I have been photographing Venice Beach and its famous Boardwalk ever since I arrived in Los Angeles, four years ago. So, hundreds of shots later, it’s only fitting to publish a photoessay on Venice Beach, its people, its sites. The series is in black and white because, although Venice Beach is a very colorful place, its bohemian soul can also be captured without its many hues.
Venice has long been a spot for artists, surfers, skateboarders, street vendors, and homeless people. During the 80s and 90s it was quite dicey and, until recently, not a safe place to live, unless you didn’t mind gang violence, occasional street shootings, and drug dealers and addicts roaming around. Venice has cleaned up quite a bit lately. It has grown to include not only Google and its five-hundred employees, but more than 40 new tech startups, media companies, consulting firms and investors. These developments (which many call gentrification) have brought sophistication and quality living to Venice, but not enough to take away its bohemian vibe.
The Venice Boardwalk and its surroundings remain edgy and fun, with the usual circus-like environment. Street musicians, artists, vendors, tourists and locals, as well as an ever-growing homeless population, share the space democratically. As you enter the area, the smell of weed hits you like a bullet. It’s part of the experience… There you will encounter very eccentric people who have become fixtures of the place. Some of them are featured here. I’m not sure how much longer the Boardwalk will remain as it is. Real estate prices in the area are sky-high and rent is not as affordable as it used to be so struggling artists are moving out. I have nothing against gentrification –the place was a mess before — but I like the bohemian side of Venice and hope that never goes away.
Shoot 'N Go 
Great Post
Thanks so much!
welcome
You captured it PERFECTLY! My husband and I had our engagement photos at Abbot Kinney and the Venice Canals and it could not have been more perfect. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Sebrin! I have seen quite a few couples posing at the Venice Canals. Even captured than in some shots… 😉
Excellent!
Thanks, MK!
Wow great pictures! Amazing how you spent so long getting the perfect pictures
Thanks so much! 🙂
Wonderful shots – I love that classic canal shot from the bridge.
Thanks, Norm!
Wonderful image Angela. I love walking around the canals. A hidden gem!
Thanks, Stuart. The canals are indeed a hidden gem.
🙂 I’ve been enjoying your posts today: first Vienna, where my father worked for many years and we often visited, and now Venice Beach where I was years ago, my only time in the USA, and after a few days completely star struck just by being in LA I went to Venice Beach and there I was finally able to start taking photographs. Then we drove to SF by the ocean and it was truly memorable. Thank you for the memory!
Thanks! I’m glad to have provided a nice trip down memory lane… 🙂