Scenes from an oncoming past, a photo from Thessaloniki, Macedonia

Photographer's Note

Not more than half an hour from Thessaloniki, in the Delta of Axios (also known as "Vardaris") river, you can find a unique spectacular landscape, full of lagoons, marshlands and old stilt huts, reminding a "Mad Max"-like scenery, a heavily "bombed" place. Until a couple of years ago, you could also find there some "underground" taverns, where you could enjoy excellent sea delicacies in an environment of "charming" decadence. They were all illegal, and the police closed them, unfortunately.

These stilt houses belong (or used to belong) to fishermen and mussel cultivators from the nearby villages. Most of them are abandoned now.

The Delta of Axios river, is in fact the Delta of 4 different rivers (the other 3 are Gallikos, Aliakmon and Loudias). It covers a huge area, considered a very important wetland and a protected biosphere.

*TECHNICAL INFO: Used a polarizer an ND-4 (2-stop down) filter, an aperture of f/22 and lowered manually the ISO to 50 for a 15 seconds take.

Copyright © 2011 – Hercules Milas. The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

bema, BennyV, Yiannis84, emilbo, josepmarin, Budapestman, annjackman, PaulVDV, vasilpro, dip, Hansaphotos, jhm, Schnappilic, Kielia, danos, patdeph, siolaw trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

fisher (1773) 2012-01-16 6:05

Beautifull detail and colours , love the wodden path to the shack , good work.

dessy

Yiannis84 (2824) 2012-01-16 6:10

Γεια σου Ηρακλη...

Άλλη μια εξαιρετικη εικόνα.. οι καταπληκτικές αποχρώσεις από τα νερά του ποταμιού & ουρανού σε συνδιασμό με την σχεδόν εγκατελημένη κατασκευή δημιουργούν μια εικόνα προκλητικά πολύ όμορφη...η ευκρηνια οξύτητα επίσης της εικόνας είναι μοναδική ...πολύ καλή δουλειά..τα συνχαρητηρια μου

Χαιρετίσματα

Yiannis

bema (26591) 2012-01-16 6:22

Geia sou Hercules,

think "Mad-Max" would have been proud of such a location and K. Costner would have done Water-World also there..
great in colors and composition, one more time a real masterpiece..

fine to have you here in TE back again..

with my best wishes, regards Bernd

BennyV (34746) 2012-01-16 6:23

Hello dear Hercules

Terrific exposure to create that wonderful texture of softness. Superb bright and full colours too. The crumbled structure in the background and that leaning chimney structure add some drama to the scene, which I always appreciate in this kind of shot. Nice work. Tfs & have a fine week.

Benny

yquem46 (38752) 2012-01-16 6:27

Hello hercules
Just back from 2 weeks in Nepal, I realize that just like xavshot you too have come back to TE
good news, welcome back
A gorgeous shot with pastel colors, a "photo school" compo with the bridge leading to the perfectly place wooden house and the nice effect of the long exposure
My best wishes for 2012, nice to have you back
Best regards
patrick

emilbo (22616) 2012-01-16 6:39

Salut Hercules
Tous les éléments sont là pour une magnifique photo en toute tranquillité. Il faut pas avoir pris un verre de trop pour marcher sur ce quai de fortune qui n'est pas un chef d'oeuvre d'architecture. Toutefois il est très intéressant et c'est un sujet à ne pas manquer. Excellente composition en tout point et les couleurs de fin de journée sont merveilleuses.
Cordiales salutations du Canada,
Emilius

hdl (7035) 2012-01-16 6:47

hmmm what a dreamy shot. Excellent composition

baclama (19214) 2012-01-16 7:58

hi,
very good long exposure and so great colors and atmospher...
TFS
vero

prasun984 (5590) 2012-01-16 7:58

Hi Hercules,
fantastic landscape shot you have captured from coast line with nice composition...
good light management with nice color tones & sharpness...
nice peaceful situation here which I feel...

Prasun

josepmarin (59385) 2012-01-16 8:44

Hola Hercules,
el agua tiene una textura que parece de seda, gracias al largo tiempo de exposición, y la imagen tiene una gran nitidez y una alta calidad debido a la ISO 50 y a la pequeña abertura, y eso nos indica que utilizaste unos ajustes óptimos para esta toma con trípode al atardecer.
Los tonos azules dominan la imagen, que tiene un magnífico contraste, y has trabajado perfectamente con los filtros.
El resultado es extraordinario.
Un gran trabajo, amigo mío, con una altísima calidad y realizado con muy buen gusto.
Un abrazo,
Josep

Budapestman (82620) 2012-01-16 9:31

Hi Hercules,
a splendid photo with graphic details and spectacular composition, fantastic colours and lights, great shot, Tfs! Have a nice week! Kellemes hetet kívánok!
György

Bluejeans (64251) 2012-01-16 9:56

Ola Hercules ,
Linda esta foto com este pear em madeira , já se encontra bem velho achei lindos os detalhes , a agua com o uso dos 15 segundo parece congelada , boas cores , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

annjackman (23019) 2012-01-16 9:56

Hello Hercules,
This is first class. The slow shutter speed and tripod has given a beautiful effect with the water. Magnificent colours and a great POV with the lead in along the wooden bridge (which doesn't look very safe!).
Regards, Ann

JFS (32459) 2012-01-16 10:06

It's so nice that seems unreal, its like if everything was hanging on the air. Magical atmosphere.

Thanks Hércules!

mauro61 (53411) 2012-01-16 11:07

ciao Hercules,
bellissima la resa dell'immagine con un ottimo lavoro in fase di scatto e poi di PP.
Ottima la tonalità con dei colori di una tinta davvero unica,
saluti
maurizio

dale54 (17766) 2012-01-16 11:56

well this i gotta say is amazing work.hercules hi.i like everything in your pic,super!tfs! dr

TRB (14138) 2012-01-16 11:56

merhaba Hercules,
Frame, perfect colors and sunset.
With a soft tone, and light blue is very nice.
Excellent shot and presentation.
Congratulations, Greetings
Tülay

mursaloglu (8682) 2012-01-16 12:08

My dear Herakli
another amazing fantastic shot stunning image and great achievement. Marvelous sharpness another masterpiece from you ihsan

siudzi (34141) 2012-01-16 12:32

Hi Hercules,

A top quality image of this amazing place! Excellent exposure, sharpness, saturation make it really outstanding in my opinion. Very well done and tfs!

Regards,
Malgorzata

ourania (51103) 2012-01-16 12:49

Καλησπέρα Ηρακλή,
εξαιρετική τεχνική και τέχνη σε αυτή την εικόνα που θα μπορούσε να είναι ολόκληρο διήγημα. Μου αρέσει ο συνδυασμός των θερμών και ψυχρών ή σκοτεινών χρωμάτων, δημιουργεί μια περίεργη ατμόσφαιρα και μια αβεβαιότητα, δεν ξέρεις αν το μέρος αυτό είναι φιλικό ή όχι. Στην ατμόσφαιρα συμβάλλει η όλη σύνθεση με τα απομεινάρια στα δεξιά και την αμέριμνη βαρκούλα στ' ανοιχτά. Εντυπωσιακή φωτογραφία!
Να είσαι καλά,
Ουρανία

MyriamVillert (3223) 2012-01-16 13:12

Les couleurs sont un peu saturées, mais j'aime beaucoup cette photo... je m'imagine marcher sur ces planches et les entendre s'entrechoquer et s'assouplir sous mes pas... Petit endroit tranquille qui invite à la contemplation de l'instant.
Merci pour le partage.

PaulVDV (62804) 2012-01-16 13:27

Hello Hercules,
The effect of the long exposure is wonderful and creates the feeling of being in a dream world.
This picture also shows very well the desertion and the mortality of places that were once full of live.
Best regards, Paul

vasilpro (41801) 2012-01-16 13:39

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Θαυμάσια λήψη με εξαιρετική τεχνική, υπέροχο φως και χρώματα, η επιλογή των 15s μεγιστοποίησε την ηρεμία της σκηνής και την βελούδινη υφή της επιφάνειας της θάλασσας.
Καλό σου βράδυ, Βασίλης.

npecanhuk (79329) 2012-01-16 16:54

Hello Hercules!
Wonderful picture!
Skillful photo work!
Special regards to the long exposure, colors, chosen pov and composition!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

dip (21408) 2012-01-16 23:00

Γειά σου Ηρακλή,
αυτές οι ψαροκαλύβες αποτελούν εξαιρετικά φωτογραφικά μοτίβα,όπως και οι πελάδες του Μεσολογγίου,
τα εντυπωσιακά χρώματα του ορίζοντα,ο πολύ καλός φωτισμός και η τέλεια οξύτητα σε συνδιασμό με τα 15 δευτ. έκθεσης,έδωσαν μία καταπληκτική φωτογραφία!
χαιρετώ,
Δημήτρης.

CLODO (45116) 2012-01-17 0:40

For sure, it's an HDR picture, isn't it Hercules

with the 3D effect, the perfect sharpness, the glossy water and the contrasted warm cold hues.
Congratulations
CLODO

Hansaphotos (11381) 2012-01-17 0:46

Hello Hercules

It`s great to have you back here on TE!

Spectacular landscape indeed. A stunning photo with fantastic colours. A fine composition where the motley construction creates an interesting foreground and good depth as well. Magnificent:) TFS. Have a great day.

Best regards, Erling

Hellas (7123) 2012-01-17 1:07

Κοιτώντας την εικόνα αυτή, περνούν από μπροστά μου άλλες, που προηγήθηκαν· ανθρώπους να καρφώνουν καδρόνια και σανίδια, χέρια ροζιασμένα, πρόσωπα και κορμιά ηλιοκαμμένα, ψαράδες με το τσιγάρο στο στόμα, δίκτυα ......

Στο τέλος, ένα τρίποδο με την ‘εξέλιξη’ στερεωμένη πάνω του και με τον υπεύθυνο της παρουσίασης πίσω απ’όλα αυτά, να περιμένει .... τα δευτερόλεπτα!

Να είσαι καλά !

jhm (211734) 2012-01-17 3:04

Hello Hercules,

I am very glad you see again, your makes very good pictures, also technical wonderful for look at.
We get a very soft and warm colors.
Composition and presentation are perfect as usual
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Schnappilic (9692) 2012-01-17 12:41

Hello Hercules,

Lovely composition and realization! You chose the perfect moment and POV! My congratulations!

All the best,

Ovidiu

resat1972 (7586) 2012-01-18 3:18

Hello Hercules
A wonderful photo
everything is beautiful
Very nice 4 * 4
Resat

m00n (2259) 2012-01-18 3:32

The next amazing shot. With a fantastic, warm light!
Create a unique atmosphere and excellent build your frame!
Excellent work!

romanaa (8430) 2012-01-18 3:52

Hello Hercules,

I have just came across your picture and I am so glad you are are posting again.

Beautiful scene and tranquil atmosphere, very moody.

Best regards

Romana

bebbetto (122) 2012-01-18 7:25

Ciao Hercules.
The great photos evoke emotions and this is one of those.
It makes me think of something lost forever and this tremendous period for our countries fits perfectly with the melancholy of this landscape. The long exposure time contributes perfectly to this atmosphere.
Superquality picture.

Kielia (24077) 2012-01-18 8:39

Hi Hercules,
another exciting place that you have captured excellently. Your POV works very well and the management of the light is outstanding. As already mentioned, it is the excellent perspective that makes this scenery very attractive! I also love the colors. But it was with great concern that I read your note! Thanks for sharing!
Warm regards
Harriet

danos (110407) 2012-01-19 0:26

Ηρακλή καλημέρα,
εντυπωσιακή φωτογραφία από το Δέλτα του Αξιού, που σε μια στιγμή νόμιζα ήταν από το Μεσολόγγι,θυμούμενος παλαιότερες φωτογραφίες σου.Εξαιρετική παρουσίαση με τα τεχνικά χαρακτηριστικά της φωτογραφίας (f/22, 15 sec), να αναδεικνύουν τα μοναδικά χαρακτηριστικά της.

Σε χαιρετώ,Δάνος

patdeph (35750) 2012-01-19 12:02

hello Hercules
there is here a strange atmosphere, due to these small ruins placed in marvelous place.The long pause has created a universe of softness, the colors are splendid and almost unreal, everythings seems dead, and in spite of the beauty,it seems a little bit frightenig.But, no doubt, this is splendid!
Regards
Pascale

Cricri (176) 2012-01-24 11:27

Hi Hercules
Une très jolie réalisation, super bien construite, des couleurs attirantes, la transparence de l'eau, le calme et la douceur qui s'y est bien installer
Belle soirée
cricri

siolaw (38294) 2012-01-27 6:53

Hi Hercules
You made a good reserve of great pictures during your TE break! Just stunners, one after the other! Here a classic "Cretense" compo, and framing with a successful 15sec expo.
Superb
Laurent

kiks (12805) 2012-02-06 8:12

Fantastic image. This is a great PP work at a very well choosen composition. Congratulations, Hercules
KIks