THE PHOTOGRAPHER Photo

Photographer’s Note

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

The new "Acropolis Museum" standing in the shadow of the Acropolis recently opened in Athens and is already garnering rave reviews by critics and lay visitors alike as one of the most significant museums of our age.

Thirty-five years ago I had produced an image of the Parthenon, the architectural gem crowning the Acropolis, and just 18 months ago had submitted it to Trekearth as "Divine Proportion", along with an extensive note on the edifice itself. At the time I took that photograph, there was a very small museum on the Acropolis. The new museum, made of glass, stainless steel and concrete, none of the materials that even existed when the Parthenon was built in the mid-5th century BC, incorporates many of the statuary, reliefs and pottery found at the site. It is built to withstand an earthquake measuring 10 on the Richter Scale. This is a museum that I would personally assign a grade of 10 on a scale of 10, and recommend heartily to anyone who visits Athens. The cost of entree is only 1 Euro until December 31st, 2009, after which it becomes 3 Euros, still a magnificent bargain.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum. In the photograph shown, I was standing on the terrace housing a restaurant, where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the Acropolis. When I saw another photographer preparing to shoot the Acropolis with me in the way, I photographed him, and the reflections of the Acropolis on the plate glass behind him. (Given another two seconds, I could have composed the shot better and preserved his feet. But I find solace from the fact that another Greek, Venus de Milo, survived successfully for 2400 years with no arms.)

While in Athens, I had the profound pleasure of meeting two Trekearth friends, Stella Leivadi and Kostas Dialynas. Together we shot a few photos around the Acropolis Museum, and had coffee together in Piraeus, before Stella drove with her son back to Athens, Kostas took a hydrofoil to Poros, and I embarked on a 12-day cruise on the Crystal Serenity.

I congratulate the people of Greece for the foresight to build this museum, a 'second Parthenon' for the ages, and dedicate the photo to my new and already good friends, Kostas and Stella.

Nikon D200, 18-70mm Nikkor Lens, ISO 200.

Morac, PaulVDV, paololg, Emile, yedirenk, jwmunro, ChrisJ, Buin, Clementi, snunney, feather, windosil, adores, Didi, Tue, jusninasirun, jhm, Cretense, MLINES, kdialyna, alvaraalto, papagolf21, Angshu, Sistercosmo, leonorkuhn, danos, Vasa, JCG, bakes888, Bluejeans, belido, Charo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Morac (20361) 2009-08-22 13:11

Hello Bulent,
I put this picture in my theme : Photographers photographed .

Good Weekend
Marc

mesutilgim (36743) 2009-08-22 13:20

Selam sevgili Bülent,
Türkçede "ava giden avlanır" diye güzel bir söz vardır bilirsin. Bu kare tam öyle bir kare olmuş.
Muhteşem grafizmi olan bir çalışma.
Tebrikler
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

AROBN54 (10755) 2009-08-22 13:33

What a cool shot, Bulent!
I love the way you have caught him in action and the wonderful reflections behind him. Excellent detail, great color and it's amusing that you have caught other photographer's reflected in the window as well. I really like this one. Many thanks and warmest regards,
Shelly

manousos_jr (225) 2009-08-22 13:43

hi Bulent

superb shot!!!
great reflections!!!
great job!!!

TFS

regards
georgios

coco (27842) 2009-08-22 13:44

HI Bulent.

What nice and smart shot.
I hope visit very soon this place too.

Regards.

PaulVDV (5184) 2009-08-22 13:48

Hello Bülent,
A different, original and artistic approach of the Acropolis.
I like the combination of what is behind the glass of the museum, the reflections of the city and the Acropolis behind you and the photographer in front of you.
Best regards, Paul

paololg (13743) 2009-08-22 13:49

Ciao dear Bulent,
first photo of your beautiful trip in the Mediterranean and it immediately is an interesting image, rich of so many details. I appreciate a lot the reflex of the Acropolis and the curious laying of the photographer as that of a paparazzo. Excellent image, captured in the correct moment, compliments!
Ciao, have a nice week!
Paolo

Emile (19961) 2009-08-22 14:35

Hola Bulent.
It would be interesting to see the photo that the photographer took of you with the Acropolis on your back.
Very neat reflection, a photo with very good details. The inclusion of tourists and the Acropilis are very well defined and the POV, colors and focus are very good.
TFS.
Wish you a nice weekend.
Best regards.

yedirenk (7345) 2009-08-22 15:39

merhaba Hocam,
fotoğrafçının fotoğrafı olmuş bu.arka plandaki camdaki yansımalarda nasıl bir görüntüyü kadrajladığını görmemizde ilginç oldu.oldukça zengin ve yaratıcı bir anlatım..emeğinize sağlık.selamlar

Cevdet

jwmunro (6573) 2009-08-22 16:29

Hello Bulent -

Welcome back from your summer trip to Europe. I like all kinds of reflections and this one is great catching one of us (photographers) capturing an image with a reflection of what he was shooting all in the same scene. Well seen and quick on the camera.

Thank you for sharing

John

lousat (15302) 2009-08-22 16:41

Hi Bulent,this is a great tribute to us! I think that all the TE's member will appreciate this pic,wonderful background too rich of elements.My best compliments,have a nice Sunday,LUCIANO

ChrisJ (70171) 2009-08-22 19:36

Hello Bulent

Good capture of the primary photographer in the fg, & the reflections, that reveal several more aspiring photographers. The reflection of the Acropolis top right provides context & a sense of place. Have a nice Sunday, & a great week!

Buin (37600) 2009-08-22 23:37

Hallo Bulent!
A really not everyday poto. I like how you "included" the place where you took this shot by help of the glass facade. An intriguing effect.
And the shown photographer - 100 points for performance!
Greetings from still warm and sunny Germany!
Frank

Clementi (44013) 2009-08-22 23:40

Ciao Bulent,
your creativeness has allowed you of mix the history with the present, very beautiful this photographer with the BG of the acropolis.
Giorgio

burGu (4536) 2009-08-23 0:05

Merhaba Bülent Hocam,
Geçen yaz bir kongre için gitmiştim ben de Atina'ya. Ama maalesef o sırada Parthenon'da çalışma vardı, etrafı iskeleler ile kapalıydı. Bu yeni müze ise kurulum aşamasındaydı, sadece camdan yapılmış dış cephesini görebilmiştim. Sayenizde, bu sabah her ikisini de görme şansım oldu.
Hem fotoğrafçıyı hem yansımayı çok güzel yakalamışsınız. Acropolis Müzesi'nin camlarına yansıyan bir Acropolis'ten daha anlamlı bir şey olamaz herhalde. Çok keyifli bir kare olmuş.
Ellerinize sağlık,
Burcu

kdialyna (3068) 2009-08-23 1:18

Welcome back my dear friend.
First I have to tell you that it was a big pleasure for me to meet you, your wonderful wife and Stella.
I really had some very pleasant hours with all of you.
Now about the photo...What can I say? the only thing I will tell you is that seeing it I have the feeling I am still there making the photo.
Of course the Acropoli's reflection in the background is really great.
I hope the next time we will have more time.
My best regards to you and your wife.
I hope the next time we will more time.
My best regards to you and your wife.
Kostas
PS My wife liked it very much your photo and wants to make a poster out of it.

snunney (34830) 2009-08-23 1:43

Hello Bulent,
Makes for an interesting and dynamic image. Perfectly framed with the photographer placed just right. Very well seen and presented.

feather (49860) 2009-08-23 2:05

This is an unusual and successful composition. With the reflection we can see what Kostas is photographing. You timed your shot perfectly. As well as the Acropolis in the reflection there are other people also taking photos.
Welcome back from your trip.
Kath

mursaloglu (5152) 2009-08-23 2:29

Merhba Bulent beyciğim
Harika bir photo inside photo picture. sinemanın bazı filmlerde kendisini anlattığı gibi siz de bir kare de fotoğrafı anlatmışsınız. Özellikle arka plandaki harika Atina görüntüsü ve ön plandaki fotoğrafçı bu fotoğrafı ört dörtlük kılan unsurlardan sadece bazıları Ellerinize sağlık

windosil (770) 2009-08-23 3:09

Superb, Bulent!

It is fascinating in so many ways with its patchwork of different elements, including the faceless chef inside the building. My attention 'snaps' between browsing the reflected scene and looking at the photographer; once I concentrate on him I find it hard to move away quickly.

Looking forward to pictures from your cruise,
Winifred

Vasa (5500) 2009-08-23 3:11

Not only photographer, but the rich background. I like your idea Bulent, friend. All friendship for you!

Branko

tober (3948) 2009-08-23 4:15

Merhaba Hocam, uzun bir aradan sonra fotoğraflarınızı yeniden görmek gerçekten sevindirici. Çok ilginç ve alışılmışın dışında bir kare olmuş bu. İlk bakışta ön plandaki fotoğrafçı ilgi odağı olsa da, benim gözüm arka plana kaydı daha çok. Atina'nın sembolünü sağ üst köşeye yerleştirmeniz etkiyi güçlendirmiş. Arkadaki manzarayı daha iyi görebilmek açısından karşınızdaki fotoğrafçının çektiği kareyi de merak ediyorum.

Elinize sağlık. Çok saygılar,

Tolga

adores (15507) 2009-08-23 6:10

Hi Bulent!
Surely a well captured moment, the pose of the photographer, the reflection of the Acropolis on the glass and all those tourists around. Very well framed!

carper (64784) 2009-08-23 6:37

a special one my friend,
good title for the shot Bulent
the reflection is very nice technical it's a fine photo job here. I like it my friend, have a good day.
regard jaap

stelli (2941) 2009-08-23 7:45

Great photo of the photographer from an excellent photographer!!! I am very pleased that you liked the museum which was better than I expected. It took Greece a long time to put together a museum worthy of the Acropolis and its treasures but it's finally here and everybody is welcomed to experience and enjoy it!! I am glad we had your, your wife's and Kostas' company in this "journey"! Waiting for more of the pictures you shot. Thank you for sharing! Regards Stella

Didi (36078) 2009-08-23 7:50

Salam Bulent
Interesting cath of an unknown Treker. Interesting background with reflections and nice composition.
Best rtegards

Tweety (3372) 2009-08-23 8:34

Salut Bulent,
Image très sympa, une nouvelle version de l'arroseur arrosé. Non seulement on voit le photographe en pleine action, mais grace aux reflets on devine une partie du paysage ... et des touristes.
Du bon boulot !
Christophe

Tue (25608) 2009-08-23 14:59

Hi Bulent,
Superb reflection photo, it's really beautiful and of course it's great to see the Acropolis too. Very good capture of the photographer as well. Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

jusninasirun (10199) 2009-08-23 15:42

Hi Bulent,

Good capture with the reflection of people on the street registered well in the frame. Excellent original idea and thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Jusni

emka (21369) 2009-08-23 23:30

Hi Bulent, Finally your first shot after holidays... Interesting mixture of different planes, multiple reflections, unusual view of the Acropolis. This photographer has probably the photo of you. :))
The tickets are very cheap there, not like in Italy.
Pleasant colourful shot.

Warm regards

Malgorzata

jhm (82461) 2009-08-24 4:25

Hello Dear Bulent,

I know the photographer not, perhaps a friend of TE!
I find your idea very nice, we see reflection and different people in background.
Yes, I can you understand about the feet, this are very small mistakes through the speeds of the moment.
Very well composition, nice colour too. TFS.

Have a new hot day,
John.

Cretense (56004) 2009-08-24 4:35

Hello, dear Bulent!

Excellent photo, fantastic idea and perfect realisation, perfect timing! Great composition and framing, flawless light managment and beautiful colours! Most important, a photo that depicts the passion of photography! Great portrait of our fellow friend! Congratulations!

Warm regards,
Hercules

PS. So sorry that I missed this unique opportunity to meet you in person. Unfortunately, it was a very troubled summer for me, with both my mother and my father-in-law in hospitals. I hope I 'll have another chance in the future...

BWJ (1773) 2009-08-24 6:06

Hello Bulent,
You used the highly reflective wall of glass to capture a superb scene! There is so much to observe and enjoy in this one photo. You have an outstanding informal portrait of the photographer. I like very much the architectural contrast of the new museum and the ancient Acropolis reflected on the hill in the background. The tight crop, good lighting, sharp color, and details make an outstanding composition.
Kind regards,
Betty

archimatica (13262) 2009-08-24 13:18

Ciao Bulent.
Really a nice picture.
I like it!

Renzo

MLINES (10880) 2009-08-24 15:32

Hi Bulent, Good to see you are near this one of a kind memorial, it seems to have been well worth waiting for according to your note. I like the multidimensional image with plenty going on, both sides of the semi-reflective window. The man standing in a steady way is the main subject, but also the others add to the theme of well worthy of a visit. TFS. Murray.

rikko77 (6110) 2009-08-25 6:29

hi Bulent...wow..a photographer that is shooting...a photographer! It's a "mirror pic" I'd say, with reflections behind, and many people too, many elements....but, what really remains is this really strong gesture, this photograph who, maybe, is taking his masterpiece, a pic that probably will end up on TE..who knows.You had a good eye here, congratulations :-) have a nice day,
Rikk

alvaraalto (5231) 2009-08-25 13:54

Hi Bulent,

At first sight I thought you surprise us with a lovely self-portrait, but alas, you found another photographer as your stand-in. I hope next time we will see you in action with a full reflection :-)

Groet Rob

papagolf21 (56335) 2009-08-26 1:17

Bonjour, mon ami Bulent,
Vous avez saisi parfaitement la posture parfaite du photographe à l'affût !
Je remarque que l'environnement ne manque pas de charme.
Excellent vue comme d'habitude.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Angshu (33637) 2009-08-27 4:23

Hello Professor 'A'"
A twist in the tale shot...a photographer photographed. Had it not been the reflections of the Acropolis, this would not have been as successful a shot as it is now. Nitpicking, though nothing in your control...wish the reflection was clearer, problem of a thick glass I would believe!
With Warmest regards
Angshuman

Sistercosmo (2573) 2009-08-27 13:36

Hi Bulent,

wonderful shot! I love the atmosphere here, the colors, the reflection and the girl in pink in the middle, also being photographed. Fantastic!

Have a good evening and take care,
Linda

NorfolkGirl (100) 2009-08-28 3:00

Hi Bulent

What a great photo! I love the capture of the photographer who looks as if he is about to run away because he has done something naughty! Great subject and great colours!

I love it and it is now in my favourites.

Bridget

Wandering_Dan (3221) 2009-08-28 13:43

Hi, Bulent -

A nice commentary on a classic photo setup! (Missing feet notwithstanding....) Nice bit of tension between the photographer and his object - and usually for this sort of thing one sees the back of the photographer. Good choice of square format too.

Best,
Dan

berek (28901) 2009-08-29 22:15

Merhaba Bülent bey,
yenisine mutlaka gitmek lazım. Arka plan yansımasıyla beraber iyi yakalamışsınız fotografcıyı. ava gide avlanmış gibi :-) ellerinize sağlık.
Burak

leonorkuhn (13559) 2009-08-30 6:25

Hi my friend Bülent,

You did not lost the opportunity to make a photo very creative: The photographer and his curious posture, the beautiful reflections and transparencies. Excellent work, great colors and very good sharpness.

Have a nice week
Leonor

jafadabret (39557) 2009-08-30 23:52

Bonjour Bulent.
On se perd dans le jeu des reflets et du réel. Qui photographie et qui est photographié, on dirait un duel sur la place comme dans un western !
J'aime me perdre dans une photo comme celle-ci.
Amical salut !
Jacques

anesugur (16846) 2009-09-03 12:25

Merhaba Hocam,
Camdaki yansımalar öyle güzel fon oluşturmuş ki adeta stüdyo çekimi gibi olmuş.
Selamlar. Uğur

danos (32400) 2009-09-04 3:34

Hi Bulent,
nice the snapshot from the unknown photographer to shoot the Acropolis from the terrace of the new Museum of Acropolis.Before ten days ago we were on Acropolis with Jose Pires with his wife and his son, viewing the "Acropolis Museum" from above.What a pity to to don't meet although on August 9th, I was in Athens.Perhaps an other time.

Regards,Danos

testmaniac (12112) 2009-09-04 21:11

Hi Bulent,very good photo of this attractive photograph! Interesting background indeed.
TFS and have a nice weekend!

Phil

JCG (25291) 2009-09-05 5:43

Hello Bülent,

Good reactivity for this very successful photograph I find. I like much the idea and quality of the image especially in the exposure which enables us to have a luminous and detailed background. Damage for the feet of our friend Kostas… I joke !!! Well done and beautiful photographic eye, Bülent cheer.

With all my friendships and a very good WE,

Jean-Charles

Cricri (43092) 2009-09-05 9:47

Hi Bulent
Belle scéne du photographe vers vous, et les reflets dans la vitre avec aussi d'autre photographes, intéressante composition très réussie
Good week end
cricri

jaywalker (12190) 2009-09-05 13:16

Hi Bulent, A very interesting composition, I have seen many photos of the Acropolis, however reflecting in the window of the new museum was a great piece of improvisation, I'm not too sure about the photographer but I still love the shot, kind regards Wilson.

bakes888 (18165) 2009-09-08 1:04

Hi Bulent.
Well timed and captured, the reflection gives the “big picture” and the photographer is a very interesting focal point. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

Bluejeans (32227) 2009-09-10 10:52

Hello my friend ,
Here are you ? in reflex :) .

A posição do homem está fantástica tu fotografaste ele e ele a ti , bonitos reflexos do templo nos vidros , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

belido (16421) 2009-09-11 16:32

Hi Bulent,

very nice catch. Not only for the perfect moment of the paparazi but also for the reflection on the glass. Very well collected. Graphically attractive in a well presented square format.
Regards,
Carlos

clio (22647) 2009-09-18 14:27

Dear Bulent,
It is a regret for me not to have been able to visit the new museum of the Acropolis during my last stay in Greece. A delay of boat perturbed my projects!
But for me, Greece is not so far, I can return to it. I like the beautifult movement of this photographer (it is film!), he is really concentrated in his shot. The reflections behind are extraordinary life's scenes , true cartoon. Images in the image...
Congratulations, it's great!
Diane

Charo (31671) 2009-10-01 13:51

Hello Bulent,
I love the scene and mix of the modern (glass) with the old (the reflections of the Acropolis).
Excellent composition and light.
Best wishes,
Charo