Let there be Light: A Study on Aperture
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- Nafplio, Greece in Aperture Priority: F Stop f/11; Exposure 1/200sec; ISO-100; Fill Flash Used
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- Nafplio, Greece in Aperture Priority: F Stop f/9; Exposure 1/200sec; ISO-100; Fill Flash Used
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- Nafplio, Greece in Aperture Priority: F Stop f/10; Exposure 1/200sec; ISO-100; Fill Flash Used
During the northern summer of 2010 I made a photographic pilgrimage to Greece, the first of four I would conduct over the years 2010-2011. Determined to beat the path of my forefathers, I found myself in Nafplion (Greek: Ναύπλιο) – a pretty seaport town in the Peloponnese overlooking the Argolic Gulf. The town was the first capital of modern Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834.
During the Greek War of Independence, a besieged Nafplion was a major Ottoman stronghold.
Count Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greek diplomat of the Russian Empire, and first head of state of newly liberated Greece, made Nafplio the official capital of Greece in 1829. He was subsequently assassinated in 1831 after which anarchy followed, until the arrival of the Prince of Bavaria, later crowned King Otto, and the establishment of the new Kingdom of Greece. Nafplion remained the capital of the kingdom until 1834, when King Otto decided to move the capital to Athens.
Well I decided to make a wee move too, while in Nafplio: a move on the camera dial labeled Aperture. Look at the images here: subtle plays on light, and all due to the manipulation of aperture. No anarchy necessary!
Fishing Boats
Destination: Palaia Fokaia; Greek: Πάλαια Φώκαια meaning Old Phocaea. Population 3,000. 52km SE of Athens.
On a recent expedition along the southeastern tip of Greece’s Attica (on foot, in heat, camera strapped around neck, of course) I came across WATER!!!! Cool, clear Mediterranean water inviting and calling out to my poor wretched feet both of which had transported me for hours, over hill and over dale, to this seaside village. I needed to splash about. How can a girl refuse?
The picturesque port of Palaia Fokaia plays host to fish taverns and the magnificent orthodox church of Saint Irene. Very reluctantly did I dry myself from a session of sea-bathing in order to light a candle in the church, and with a huff, set my feet in the direction of “home” and off I trot.
But before that, I fell in love with the port’s boats. Like the human body, musical instruments, and flowers, boats please the eye.
To shoot boats, start by observing some guidelines. What makes pictures of boat so appealing is simplicity. There’s the boat big and bold. There’s the sea and there’s the sky. That’s all! Fill that frame — let nothing else distract the viewer.
Harbours and Boats
The Greeks are known for many things, though certain tycoons’ wealth is assuredly tied up in shipping. On a recent trek through the southern most part of Attica, I came across the seaport town of Laviron or Laurium, located about 60 km SE of Athens. This place is known for its mines, still worked in the early 20th century by French and Greek companies, mainly for lead, manganese and cadmium. As an aside, the mining town of Laurium, Michigan was named after the Greek Laurium.
Now, the big boats here. Huge vessels take on cargo, passengers, cars and pets, and transport it all throughout the waterways about Greece and Cyprus and beyond the Mediterranean. The sun was at 7PM, its rays hitting the ship producing clarity of hue and clean lines. No wonder girls around the world fall for a shipping magnate!!
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