The masked taxman
Marco Dilauro may be a tax collector by day, but after hours he spends his time making intricate masks and costumes for the Venice Carnival which some say dates as far back as the 12th century.
Carrying a bag of his costumes, Marco arrives to take a vaporetto, or waterbus, at Venice's Canal Grande on his way to the carnival.
Marco's wife, Nadia, is reflected in mirrors as she wears one of his creations. The Venice Carnival is renowned around the world for its spectacular costumes and attracts 3 million visitors every year.
Marco, 43, a resident of Como in northern Italy, painstakingly sources the fabrics, ribbons, lace and jewellery to make the period costumes.
Marco paints a mask which he will wear during the Venice Carnival.
Marco prepares a mask which he will wear during the Carnival.
Nadia, wife of Marco Dilauro, is reflected in a mirror as she wears one of his creations.
Marco looks on as Nadia is reflected in a mirror. After falling out of fashion during the 18th century, the carnival returned to Venice in 1979 and re-established itself at the heart of the city's cultural scene.
Marco smiles as he sits next to his creations used in previous Venice Carnivals.
Nadia looks on as she wears one of Marco's carefully constructed masks.
Marco gets dressed up for the carnival in a local car park after driving in to Venice.
Marco on board a vaporetto, or waterbus, at Venice's Grand Canal.
Tourists stare as Marco and Nadia pose on the edge of a canal with the Bridge of Sighs in the background during the Venice Carnival.
Marco Dilauro and his wife Nadia, wearing costumes, pose at San Marco square during the Venice Carnival.
