Torre dell'Orologio
Torre dell'Orologio, the ornate Renaissance clock tower on the north side of Piazza San Marco, is one of Venice's most iconic facades, with its deep blue and gold astronomical clock face, bronze Moors striking the bell at the top, and the winged lion of St. Mark prominently displayed. Shooting from the middle of the piazza gives you the full symmetry of the tower framed against the archway below, while moving closer lets you isolate the intricate clock face with a telephoto lens in the 70-200mm range. Early morning is your best window, before the crowds fill the square and when the low light catches the gold details without the harsh midday flatness. The tower faces roughly south, so overcast days work surprisingly well for even, shadow-free coverage of the facade. A wide angle works nicely if you want to include the surrounding arcade for context. (Venice, Veneto, Italy)
