — Something Completely Different - Birds> This article isn’t actually about Italy…it’s about birds…birds that Steve photographed during a wonderful workshop in Florida.

06/17/2022 — Something Completely Different - Flowers> Steve recently headed to Florida for a photo workshop that focused on flowers…primarily.

05/04/2022 — Late Night at the Produce Stand> A small bit of transformation to go from a garish daylight sales encounter, to an intimate late-night exchange.

04/12/2022 — Eating in Italy - Dolci> The dolci is the last of the food courses you will find on a menu in Italy. If you’ve been looking for dessert, you’ve found it! Read on…

03/23/2022 — Transforming a Door with a Garden Above> It presented such an interesting façade, though some transformation was in order. Check it out!

03/16/2022 — Eating in Italy - Secondi> The secondi is the second part of the main part of an Italian meal. We’ve had the primi, now let’s eat the secondi!

03/08/2022 — Transformation to Remove a Warning> This is probably the most mundane of Steve’s photo transformations, but it was fun.

03/01/2022 — The Results Are In: Part 20> Steve is now in the spotlight…the spotlight of Black & White Magazine, that is. Such an honor, and with a mugshot!

02/22/2022 — Eating in Italy: The Primi> We’ve sipped an apertivo and nibbled on the antipasti, so now it’s time for the primi.

02/15/2022 — Transforming to a Foggy Night> In this article, Steve takes a daytime scene from a gondola ride and makes a b&w award winner.

02/08/2022 — Eating in Italy: Antipasto> After enjoying our recent apertivo, it’s time to move on to the more solid antipasto course of our Italian meal.

02/01/2022 — Transforming a Blah Green Door to Evening Blue>Steve saw a green door in Venice that he thought had potential…actually anything done to it would be better than as he found it.

01/25/2022 — Eating in Italy - The Courses and Apertivo> The first of several articles on the Italian eating establishments and their menus.

2021

06/22/2021 — Transforming a Lubriano Door> A friend who lives in Lubriano sees this door most everyday as she strolls down her small calle. See if she would recognize it after its transformation.

06/15/2021 — Italy in 3-1/2 Minutes> A quick trip through Italy with friends, set to appropriate fast-traveling music, all in less than four minutes.

06/08/2021 — Eat Here: Da Gemma> What a fabulous dining experience in the heart of the town of Amalfi. See it to appreciate it.

06/01/2021 — Transforming for Light Within> Steve takes a daylight scene of an open doorway and transforms it to evening…step in.

05/25/2021 — A Plethora of Transformations> Steve has published many transformative photos over the past 6 years…here is a retrospective of those articles.

05/18/2021 — Pasta, Pasta, Pasta> The shapes of pasta abound! See how they are categorized and how they are made.

05/11/2021 — Lamplight on a Blue Door> Whilst strolling Venice, Steve happens upon a forlorn lamp. He knows the lamp wants to shine. See how Steve helps out.

04/13/2021 — Provinces, Comuni & Regions> Italy’s geo-political divisions parallel those in the USA…kind of. See what relates to what as to the dividing lines you see on a map of Italy.

04/06/2021 — Haiku on a Blue Door>Connie liked Steve’s blue door…Steve liked Connie’s haiku of same. It’s all about transformation and inspiration.

03/30/2021 — Michelin Starred Experiences>In the final installment of fine dining, as defined by the Michelin brothers, here is what Steve has to say of his own experiences.

03/23/2021 — Michelin Starred Restaurants> So, just how does a restaurant garner the coveted Michelin star, be it 1, 2 or 3 stars? In this second of a 3-part series, all is explained right here.

03/16/2021 — Eat Here: La Pergola> This is what it’s like to eat in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, folks. This is the first of 3 articles on Michelin-starred restaurants.

03/09/2021 — Head On!> Steve targets a specific location in Venice for a composite of several photos that result in two gondole meeting Head On!

03/02/2021 — La Terrazza Del Principe> There was a lovely, scenic, welcoming place for a quiet meal on a hillside in Florence…here it is…or was.

02/25/2021 — The Gondola> Want to learn how a gondola is designed, constructed and used? Then read on dear reader.

02/17/2021 — Transformation at the Church of San Vidal> We passed right by this church when we were recently strolling together. Let’s transform it from blah, to ahhh.

02/02/2021 — A Promised Transformation> Remember that ugly door we saw during our quiet walk last week? Here’s the transformation that I promised.

01/26/2021 — A Typical Quiet Walk in Venice> Today we will slowly stroll through Dorsoduro, taking our time, having a bit of lunch, and seeing sights.

01/21/2021 — The Winged Lion of San Marco> Over the years of reading my articles, you’ve probably seen a winged lion or two that are associated with Venice. Here’s the association explained.

01/14/2021 — New Article Category: Italian Wines> I finally get around to creating a subject category for my articles that puts together all of the articles on Italian wines.

2020

12/29/2020 — Two Quick Transformations> Today I take a window snapshot and a security door snapshot, and transform them both into fine art photos.

12/22/2020 — Transforming Double Windows> In the spirit of the holidays…i.e. who wants to read a lot when they could be celebrating…just a quick photo transformation today.

12/15/2020 — Your Vatican Visit - Part 2> A continuation from last week’s article concerning how to visit the Vatican. The special way is hereby revealed!

12/10/2020 — Your Vatican Visit - Part 1> Here Steve reveals how to take in the sights of the Vatican…this time the gorgeous St Peter’s Basilica.

11/24/2020 — The Results Are In: Part 19> Yep, Steve has received a bit more recognition…this time for black & white photos…and some are from Italy!

11/17/2020 — DOCG, DOC, IGT & DOG> Learn how Italian wines are protected and rated, and how to pick a winner at your local wine shop.

11/02/2020 — Venice’s San Giorgio Maggiore> This church is both seen and seen from in Venice…what a spectacular view…not to be missed.

10/27/2020 — Transformation x 2> Steve transforms two door from blah to ahh in this photo transformation article.

10/13/2020 — Eat This: Italian Meats - Part 2> Here we get into sausages and fat/lard…yes fat/lard.

10/07/2020 — Eat This: Italian Meats - Part 1> Italians love their meats, and we do too. They have been making meat products for centuries. Today is cured meats.

09/29/2020 — A Transformation With Substantial Alteration> Wow, we had to pull out the power tools to transform this blah snapshot into a fine-art photo.

09/15/202 — Your Murano Glass Experience> A trip to Venice is not complete until you head to the lagoon’s island of Murano to see how their famous glass items are produced.

09/01/2020 — Shop Here: Cavalier in Venice> We just love to go into this shop to visit with Alberto as he applies gold-leaf to just about anything!

08/25/2020 — Transforming with a Flip Flop> Taking an almost symmetrical snapshot from the island of Murano to create a fine-art image.

08/18/2020 — Eat Here: Da Divo> This is a very interesting restaurant of Siena…you will dine in several layers of an Etruscan tomb…yummm.

08/11/2020 — The Results Are In: Part 18> See a few of Steve’s recognized photos from the 13th International Color Awards.

08/04/2020 - Venice’s Frari> This rather austere church has absolutely full of beautiful Venetian art…plus a few famous old dead people.

07/28/2020 — 102 Blog Articles…But Who’s Counting> I was surprised to count the number of articles that I’ve published thus far. Here are my top 10, or so.

07/21/2020 — Eat Here: De Pisis> When in Venice, we always have our inaugural lunch at De Pisis. Located on the Grand Canal with great food and great wine…this equates to the beginning of a great trip.

07/14/2020— Stay Here: Villa Giona> Want a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of the larger Italian cities? Then stay here.

07/07/2020 — Transforming a Venetian Palazzo Door> A simple transformation of a Venetian palazzo door.

06/30/2020 — Eat Here: Osteria and Trattoria Caprini> A magical evening at both the osteria and the trattoria of the historical Caprini establishments.

06/23/2020 — The Results Are In: Part 0> In this article, Steve catches us up on recognition for his photography which occurred prior to starting his blog articles.

04/14/2020 — Eat Here: Enoteca della Valpolicella> Two meals in the same restaurant during one trip to northern Italy. It must be good, right? Read on.

04/07/2020 — Driving a Car in Italy - Part 2> We continue our tutorial on renting and driving a car in Italy…it’s not really that hard.

03/31/2020 — Transforming the Courtyard of the Blacksmith> On the island of Murano, where the famous Venetian glass is created, there is a sotoportego leading to a courtyard.

03/25/2020 — Driving a Car in Italy - Part 1> Have you considered renting a car in Italy? Do you know what you can expect out there on the road? Get expert advice here.

03/17/2020 — Transforming a Venetian Glassblower’s Door> Just a quick transformation of an old door leading to the fornace on the island of Murano.

03/10/2020 — Shrines of Venice> As you walk the ‘streets’ of Venice, you will come across many, many shrines…here are a few.

03/03/2020 — Visiting the Beautiful Island> There sits an island in Lago Maggiore, and on that island is a beautiful palazzo with extensive gardens. Come along for a visit to Isola Bella.

02/25/2020 — Transforming an Abandoned Water Gate> A quick transformation of a blah snapshot, cleaning it up a bit, as well as adding a gondola.

02/18/2020 —Eat Here: Ristorante Verbano> It sits on an island in Lake Maggiore, near the town of Stresa, and the food and atmosphere are to come back to!

02/11/2020 — Lakeside Stresa> It’s not large, and it’s not small, and as Goldilocks said, ‘It’s just right’. Join us as we visit Stresa, on the shores of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy.

02/04/2020 — An Evening in Barolo> Let’s stroll a bit through the Piemonte town of Barolo, and then settle in for a nice dinner in a warm and charming local ristorante.

01/28/2020 — Eat Here: Ristorante Bovio> Ummm, you are going to enjoy both yummy food and the yummy view that await you at Ristorante Bovio. It’s in the Langhe area of the Piemonte, which stretches out before you as you dine.

01/21/2020 — A Visit to Michele Chiarlo Vineyards and Winery> A wonderful day of learning about the vineyards of the Barbera grape, as well as a super winery that transforms them into delicious wines.

01/14/2020 — Transforming Two Venetian Watergates> Whether or not you know a watergate from a Watergate, today I transform two watergate snapshots into more pleasing works of art.

01/07/2020 — Allegrini Winery> Today we take a guided tour of the wonderful Allegrini winery, where the very tasty Amarone and Valpolicella are produced.

2019

11/12/2019 — A Trip to Italy in Your Future?: Read On> Steve explains the benefit of using his blog articles for helpful advice, with specific direction to this Index of Blog Articles

10/15/2019 — Transforming a Barolo Door> A simple transformation of a snapshot of a door in the small Piemonte town of Barolo.

10/03/2019 — The Results Are In: Part 17> The photo featured in this article got double recognition within a month…one within a gallery showing, and one in an on-line photo magazine.

09/24/2019 — Eat Here: Donna Salvatica> This is one of those gems you happen upon in one of those small hill towns, in that wonderful country of Italy!

09/17/2019 — Renato Ratti Winery> Talk about a fabulous winery and visit thereto! Read about a great time with fine wine.

09/10/2019 — The Results Are In: Part 16> Steve scores in the 2019 International Color Awards…In a field of over 7,000 entries from 79 countries

09/03/2019 — Taking a Guided Winery Tour> Now, this is the way to travel through wine country…with a local expert. You can do this, too. And maybe with Matteo!

08/27/2019 — The Results Are In: Part 15> Steve had 3 photos published in the distinguished Black & White Magazine. See which were displayed in print!

08/20/2019 — Learning to Cook Italian> Who doesn’t like Italian food…certainly not you! Read here and see photos of a wonderful day of learning to cook Italian with an expert.

08/13/2019 — Milano: Go or No Go?> Are you considering a visit to Milano? Have you already seen the other sights of Italy? Here is my suggestion…

08/06/2019 — The Results Are In: Part 14> See the photo that the Vermont Photoplace Gallery selected as their promotional photo for a recent showing!

07/30/2019 — Another Way Into Italy> Of course you can fly directly to Italy, but there is a way that you might find to be a lot more fun…and relaxing.

2017

02/16/2017 -- Venetian Sestiere: Dorsodouro> Another of the six sestiere, or districts, of Venice. This one is a bit more tranquil, and a great place to visit.

02/02/2017 -- Enjoying Italy-Bought Wine> It's strange how certain things that happen today can trigger memories of the past.

01/24/2017 -- Transforming A Corte> Here is where I take an admittedly blah snapshot which I took in Venice, and I transform it into a more appealing photo.

01/18/2017 -- Venetian Sestiere: San Polo> The San Polo district of Venice is my second favThe Results Are In - Part 13orite...or is it my favorite? Hard to tell.

01/10/2017 -- The Results Are In - Part 13> I got a big surprise as I was thumbing through a recent copy of Italia! magazine!

01/03/2017 -- Venetian Sestiere: An Introduction> An overview of the six sestiere of Venice, as a prelude to coverage of each in upcoming articles.

2016

09/20/2016 -- The Results Are In - Part 12> An announcement and invitation to attend the Berlin Foto Biennale, where I have 3 photos on exhibit.

08/30/2016 -- Rome Tunnel Composite> Just a quick composite of two photos taken in Rome. Not a serious endeavor, but fun.

08/23/2016 -- Covering for Friends> I was asked to produce a cover for an historical fiction book set in Italy, as well as a music CD cover -- I happily did both!

08/14/2016 -- Please, Thank You, and Where's the Bathroom> Don't let the fear of not knowing the Italian language keep you from Italy -- see why I say that.

08/09/2016 -- Go There: Bellagio> A sequel to the previous week's article on getting to Bellagio, this article focuses on the beautiful, romantic town itself.

08/02/2016 -- Getting There: Bellagio> Bellagio is undoubtedly the most charming town we have visited, but its important how you get there!

07/26/2016 -- The Results Are In -- Part 11> A moody photo titled, "Love's Letter Lost" is on display at the Vermont Photoplace Gallery this month.

07/19/2016 -- Eat Here: Terrazza Danieli> Whether lunch, brunch or dinner, dining on the terrace at the Hotel Danieli is a real treat.

07/12/2016 -- Your Romantic Gondola Ride> If you've been to Venice and haven't ridden in a gondola, you haven't been to Venice!

07/05/2016 -- An Index of Italy Our Italy Blog Articles> A fast way to search past blog articles that may be of interest to you

06/28/2016 -- The Results Are In -- Part 10> Once more published in Black & White Magazine. This time for a portfolio of 5 photos from New Orleans.

06/20/2016 -- Go There: The Church of St Zachariah> There is a church in Venice that is ancient, is chock-a-block full of art, and houses at least two saints

06/14/2016 -- Eat Here: Il Flauto di Pan> High above the Amalfi Coast at Villa Cimbrone in the town of Ravello is this Michelin-starred gem

06/07/2016 -- A Visit to Villa Cimbrone> In the town of Ravello, high above the Amalfi Coast, tour the Villa and gardens; then catch the view from The Belvedere

05/31/2016 -- Under the Tuscan Fog > A morning drive through Tuscany with villas shrouded by fog

05/24/2016 -- Stay Here, Eat Here, Drink Here: Banfi> The full Banfi experience that you will just have to live through yourself one day

05/17/2016 -- The Results Are In: Part 9> Photos selected for three showings at the Vermont PhotoPlace Gallery

05/10/2016 -- An Evening at Piazza San Marco> No dinner and a movie in Venice; try dinner and romance!

05/03/2016 -- The Results Are In: Part 8> Recognition received in the 8th International Color Awards

04/26/2016 -- Major Renovation> Steve takes on a tough renovation of a cluttered Venetian door

04/19/2016 -- Stay Here: Hotel Flora> Our favorite Venetian hotel; quiet, but in the thick of things

04/12/2016 -- Transforming a Water Gate #2> A canal-side water gate is transformed from blah, to ah

04/05/2016 -- Amalfi Stairs> Some stairs in the town of Amalfi are hidden away, but knowing where they are can save you much grief

03/29/2016 -- Iron-Bar Windows> 15 windows with iron bars in the Corte de L'Albero of Venice; each unique and each beautiful

03/22/2016 -- Transforming a Water Gate #1> Not satisfied with the original snapshot, Steve takes on the task of transforming another Venetian icon

03/15/2016 -- Eat Here: Ristorante Antico Martini> One of our all-time favorite Venetian restaurants; since 1720!

03/08/2016 -- Transforming a Blue Boat> Steve takes off all the modern distractions and moves some stone work effortlessly to create a better image of a blue boat

03/01/2016 -- Transforming the Pozzi> Steve transforms 4 of the pozzo viewed in the previous article, showing how they came to pass from the first snapshot.

02/23/2016 -- Venetian Pozzi> See how the Venetians, siting in the midst of a lagoon, obtained the fresh water that they needed to thrive as a world power.

02/16/2016 -- The Sestiere of Venice: San Marco> Venice has 6 primary districts, or sestiere - plus a seventh in the form of the Giudecca Island. Our first focus is on San Marco.

02/09/2016 -- Transforming the Punta della Dogana> There's a point of land sticking out into San Marco Basin which has two very important buildings for Venice.

02/02/2016 -- Wild Goose Chase> A humorous anecdote concerning a dinner reservation. Can you solve the mystery of this debacle?

01/26/2016 -- Go There: Island of Burano> What a riot of color you will find on 'The Lace Island' which sits in the Venetian lagoon. Take a look.

01/19/2016 -- Blatant Marketing> Steve rolls out his new extremely high-quality note cards, complete with embedded color core.

01/12/2016 -- Stay Here: Borgo San Felice> There is a beautiful place to stay and eat in the heart of Tuscany, and it is the Borgo San Felice.

01/05/2016 -- The Results Are In: Part 7> Steve toots his horn on the publication of an 4 of his images in the Black & White Magazine 2016 Single Image Contest

2015

12/08/2015 -- Separating Emotion from Content> It is often difficult for Steve to determine if a photo will appeal as much to others as it does to himself

11/30/2015 -- Transforming the Cathedral of San Andreas> Do you know who San Andreas is? Find out here, and see Steve's transformation of its fascade

11/24/2015 -- Staying in a Convent Retreat> The Grand Hotel Convento Amalfi has a quiet place with a view where you can rest your head, and eat, too

11/17/2015 -- JPEG vs RAW> Here is a rather techie article on how your camera captures, and then saves, images to your digital camera

11/10/2015 -- Our Veterans Fought In Italy> It took months and months of bitter fighting to defeat the Axis powers in Italy...and we appreciate their sacrifice

11/03/2015 -- Transforming a Sunken Door> Here is a palazzo entrance in Venice that sits below pavement level -- see how Steve transforms it from now to then

10/27/2015 -- Transforming Luomo della Pizza> Steve captures a contemplative pizza man as he contemplates...well, we're not sure...see for yourself

10/20/2015 -- Stumbling Block Holocaust Memorials> There are brass markers throughout the world that commemorate the lives of those persecuted by the Nazis, and here are two of those in Rome

10/13/2015 -- Securing Your Haven> A door with so many ingenious locks and locking mechanisms that it baffles the mind...who lived here, anyway?

10/06/2015 -- Transforming the Bee Fountain> There's this little bee fountain in Rome, near Piazza Barberini, that is on so charming, and Steve has transformed it

09/29/2015 -- One Fine Day!> This is the quintessential day of cruising along the Amalfi Coast with Gian-Carlo as we make our way to Capri...swimming and eating...we did it all...you should too.

09/22/2015 -- Transforming a Graffiti-Clad Door> Steve takes this blah, graffiti-clad door in Rome and transforms it into...well, a graffiti-clad door

09/15/2015 -- Transforming the Pieta> What a most beautiful sculpture you will find at St Peter's in Rome...here Steve transforms it

09/08/2015 -- The Rialto Market of Venice> It's time to take a stroll through the Rialto Market in Venice, but be sure to get up early to catch all of the action

09/01/2015 -- Transforming the Copse> There is a particularly photogenic copse of Tuscan cypress just east of Montalcino...see it here

08/25/2015 -- Beautiful Places: Castello Brolio> Right smack, dab in the middle of Tuscany you find this castle where Chianti was invented by Baron Ricasoli

08/18/2015 -- The Results Are In: Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6> Steve brags on awards from Neutral Density, B&W Magazine, Spider Awards, Vermont PhotoPlace Gallery, and the North Valley Art League

08/11/2015 -- Before and After> Photoshop is not a four-letter word, and it demands respect -- see how Steve uses it to transform a Venetian religious shrine

08/04/2015 -- And Now for Something Entirely Different> This article plays off of the previous week's magnificent find in a small-town church, but this one is no small-town church and has its own magnificence

07/28/2015 -- Stumbling Upon Something Magnificent> Oh how dumbstruck we were when we opened the doors of this northern-Italy church...see it yourself here

07/21/2015 -- Traveling With Friends> Have you traveled with friends? We have and it's fun! And, you get a fun music video in this article!

07/14/2015 -- The Results are In: Part 1> This is the first of Steve's horn-tooting articles announcing recognition for his photography...this one an International Pollux Award

07/07/2015 -- Your Venice Arrival> There are several ways to arrive for your Venice stay...here they are, and get my personal recommendation

06/23/2015 -- Get Lost!> Yes, that's what I said. It can be fun if you leave yourself time for it -- and we've been lost, only to be found in some magnificent place!

06/16/2015 -- Serendipity, Stakeouts & Targeting: Part 2> This article is a followup to the previous, where Steve shows how the development of a photo was executed

06/9/2015 -- Serendipity, Stakeouts & Targeting: Part 1> Steve lays out the various ways in which a photographer might go about creating an image

06/02/2015 -- The Venice That Isn't There> Steve's goal is to present to you an Italy of yesteryear - one where there are no antennae, conduits, pipes, etc. - this is the Italy of your dreams

Steve's First Blog Article> Steve lays out his goal for his articles: Italian photography, places, lifestyle, food, wine, travel, and our own Italy experiences

By Subject

Articles are by date within subject categories
Some articles are in multiple subject categories

Getting To & Around Italy