Twilight of the Sea God, a photo from Attiki, Attica

Photographer's Note

On the southern edge of Attica, on a beautiful location, in Cape Sounion, you can see one of the most impressive ancient temples of Greece (approx. 440 B.C.), the one dedicated to Poseidon, the moody and usually angry, God of Sea, in the Greek Mythology.

This is the place where, Aegeus, king of Athens, jumped off the cliff and died, when he saw his son's (Theseus) ship returning with black sails (a sign that his son had died in his battle with Minotaur, allthough it was not true), giving name to the Aegean Sea.

There is a reference of Sounio, in one of the poems ("Don Juan")by famous romantic poet, Lord Byron.

"Place me on Sunium's marbled steep,
Where nothing, save the waves and I,
May hear our mutual murmurs sweep..."

If you want to read more about Poseidon, its temple, Aegeus, Theseus, Lord Byron, legends about Sounion etc, ***CHECK HERE***.

Copyright © 2010 – 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.

Royaldevon, Budapestman, coco, scyntilla, papagolf21, hardyuno, dip, ikeharel, mkamionka, vasilpro, kastanaras, CLODO, lucasgalodoido, siam2005, ngk, emilbo, pauloog, subhendu_bagchi, carlosmarin, danos, Dashab, pasternak, asajernigan, axiotea has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

chiaretta (2412) 2010-01-08 1:47

Hi Hercules,
simply wonderful and magnificent!
Dramatic colors and contrast that point out the majesty of the place!
Wonderful sharpness, too.
TFS,
Chiara

Jeppo (17623) 2010-01-08 1:47

hi hercules,

I visited Sounion Cape more than 20 years ago...a gorgeous place.
I love this particular POV on the temple...it's a different and charming way to present us the magic of ancient ruins

tfs
silvio

Bergenphotos (2172) 2010-01-08 1:49

Hi Hercules.
This is an extra-ordinary shot! First of all, the sky looks amazing in that orange color. The silhouettes are as black as they can be. You also managed to get a good composition and the sun beautifully placed. Congratulations, well done!

Regards from the freezer!

coco (30433) 2010-01-08 1:59

Kalispera Hercules.

Un lugar sin duda fantástico. Tengo un recuerdo muy bonito de este lugar y tu foto no solo le hace justicia, sino que se convierte en un nuevo poema como el de Byron.

Sencillamente un gran, gran trabajo.

Ta leme, file mou.

Budapestman (82620) 2010-01-08 1:59

Hi Hercules,
great impression of this amazing architecture, the silhouette of the temple is very spectacular, the colours and lights are beautiful. Congratulations. Have a nice day!
George

Royaldevon (18339) 2010-01-08 1:59

Good Morning Hercules,

I knew the story of Theseus but did previously realise that that was the origin of the name of the Aegean Sea!
You learn so much on this site!!

This is so eye-catching!
The composition is excellent whilst the deep, warm colours of the sky, create the perfect b/g to exhibit the tall structure of the silhouetted temple.
The starlike sun is the last jewel!

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

scyntilla (1844) 2010-01-08 2:16

Beautiful warm colour of the sunset while it winks an eye and says "see you tomorrow" in between the columns. I loved your POV. Great shot.
Petek

alin-m (3716) 2010-01-08 2:20

Hi Hercules.
I'm very happy to see this wonderful picture.
Great colors and beautiful image.Congratulations.
Yassas.Alin.

papagolf21 (76973) 2010-01-08 2:21

Bonjour, cher Hercules,
Superbe réalisation. La beauté de l'architecture est magnifiée par ce contre-jour.
L'édifice se détache à la façon d'ombres chinoises.
Félicitations pour cette réussite.
Amitiés.
Philippe

hardyuno (4646) 2010-01-08 2:24

Hello Hercules,
wow that's a view, the "sunstar" is the icing of the cake. The colours are strong and powerful. A pretty good silhouette photo. TFS and for the interesting note, too.
Have a fine weekend
Hartmut

dip (21961) 2010-01-08 2:27

Geia sou Irakli,

poses fotografies yparxoun arage apo auton ton nao?
panta yparxoun omos merikes pou ksexorizoun,
opos sigoura kai i dikia sou,

i leptomeria kanei tin diafora!

Se xaireto,
Dimitris.

rikko77 (10849) 2010-01-08 2:28

Wooow Hercules
a perfect backlight pic, with the sun perfectly placed after the columns. Great atmosphere, great shot, congratulations!
Rikk

LOOOK13 (19022) 2010-01-08 2:48

Salut Hercules.
Une photo de magazine culturel!!!!
Grandiose.
Bravo.

mkamionka (24806) 2010-01-08 3:02

Hi Hercules,
I had the pleasure to watch the sunset in this place but without a proper camera with me.
It is a breathtaking place and at sunset it is especially amazing.
I like very much the color of sky which you achieved. The composition is excellent.
TFS
M

supi4u (599) 2010-01-08 3:53

Hi
Nice presentation of this ruins and sun with a nice point of view.your timing for this photo was perfect.TFS and for the interesting note, too
Well done-Supriya

vasilpro (40233) 2010-01-08 4:17

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Εξαιρετική! Κάθε μέρα αναζητώ τη νέα φωτογραφία σου που θα μας παρουσιάσεις γιατί είμαι σίγουρος ότι θα είναι εξαίσια. Σε ευχαριστώ για τα καθημερινά μαθήματα φωτογραφίας.
Καλό Σαββατοκύριακο, Βασίλης.

boa (4313) 2010-01-08 4:44

Hi Hercules,
a interesting and beautiful silhouette. Amazing colors and perfect position of the sun,well done !
Have a nice day.
Boa

Morac (27419) 2010-01-08 5:25

Bonjour Hercules,

C'est absolument merveilleux !
Ce ciel est extraordinaire mais le plus extraordinaire c'est ce soleil entre les ruines
Amicalement
Marc

grigand (18621) 2010-01-08 5:56

Hi Hercules,
A very nice sunset, the warm light and silhouette of temple are wonderful.
ciao
andrea

kastanaras (1160) 2010-01-08 6:10

Geia sou Irakli,
Ekpliktiko iliovasilema, me proto thema tin siloueta tou naou.
Yperoxa xromata, ekpliktiko contrast,k.t.l.....
Ekseretiki douleia! Sigxaritiria.
Kalo sou apogeuma,
Dimitris

TopGeo (38000) 2010-01-08 7:25

Γειά σου Ηρακλή!
Είναι ομολογώ! μία εμπνευσμένη στιγμή και θέση! Βοήθησε και το ηλιοβασίλεμα! Εντυπωσιακή επιλογή και το πλαίσιο ο συνδυασμός σκοτεινού και φωτεινού εντυπωσιάζει! Το εφφέ η τελική σφραγίδα!
Χαιρετώ σε!
Γεώργιος

Dyerco (10185) 2010-01-08 7:29

Hi Hercules
I have been here many years ago. This is a well chosen POV to catch the sun behind the pillars. Nicely done.
Phil

lightsensor (753) 2010-01-08 7:37

hi, Hercules,
nice catch on this twilight, especially with this historical place. i think everybody recongnizes this temple on a normal composition, but not like this one with amazing background color and the twilight from the sun! great job!

J-P,

CLODO (24894) 2010-01-08 9:31

Hello Hercules
At the right place, at the right moment with the right settings (small aperture to get a star).
Good photograph work, mate!
Cheers
CLODO
What is the use of a polariser with the sun in front of you?

bema (25964) 2010-01-08 10:14

Jassu Hercules,

poli kala fotografia; a very good take with two fantastic colors, like such moody pictures a lot..

wish you a great weekend, warmest regards Bernd

lucasgalodoido (21030) 2010-01-08 10:35

Hi Hercules,
very nice shot and sunset here, and the ruins in silhouette are beautiful. Great job, my friend.
Regards,
Lucas

Leconte (5795) 2010-01-08 11:13

Hello Hercules,

fantastic silhouette of this temple, an incredible light management, a sky so bright, in a gradient of burnt orange that warms in the winter where the temperature is 0 ° here in France!

best regards,
Valérie.

MarianneS (15338) 2010-01-08 11:56

Hi Hercules,
Beautiful! The contrasts are very strong against this beautiful orange sky. The result is warm and graphic.
Well done!
Have a nice week-end,
Marianne

francio64 (38188) 2010-01-08 12:45

Ciao Hercules,
spettacolare sunset con i resti del tempio in silhouette in contrasto con il bel cielo rosso.
Beautiful the star effect!

Compliments my friend!

Great!

Francesco

siam2005 (1562) 2010-01-08 13:46

Ciao Hercules,
Bellissimi colori in questo scatto, la silouette del tempio è fantastica in contrasto con un cielo così infuocato e l'effetto del Sole è incantevole.
Complimenti un bellissimo lavoro!
Anna

ngk (2165) 2010-01-08 14:28

Γεια σου Ηρακλή ,
Εξαιρετική φωτογραφία , με φανταστικά χρώματα και φωτισμό.
Συγχαρητήρια.
Σε χαιρετώ
nasos k

emilbo (20926) 2010-01-08 18:18

Allô Hercules!
Le titre est bien choisi pour cette merveilleuse photo. L'effet est fantastique avec le soleil étoilé qui traverse la silhouette du temple. Excellente présentation et superbe contraste de couleurs.
Félicitations!... et bonne fin de semaine,
Emilius

gneufeld (15870) 2010-01-08 19:08

Hi Hercules,
Wow, what a gorgeous capture. The sparkling sun peeking through those tall structures is striking. Very well managed light and gorgeous colors. TFS. Gerald

pauloog (11735) 2010-01-09 0:46

Hello Hercules,
You found wonderful light conditions to produce this stunning back-light view of the temple ruins, the sun shining through without causing flare, a pleasure to look at.
Regards,
Paul

DRAKOLIMNH (1224) 2010-01-09 3:05

Καλημέρα Ηρακλή,
πολύ ωραίο κάδρο εκπληκτική η σκιά με το πορτοκαλί φόντο δίνεις μια υπέροχη εικόνα απο αυτό το πολύτιμο μνημείο του Ελληνισμού,
καλο Σαββατοκύριακο,
Πέτρος

afroditi (729) 2010-01-09 3:15

Hi Hercules!
Eksairetiki eikona apo to sounio katapliktika xrwmata!!!
afroditi

ymrk (14929) 2010-01-09 3:34

Kalimerhaba adelfe mou!
Oh,Hercules,No need to more words!Unmitigated "perfect" shot of the temples.with you'd caught cutely to sun in the midst of the two columns.Ta leme!

Yağmur

subhendu_bagchi (16650) 2010-01-09 6:57

Hi Hercules,
excellent play with light here. Nice silhouetes of the great architecture while the sunbeams through the pillars looks marvellous. Superb colours. Great job. Tfs.
Best wishes for 2010 to you and your family.
Subhendu

carlosmarin (11948) 2010-01-09 14:44

Hola Hercules,
Maravilloso lugar. Hace muchos años estuve allí.
Y lo recuerdo con nostalgia. El Templo de Poseidon en Cape Sounion tiene un emplazamiento único. Las puestas de sol son extraordinarias.
Me gusta mucho tu foto.
El crepúsculo.
El templo a contraluz.
El sol brillando entre las columnas.
El cielo encendido.
Fantástico.
TFS.
Un saludo,
Carlos

ciakgiak (30337) 2010-01-09 14:44

Hello Hercules,
my best congratulations for this superb shot, a very impressive image in which all is splendid.
The silhouette of the temple against a such splendid red sky is absolutely outstanding.
Have a great WE
Giorgio

adores (28536) 2010-01-09 16:30

What a fantastic moment, Hercules!
I like the star effect of the sun - it's exactly on the perfect place and the silhouette of the temple is great, as well as the colours!

jaywalker (16061) 2010-01-09 16:31

Hi Hercules, A really beautiful picture, the warm orange sky is stunning & is broken up wonderfully by the silhouette of the ancient architecture, the ray of sunlight pocking through is a super asset, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

danos (74478) 2010-01-10 0:36

Ηρακλή καλημέρα,
πολύ ωραία η παρουσίαση από τις Καβοκολώνες με τον ήλιο να παίζει κρυφτό ανάμεσά τους.Ο εντυπωσιακός ουρανός και η μαύρη σιλουέτα τους δημιουργεί ένα τέλειο κοντράστ.Μπράβο πολύ καλή.

Σε χαιρετώ,Δάνος

Dashab (2562) 2010-01-10 2:03

Hello Hercules,
Perfect composition and excellent timing, the placement of the Sun could not have been better! In combination with the beautiful silhouettes and the fiery sky, that star turns this shot into a gem!
Compliments,
Dasha

luighi (5293) 2010-01-10 5:02

Sencillamente magnifica Hercules .
Me encantan los colores y las bellas siluetas que forman este estupendo contraluz .
Perfectisimo manejo de exposicion y luz , felicidades.
Un cordial saludo.
Luis

cherryripe (21015) 2010-01-10 7:38

Hi Hercules
Such a dramatic silhouette, especially with the orange "star" filtering through. The tight framing, angle and orange sky do the rest.
Regards
Nikki

delkoo (68) 2010-01-10 23:59

hi hercules
a classic shot but very well donne, I really love the soft light and the dark silhouette of the temple, as well as the well placed sun.

ta leme
didier

pasternak (15165) 2010-01-12 3:36

Very good color combination of black and orange, and excellent note!

Cheers
A

asajernigan (19669) 2010-01-12 4:00

Hercules,
This is a wonderful sunset shot. The orange sky and silhouette view of the temple make for a great photo. The orange sky provides great contrast for the structure in silhouette.
TFS,
Asa

Ricx (13453) 2010-01-12 10:48

Hi Hercules, a another stunning shot.. fantasstic colours.. You are certyainly a keen and excellent photographer. Well done. Rich

axiotea (21647) 2010-01-12 20:12

Geia sou Hercules
A perfect contrast between the silhouetted temple, providing an interesting graphical impact, and the beautiful and warm sunset colors. A well timed captured as well on the star created by the sun in between the columns.
Have a nice day
Marilyn

Hellas (6511) 2010-01-15 0:39

Γάντι ο τίτλος, εξαιρετική η απόδοση της έκθεσης!
Η μεγάλη αντίθεση, σου’ δωσε την δυνατότητα να ανεβάσεις τον κορεσμό στα όρια που ζητούσες. Το φόντο κυριολεκτικά φλέγεται λες και θέλει να “μιλήσει”!
Οι σιλουέτες των κιόνων με το ηλιακό φως να τις διαπερνά κυριαρχούν στην εικόνα που αριστουργηματικά συνέθεσες. Θέλει μαστοριά και μεράκι η φωτογραφία, πώς να το κάνουμε!
Την ημέρα των Φώτων κάποιος θα ανέβαζε θέμα σχετικό με τον αγιασμό των υδάτων. Εσύ, με ταχύτητα ‘φωτός’ βρέθηκες πριν το 0, τότε που ο Ποσειδώνας εξουσίαζε τον κόσμο των υδάτων. Λες να έρχεται τσουνάμι;

Τα συγχαρητήρια μου!

adramad (27872) 2010-01-17 10:39

Hola Hercules.
Una de las fotografias mas bellas que he visto de Cabo Sunion, impresionante ese color de cielo y el gran contraste en negro que ofrece el contorno del templo. Una trabajo explendido. Felicidades.
Un cordial saludo.
Luis.

Rafer (14305) 2010-01-17 12:18

Sublime compo y color...saludos

anesugur (18757) 2010-01-17 12:39

Hi Hercules,
Very good composition.
The light on the photo is excellent.
Beautiful point of view and color of the sky.
Best regards. Uğur

spyros60 (32) 2010-01-19 5:11

I like this creative way of shooting.
Just a great and impressive point of view.
The red colure also makes a sense!
Best regards Spyros

samnil584 (28) 2012-08-16 2:22

Wow its really a nice shale out with orange sky

Thanks

Photo Information

Copyright: Hercules Milas (Cretense) (68663)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2010-01-06
Categories: Ruins
Camera: Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, 77 mm circular polariser,HOYA
Exposure: f/22, 1/160 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): "My" Sunsets & Sunrises (part 2) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2010-01-08 1:41
Favorites: 2 [view]