Natural spotlight for Monemvasia, a photo from Lakonia, Peloponnesus

Photographer's Note

After an "external" evening view of the rock of Monemvasia, in my last post (check The Greek Gibraltar photo), here's an "internal" nightview of the beautiful medieval town, under the full moon. Photo taken from the yard of the house, where one of the greatest Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, was born and raised in. His house is right above the main entrance of the castle.

Here's some info about Monemvasia, that i found HERE:

"Monemvasia is a middle-aged, Byzantine and Roman castle-state, up in a hill. It is connected with the opposite Peloponnesian bay with narrow lane of earth.

The peninsula that is built was named Minoa and perhaps it was Minoan navy yard. Because it was usually attacked of Slaves the Greek of Laconia fortified it and used it as a port and shelter. In 1147 repulsed the Norman’s attacks and in 1249 it was subordinated after sieges of three years, Goulemos Bileardouinos made everything to return it to Byzantium in 1263.

For four years it passed to the authority of Pope later the Venetians and finally the Turkish until 1823. In a distance of 1000m is the Bridge, the New Monamvasia, a modern tourist center.

Monemvasia has 880 inhabitants. It is far 95 Km from Sparta. In Monemvasia you can visit Kastropoliteia, after you pass the bridge with the twelve arcades that units the rock of Monemvasia with the opposite terra firma.

Before you enter you can see the remains of the walls that go downhill until the sea and still keep their greatness. These walls were double in shape reversed and they ended in two gates: the big one that her coating with iron tiles was riddled from bullets, visible till today and the above gate.

Entering the city you will be charmed from the narrow cobbled roads.
It is as if time has stopped in the middle aged period, the Byzantine and Roman castle-city with the mansions the Byzantine churches which are wedged in the houses, the arches and Agiou Markou coats of arms, remnants of The Venetians.

You will see almost 40 Byzantine churches dilapidated with great interest. Walking to the city you can observe the vigorous Venetian influence in decoration, even in the house’s chimneys that are built to the east side with balconies so as to admire the sea.
After you pass the mosque that it is converted into museum you will get the rising street that leads to the castle, to the rock’s hill. To the steepest place of the rock it is Agias Sophias church that Andronikos the second built in 1287-1328. You have a unique view of the down city and the walls from the castle that look like as if they slip to the sea.

Near to the entrance you will see the bust and the house where Giannis Ritzos has lived. There are a lot of timetable routes by bus from Monemvasia to the castle the summer months.

You can enjoy your swimming to the beaches of Gefuras and Pori, Ksifia and Kastellas. Some cultural festivals take place to the region at the summer. The festivals of 23 Jule for the liberation of the city (1821). Religious festivals on Sunday and Monday of Thoma, to Panagia of Grisafiotissa.
There are a lot of hotels, rooms for rent and apartments for your stay. In Monemvasia there are a lot of taverns to relish the fresh fish and other meals. You can go by car to Monemvasia from every place of Greece you are."

fabio_ts, Tue, lilimih33, chrkont, cfreire, Valerka, azaf1, dip, Truja, dareco, Felip, steliosk, edytungkal, MiguelP, Budapestman, saylan-cb, mursaloglu, ChrisJ, patdeph, tehanu_f, Dyerco, gracious, stelli, Didi, coco, omixlistilimni, Angshu, carper, rigoletto, kpav, ElAprendiz, realimis, josepmarin, JCG, kiks, despoinab, yogi32 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

fabio_ts (13694) 2008-03-25 8:49

An evocative night view Hercules, really well captured and tastefully composed,
all my compliments!!

have a nice day,
Fabio.

corniste (4278) 2008-03-25 8:53

Hello Hercules,

This is a wonderfull full moon take! The village looks like in the sun in the evening... The houses are building a great foreground.

Have a great day!

Tue (25786) 2008-03-25 9:03

Hi Hercules,
A wonderful night view over the roofs of the village towards the sea. The warm lighting of the houses is beautiful and a great contrast to the dark blueish background. The full moon is great too and reflects very nicely in the calm water. Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

lilimih33 (9912) 2008-03-25 9:07

Hello Hercules!
What a wonderful composition, again!
Great colours, beautiful sky and reflection!
Excelelnt point of view!
Best regards!
Lili

Flavia (10216) 2008-03-25 9:07

Hi,

Perfect light over the rustic roofs! The vertical framing works very well and the blue tones are soft and attractive. Pure beauty!

Regards,

Flavia

baba_flies (8827) 2008-03-25 9:35

Hello Hercules! I love the ice blue and how the moon makes its way over the sea to give light to the dark but also the light on the roofs is very special. I like that you made it vertical, it has more drama for me that way. Very tasteful composition, I really like it. Have a good night, it snows in Zurich ... no night with a moon I am afraid ... Barbara.

kroupis (664) 2008-03-25 9:47

Ηρακλή μπράβο σου για άλλη μία φορά,
όλες οι φωτογραφίες σου είναι εξαιρετικές,
μου αρέσουν πραγματικά πάρα πολύ. Τραβάς σε κάθε
μέρος που περνάς τη στιγμή με τον καλύτερο τρόπο
συν ότι έξεις το χάρισμα να βλέπεις όσα οι άλλοι δεν μπορούμε κι ας είναι δίπλα μας.

Με εκτίμηση και θαυμασμό Κρούπης Ηλίας

cfreire (11739) 2008-03-25 10:00

Hi Hercules
Wonderful capture with beautiful colors saturation and the lights are splendid. Good idea framed it in diagonal. It's a fine image. Well done. REgards, Consuelo

ortak (57) 2008-03-25 10:15

I am speachless, Hercules.
This photo is definately a winner, at least for me. The game with the moonlight is perfect.
Ayshe

jasmis (57538) 2008-03-25 10:37

Amazing night shot. Really impressive mood. Detailed note, as well.
Regards.

Valerka (8167) 2008-03-25 11:28

Hi,Hercules, neighbour,
A lovely shot with an almost fairy-tale atmosphere due to this light
A very clever!
TFS
Valerka:)

azaf1 (15910) 2008-03-25 11:33

Geia sou Irakli
Poli kalo POV pou perilamvanei kai ton oikismo kai tin antanaklasi kai ta sinefa me poli kali geometria.
eksairetiki opos panta
Argiris

dip (20869) 2008-03-25 12:07

Geia sou Irakli,
ti "magika" ekanes pali edo kai evgales tetoio fotismo! :-)
Katapliktiki foto se ola tis ta simeia!!!
Se xaireto,
Dimitris.

spyros60 (32) 2008-03-25 12:15

Geia sou Irakli
Megia o neos alla varis exoplismos!!
Orea photo, kala ti sou leo tora.
Xeretismous Spyros

dbar (693) 2008-03-25 12:30

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,

Καταπληκτική!! Διάλεξες όμορφη στιγμή και κατάφερες να απογειώσεις ένα πανέμορφο θέμα.

Συγχαρητήρια!

Δημήτρης

PS Καλορίζικη η νέα slr

Truja (4953) 2008-03-25 13:22

Hola Hércules!

Me quedo maravillado cada vez que entro en tu galería!
Este trabajo me fascina, los tonos del conjunto cielo-luna-mar son de ensueño... casi parece sacado de un cuento de hadas, y en contraste con las casas cálidas con esos tonos tostados le queda perfecto. Un juego de luces que me parece perfecto... esta tambien a las favoritas!!

Un abrazo, Jordi

TopGeo (34833) 2008-03-25 15:16

Γειά σου Ηρακλή
Η νύχτα δεν ήταν και πολύ προχωρημένη, το φεγγάρι του Μαρτίου δίνει εντυπωσιακή παρουσία. Αλλά τα σπίτια με τις χρωματικές και σχηματικές εναλλαγές κλέβουν την παράσταση
Υπέροχη στιγμή!
χαιρετώ
Γεώργιος

stefanocer (10638) 2008-03-25 15:24

Fantastic exposure here Hercules 30 seconds to create that beautiful atmosphere , quality and colours are impressive and light management too , many compliments.
Stefano.

mesutilgim (58946) 2008-03-25 15:26

Hi dear Hercules, my dear friend,
Wonderfull capture. Again perfect pov and perfect light management.
Amazing the light and colors on the buildings in the foreground.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

Felip (3907) 2008-03-25 15:58

Fascinating composition, with a brutal POV, and fantastic exposure...30 seconds to create a masterpiece. How I envy you Hercules, how I envy you! :P

All the best my friend.

(P.D.- Y la nota, pero que muy completa !)

Felip

edytungkal (4545) 2008-03-25 19:03

Moonlight over the roofs give a nice romantic point of view despite the sky a little bit gloomy i see the mysterious atmosphere to the picture. A well presented picture Hercules, thanks.

daniel

MiguelP (14434) 2008-03-26 0:11

La verdad es que gracias a ti y a tus fotos estamos descubriendo que hay una grecia en el interior del país, lejos de los cruceros por las islas del Egeo, que también merece una visita. El ambiente que has conseguido en este momento, con la luna, el lago, el pueblo es de lo más literaria. Enhorabuena Hércules.
Miguel.

dareco (17134) 2008-03-26 0:26

The lighting and colors are STUNNING!!! I like the detail on the rooftops. A beautiful picture. TFS

delkoo (68) 2008-03-26 0:28

hi hercules
this is truly exceptional, the subject, the light, the water, the colors and reflection of the moon all combine to make a very nice picture.

ta leme
didier

barrufeto_77 (28804) 2008-03-26 0:42

Hola fiera.

Eres un cabrito. Yo quiero hacer fotos como esta!!! Luz, compo, POV...todo realmente brutal!!!!

Un saludo fiera!

Budapestman (77133) 2008-03-26 1:18

Hi Hercules,
What an atmosphere! The lights are fantastic, I like the mysterious perspective and the splendid architectural details. Very impressive shot with fascinating mood. Congratulations. Have a nice day
George

TGULUMSER (13252) 2008-03-26 1:26

Hello Hercules,
Another wonderful capture from you. A very nice atmosphere with fantastic colors and lights. Your POV is excellent,
Best regards,
Tulay

saylan-cb (12738) 2008-03-26 3:11

Kalimera Hercules
Superb nihgt shot!Great colours and captured...Beautiful sky and reflection,excellent work.
TFS/Regards

horatiuTT (4568) 2008-03-26 4:14

Hi Hercules,
what a sureal view and mood,amazing light on the houses and
superb blue sky,the moon is also brilliant.
Horatiu

jonathan_hart (21262) 2008-03-26 4:40

wow, fantastic
the exposure and the composition are perfect, it's a masterpiece ! good colours, fine sharpness, my compliments for this beauty :)
regards
jo

steliosk (4800) 2008-03-26 4:41

Hraklh mou kalhspera,
ti aksiozhleuth lhpsh, 8a me kaneis na kshlw8w na agorasw mia mk3 + enan 16-35L epeigontws!!!

fantastikos fwtismos, oi skies kai to dynamic range pou ebgale to RAW sou einai ekplhktiko
auta gia to texniko kommati

e twra oso afora to kadro, POV, de perimena kati ligotero, apokleietai na to exanes. Xairomai pou dialekses nyxterinh wra, ka8ws spanizei (proswpika h 1h pou blepw apo monembasia mesa)

Se sygxairw file
Xairetw
Stelios

mursaloglu (7952) 2008-03-26 4:50

Γεια σου Ηρακλή
So fantastic mu aresi poli sto fegari. Great colors and marvöelous mixture of artifical light with moonlight mazi. Bravo fili mou. ihsan

marianita (3455) 2008-03-26 5:05

Hercules
beautiful atmosphere!excellent POV. a postcard image from monevasia!
well taken
marianan

Vames (4356) 2008-03-26 5:30

γεια σου Ηρακλή,παραμυθένια λήψη από την Μονεμβασια !

ChrisJ (82415) 2008-03-26 6:52

Hi Hercules

The moon is a superb addition to this amazing nightview. Good sharpness, & excellent motion blur of the waves. Tfs!

ifanik (21667) 2008-03-26 6:57

Entyposiakh foto me mia poly omorfh atmosfera
Texnika den me theorw ton eayto moy aksio na krinw...
Sygxarthria
Xairetw
Nikos

patdeph (35126) 2008-03-26 7:48

hello Hercules
this is a fantastic shot!There is a superb contrast between the lightened houses and the blue background!The fullmoon has a beautiful halo and reflection in the water!I like very much the aspect of the quiet and smooth water!The village itself seems to be wonderful!I'm sure it's a nice place tovisit!
Regards.
Pascale

tehanu_f (6890) 2008-03-26 9:29

This simple shot looks somehow very different from its counterparts on TE. Maybe it's because of the moon and two different temperatures of light. I love it. The exposure is again very successful
Regards,
Fusun

tolis68 (1996) 2008-03-26 9:34

Γεια σου Ηρακλη.Τι να σχολιασω τωρα,να επαναλαβω τα εγκωμια των αλλων;Απλα ειναι μαγικη και παραμυθενια.Συγχαρητηρια.

Dyerco (10185) 2008-03-26 9:34

Hi Hercules
The moon balances the lights of the village and provides a nice reflection in the water.
Nicely done.
Phil

gracious (20025) 2008-03-26 9:55

Hello my friend,
This is truly a beautiful composition of nightscene!
great displayed of light and shadows here in perfect sharpness, vivid colour and details
very pleasing presentation
many thanks
greeting from NZ
Tony

stelli (2991) 2008-03-26 9:56

Bravo Irakli!!! One more excellent shot! As I wrote a lot of times, your "blue" hour is the best I've ever seen! The POV and the framing are also excellent!!! I wanna be like Iraklis!!! :) Thank you for sharing! ΦΙΛΙΚΑ Στέλλα

evanrizo (456) 2008-03-26 10:29

Γειάσου Ηρακλή,
το φωτιστικό αποτέλεσμα είναι φανταστικό, όπως ξέρεις έχω αδυναμία στις πολύ καλές νυχτερινές ειδικά όταν με έναν πολύ καλό φωτιστικό έλεγχο μας δίνουν πολύ καλές λεπτομέρειες με όχι καμμένα κομμάτια. Όπως είναι εδώ.
Εύγε για την εικόνα.

Didi (44614) 2008-03-26 12:35

Bonsoir Hercules
Je constate une étrange composition où la lumière sur les maisons ressemblent à une lumière solaire.
La lune à l'horizon au crépuscule accentue cet étrange effet.
En fait la balance des blancs est parfaitement ajustée et cela donne un aspect magnifique.
Cordialement.

miumiu (3888) 2008-03-26 12:53

Hello Hercules!!
Amazing photo!!! Atmosphere is so magical and peaceful!! Shades and lights are perfect!!
Agnes

coco (30427) 2008-03-26 13:15

Kalispera Hercules.

Un trabajo magnífico. La parte técnica es impresionante y esto acaba dando un punto a la foto de una gran belleza.

Carlos.

molla (7125) 2008-03-26 13:56

Hej Hercules
This very special light almost makes it look a bit like a model, a very very special mood you've created.
cheers Mate
/Anders

omixlistilimni (3299) 2008-03-26 14:37

Γεια σου Ηρακλή

Φανταστική!!!
Υπέροχα χρώματα και φως!!

Συγχαρητήρια!!

Μαρίνα

Angshu (47533) 2008-03-27 0:58

Hello Hercules
The bright moon, the silky reflection, the silvery hues, the golden tones in the FG with artificial lights...such lovely contrasts, this is a treat to watch! Excellent!
Best Regards
Angshu

carper (96) 2008-03-27 5:07

a fatastic one Hercules,
marvelous atmosphere in the shot, good composition,wel handled the light, good composition, very nice photojob, have a nice day.
gr. jaap

rigoletto (29597) 2008-03-27 7:51

Two masterpieces one after one.
And this one has an incredible light in it!
Looks like, the town is a model, and the light on it is artificial illumination. Of course this is again the magic of tripod application. THe pearl in the sky, the blue color... woooh, all are fantastic. Congratulations,
Deniz

kpav (5031) 2008-03-27 8:07

Γεια σου Ηρακλή, πραγματικά απίθανη ξεχειλίζει από ατμόσφαιρα. Τα χρωματα φανταστικά και το φεγγάρι με την αντανάκλαση του στο νερό την απογειώνει. Το φως δεν θα μπορούσε να είναι καλύτερο. Σε χαιρετώ,
Κώστας.

Chris3 (511) 2008-03-27 9:26

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Πολύ καλό POV και πολύ καλή η αντανάκλαση του φεγγαριού.Στο τελευταίο έπαιξε ρόλο και η ήρεμη θάλασσα που νομίζω ότι εσύ την 'ηρέμησες' με τη σωστή(όπως πάντα)επεξεργασία που έχεις κάνει.
Χαιρετώ,
Χρήστος

ElAprendiz (30) 2008-03-27 12:45

Hola Hercules

Observo este tipo de fotos tuyas, y siento 'envidia' de la buena, y quizas con deseos de aprender la tecnica que utilizas, para que este tipo de tomas nocturnas, te queden tan bien.

La foto es toda una postal, elementos contrastantes con profundidad y nitidez. Excelente

John

realimis (820) 2008-03-28 4:07

Υπέροχη Ηρακλή!!! Είναι αυτοί οι χρωματισμοί της πέτρας και των κεραμιδιών και οι σκιές που σε μαγεύουν εκεί το βραδάκι! Το φως του φεγγαριού έχει απογείωσει την απεικόνισή σου. Μου αρέσει το μοίρασμα θάλασσας και καστροπολιτείας... Εξαιρετική λήψη!

Πολλούς χαιρετισμούς,
Ρενέ

masquerade (0) 2008-03-29 6:22

Yperoxos fwtismos...
Parameithenios kai cinematikos...
Take care,m

josepmarin (50374) 2008-03-29 13:09

Hola Hercules,
me había perdido ésta, la verdad es que me he perdido muchas por problemas de salud de mi padre, que no me han permitido participar mucho en TE.
Pero he de decir que es una maravilla de foto que no parece nocturna, gracias a la luz de la luna llena que ilumina las casas como si fuera un enorme flash de relleno.
El resultado de este efecto luminoso es magnífico y asombroso, me gusta mucho.
Es una gran realización, amigo mío.
Un abrazo,
Josep

JCG (35129) 2008-03-30 2:33

Hi Hercules,

A strange image I find and succeeded magnificiently. Very beautiful management of the lunar light which gives a relief particular to the foreground formed by all these houses. I have the impression that the horizon is not rectilinear but it is a beautiful visual effect. A superb composition Hercules, cheer.

With all my friendships and very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles

kiks (10346) 2008-03-30 11:42

Fantastique this one. The light of the full moon at the water is magic and you use the fg roofs in a very nice way.
Best regards
KIks

despoinab (242) 2008-03-31 14:30

Geia sou Hraklh
kataplhktikos ouranos, xrwma ka8ws kai gwnia lhpshs.
Moiazei me zwgrafia:D:D

bravo
Despoina

golden (2283) 2008-04-05 11:42

Καλησπέρα Ηρακλή,
τρομερή φωτογραφία!!!Τέλεια χρώματα κ αντίθεση ανάμεσα στα 2 μέρη της φωτογραφίας.Ο φωτισμός στο κάτω μέρος σου δίνει την εντύπωση μιας απογευματινής ωρας...
Καταπληκτική δουλεία,συγχαρητήρια!!!

doubay (5212) 2008-04-06 3:38

Exeretiki „blue hour“ lipis. Ta spitia fotizondas toso telia, pu nomizi kanis, oti estises idikus provolis gia na dimiurgisis to effe afto.
Chereto
Andreas

CRATEOS (7278) 2008-04-13 1:10

entiposiako...oi dinatotites aperioristes...mas bazis ftera kai petame ston xoro toy oniroy file!!!!na eise panta kala

nf

AnaRita (1741) 2008-05-06 4:39

Olá Hercules!
Wonderful moonlight colors! I'm speechless...
Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing,
Ana

peco85 (921) 2008-05-19 7:20

Beautiful mystical atmosphere!
Lovely light and nice details

sloneczniq (342) 2008-05-25 13:03

Hi Hercules
This is really an outstanding capture (imho) due to two reasons: simplicity (so I can imagine myself in a place with similar pov, only hearing sea in the background, with an odd sound comming from the town; the other reason is the moon - although 30secs, there is no clearly visible motion blur
Thanks for sharing
B'regs
Kris

mar14 (97) 2009-03-04 12:13

Wow! Perfect balance between the sky, sea and land. Very Romantic and mysterious. Out of all the photos of Greece, this is the one that makes me want to jump on the next plane!

Well Done!

Michael

diafani (1093) 2010-09-11 9:41

Lovely shot. The lighting is ambiguous, lending it an air of mystery.