OPPO announce its continued partnership with Discovery Channel for the second edition of Culture in a Shot. This global initiative brings the world's diverse cultures to life through OPPO's imaging technology. Under the theme Celebrate the Moment, this year's journey captures the wonder and timeless spirit of iconic festivals worldwide.

Across the globe, festivals unite people in shared moments of joy, tradition, and celebration. More than just spectacles, these events represent the heartbeat of cultures, offering a grand expression of history, identity, and togetherness. With the journey starting from Italy, OPPO and Discovery Channel document a celebration where history and fantasy intertwine—the legendary Venice Carnival.

During Carnival, the city of Venice transforms into a living stage

Venice has always fascinated the imagination, inspiring countless plays, books, and artworks with its canals, history, and charm.

Any visit to Venice is special, but during Carnival, the city becomes truly spectacular. The streets come alive with people dressed in elaborate costumes and an electric atmosphere of mystery and magic. From grand balls in candlelit palaces to open-air performances in St. Mark's Square, Venice becomes a grand, living stage.

（Venice Carnival Boat Festival, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G）

The Venice Carnival has a rich history. Dating back to the 12th century, it began as a celebration of Venice's victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia. At the time, Venice had a strict social hierarchy, but the Carnival allowed Venetians to mix freely behind their masks, blurring the lines between nobles and commoners.

"The Carnival was a way to transform yourself and experience true freedom," explains Stefano Nicolao, one of the city's most renowned costume makers. "Today, it's changed; people want to be featured on social media and in the news. They wear spectacular costumes to stand out rather than to hide who they are."

(People dancing in the square in the costumes, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G)

Behind the mask: The art and symbolism of Carnival costumes

Nothing defines the Venice Carnival like its iconic masks and costumes. Once symbols of freedom and anonymity, they now represent self-expression, tradition, and artistry.

Venetian artisans carefully craft masks inspired by centuries of history, inspired by timeless, iconic designs. The Bauta, with its square jaw and deep-set eyes, was once worn to conceal identity completely, allowing Venetians to move freely across social classes.

（The Bauta mask, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G）

Then there's Colombina, a half-mask often decorated with gold and feathers, said to have been created for a theater actress who wanted to showcase her beauty while still embracing the mystery of disguise. Noblewomen often wore the Moretta–a simple black oval mask held in place by biting a small button inside–keeping them silent and adding to their mystery.

（The Colombina, a half-mask often decorated with gold and feathers, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G）

Today, many Venetians choose masks more for their beauty and craftsmanship rather than to conceal their identity—a way to honor Venice's enduring theatrical spirit.

To capture the intricate details of masks in the crowd, the photographer used OPPO AI Zoom and its 3.5x telephoto lens with an equivalent focal length of 85mm and an AI-assisted ultra-long zoom to get stunning shots even from a distance.

OPPO AI Zoom with 3.5x telephoto lens

Carnival festivities carry on into the night, with Venetians continuing to gather and celebrate under golden streetlights and at private masquerade balls. In these moments, Jerome used OPPO AI Night Portrait, which enhances clarity and lighting, preserving the intricate details of the costumes in any setting.

(OPPO AI Night Portrait, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G）

The magic of festivals lies in their spontaneity—unplanned moments of pure joy and revelry. At the Venice Carnival, Jerome captured fleeting scenes: The swish of a silk cloak, the bustling energy of a spontaneous street performance. OPPO AI Livephoto records 1.5 seconds before and after a shot, turning each image into a dynamic, living memory. Every small movement is stabilized using AI de-blurring technology, capturing the true energy and vibrancy of each Carnival moment.

（AI Livephoto, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro）

Today, the Carnival is an enduring celebration of Venice's timeless traditions

Venice is a city of timeless beauty that continues to evolve with its people. From its aristocratic origins, the Venice Carnival has transformed into a global celebration that welcomes participants from not just within Italy, but all around the world.

Irene Losi is a Gen Z Venetian who continues to celebrate the Carnival every year.
"For my parents, Carnival was more of a festival for Venetians. But now, it's more of a festival for people out of Venice as well, for tourists," she says. "Younger people like myself love the Carnival parties too, but ⁠we hope the world can understand the traditions beyond just the parties. A lot of people work to make the Carnival come to life, like the incredible craftsman behind the costumes and masks, and the artists who create the plays, stories, and musicals. Carnival is an opportunity to understand people, to truly bring people together."

（Irene Losi, a Gen Z Venetian celebrating carnival with her costume, shot on OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G）

With the OPPO AI Studio, anyone can be part of the Venice Carnival, even from miles away. Using Generative AI, users can transform themselves into Venetian characters, complete with historic costumes and the beautiful backdrop of Venice's canals.

(OPPO AI Studio, generate your carnival mask)

The Venice Carnival is just the beginning of OPPO and Discovery's exciting global journey. Follow along on the cultural adventure to get inspired by the vibrant beauty of traditions, and the universal emotions of celebration and joy that unite us all.