La Piazzetta by Sebastien Beun

Captured at dawn on a crisp February morning in Venice, this photograph depicts the quiet transition of the Piazzetta di San Marco before the day’s crowds arrived. While other photographers focused on the costumed models of the carnival, the photographer turned his lens toward the architectural grandeur of the square. The image is award-worthy for its masterful use of early morning light and its ability to isolate the timeless, structural beauty of Venice from the chaotic energy of the surrounding festivities, showcasing a keen eye for composition and atmospheric storytelling.