Thursday, December 27, 2012

cartoon



Once more the Nikolaou stairs by night, from the same spot as previous one, but after some editing with GIMP’s built-in filters. This one is called “cartoon” and is supposed to give a cartoon look to the photo. I am not really 100% sure if it did the job but I like the effect anyway.





Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/11, 2.5s, -0.3EV, f=69mm (for 35mm), GIMP software (Cartoon filter)


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

…and down



Stairs again, but today from the top and looking down. I like this spot a lot, it offers the best panoramic view of the city. But it was the first time I went there for a night photo.




I got an impression that crisis made the city darker and now Agiou Nikolaou street looks like a bright vain in the dead city. I also took one with my old FED-5 and when I will have it developed, I will post it for sure.

Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/10, 5s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software


Monday, December 10, 2012

looking up



Agiou Nikolaou stairs connect upper and lower town. They start in the lower town at the curve of Agiou Nikolaou as a natural prolong of the street and go up to the fortress of Patras. After dark, they are nicely illuminated and visible even from greater distance.




Of course I couldn’t miss this spot during my “tripod” walk around the center. Today, the stairs seen from bottom, looking up. Maybe I will come back to this spot soon, when some Christmas decorations will appear in the city.

Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/10, 3s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
 

Monday, December 3, 2012

other andreas



Everybody knows the famous Agios Andreas Greek Orthodox Church in Patra. But there is also a catholic one, right in the city center on Maizonos street between Ag Nikolaou and Kolokotroni. It is maybe not as spectacular as the orthodox one but at night it does draw the attention with its nice illuminations, topping over nearby buildings.



That is exactly why I always wanted to take a photo of it, but only at night. With a tripod, I could finally take one. Unfortunately the surrounding does not give much space for a good angle and I had to take the photo from the pavement on the opposite side of Maizonos, facing sharply up to capture full size of its tower. Anyway, at the end, I liked it more in b&w.

Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/10, 3s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

in the docks



I have finally decided to buy tripod (Greek word btw :-D). Therefore, immediately after receiving my shipment, I went for a walk to the center, equipped with both cameras and tripod of course.



I have started in the port, just after sunset, with a view straight from the docks in west direction towards Kefalonia. I like this palette of colors just after sunset. Not only yellow-orange-red on the horizon line, but also light to dark blue sky and even darker clouds. This one definitely goes to my collection of sunsets.

Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/8, 2s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Monday, November 19, 2012

minus seventeen



This year’s 30th Athens Classic Marathon was a second marathon race for me after competing in Thessaloniki in April earlier this year. The two races appeared to be very different. The number of participants in Athens is something about 10 times larger, reaching 9000 this year, the number of spectators probably even more times larger, and the route itself is considered one of the most demanding in the world with its’ famous ascent to Agia Paraskevi, while Thessaloniki is almost completely flat. But one thing stays the same, the distance :-P that is the killer!



I have managed to prepare myself much better this time by fulfilling the plan in 100%. Fourteen weeks with average distance of more than 60km and 4h per week. The preparations for any autumn marathon are somehow easier as the weather is much better, that allowed me to stay away of any injures.
All in all, I have achieved my goal of sub 3.5h run with final time of 3:22:58 :-D That gives me more than seventeen minutes improvement from Thessaloniki! Considering the level of difficulty of the route, my satisfaction is even greater.
The photo I post comes from official photo-partner of Athens Classic Marathon, taken just few meters before heaven…


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

in the jungle

Imagine a dense, jungle-like, deep forest in the middle of Peloponnese. Many would think - no way! But these really do exist, full of green with blooming flora. And luckily, they can be found pretty close to Patra.

Only 1h driving south along road 111 towards Tripoli, there is quite famous Pholoe forest. It is truly amazing for Greek climate. The "leaf roof" is so compact that it easily seals the sky in many places, giving nice "air-conditioned" feeling even in the middle of the summer.
I hope to manage to go again somewhere in the fall, to see some colourful leaves.

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/7.1, 1/40s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Thursday, November 1, 2012

laundry time



Kerkyra is one of the most popular Greek islands among foreign tourists. Also, it’s history involves lots of foreign influence, as the island was governed by many different nations. All this, makes Kerkyra very “international” place. You can experience it on every corner by meeting foreigners, hearing multiple languages spoken on the streets, but also by observing customs and habits of its inhabitants.



While whole Greece is drinking morning frappe in the summer and traditional Greek coffee in the winter, Kerkyra is choosing cappuccino and espresso! Traditional local alcohols and sweets also have little in common with typical products for Greece, like baklava, pasteli or even ouzo.
Nowhere else in Greece You will find laundry being dried on the strings outside the windows. Strings, no longer than 3m, pulled between two opposite buildings, full of laundry – I like this views :-D

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/800s, -0.3EV, f=105mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

the white tower



Besides the old and new fortresses, the other most recognizable and visible building in Kerkyra city is the church of Saint Spiridon. It’s tall and narrow tower tops over other surrounding buildings at least by half of its height. It is easily seen even from the narrowest streets in the center.



In a b&w photo with high contrast, the tower looks like “the white tower” surrounded by “dark forces” :-D Just like the one from The Lord of the Rings :-P

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/7.1, 1/320s, -0.3EV, f=46mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
 

Friday, October 19, 2012

long shadows



I really like b&w photos of the city centers. Busy streets, full of pedestrians in strong contrast. I like them even more early in the morning or late in the evening, when sun is very low and paints nice long shadows, even of smallest objects.



This one is from Kerkyra, to continue the series, from the island's capital, “chwra”. It was warm and calm evening, just before the sunset – perfect time for a city photo. Notice 5m long shadows of the people, I love them :-D

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/7.1, 1/320s, -0.3EV, f=46mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

full moon



Just before summer 2012, during long weekend in Greece, I have visited the island of Kerkyra, wider known under it’s international name Corfu. As it’s a big island and without a doubt a beautiful one, I will start a small “Corfu series” today.
There is no point for me to write about island’s history or to try to convince anyone to visit it. I will simply choose some of the best photos I managed to take there and present very brief story of them.



First one, and by far my favorite, is from a full moon evening, few kilometers south from the capital, just meters away from Corfu’s airport and famous Pontikonisi (“Mouse Island”). It’s a tiny island (not sure if it’s really a natural one…) accessible by foot through narrow pier from the main island, with a monastery of Panagia Vlaherna.
The place is very interesting, offering panoramic views to the mainland Greece, the south and west of the island and… the airport. It’s possible to observe the landings from very close distance. The planes actually pass exactly above Your head, having a feeling like almost touching it! Some new experience for myself!

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/8, 13s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software
 

Monday, September 17, 2012

lumia by nokia



It’s hard to argue that sunsets are one of the best sceneries to capture in photography. And the best is that even the same place will never have the same sunset, as the light, weather, wind will always be different.



Today, a sunset from Patra’s marina during one summer evening, captured with… Nokia phone :-P At first I was mad at myself that I didn’t have my camera with me, when I realized how beautiful the sunset was. All I had was my Nokia phone and I decided to go for it and take a photo with it’s built-in camera.



I have to admit I was pretty surprised later at home, when I saw full size photo, that actually appeared to be “not so bad”. I am not saying I will switch to taking photos like this but as an emergency solution it worked quite fine. Anyway, today’s both photos are from this basic built-in Nokia’s camera.

Photo: mobile Nokia X3-02 w/ built-in 5.0MP camera.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

teraz polska



It has been now almost a full year and nearly 50 posts since I have started my photo blog, and I have just realized that not a single one was from Poland :-/ Today time for my city! I use the title “teraz polska”, which in direct translation means “now Poland”.




The photo is again from my old russian camera FED-5, to somehow continue with recent series of traditional photography. But today’s one is not in b&w to prove that FED can also capture some nice colors (for any possible faults, I blame only the scanner :-P).
It is a Russian church of Nevski in the corner of Narutowicza and Kilinskiego in Lodz, one of the most interesting buildings in the city, so much different from the surrounding architecture. I managed to capture the red-yellow tram in front of it, also a quite recognizable trademark of Lodz.

Photo: FED-5 camera with FUJI 200 color

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

pali


yes yes, the bridge again! And probably not for the last time... It's really hard not to repeat Yourself, when it comes down to Rio-Antirio bridge in photo blog about Patra. I believe it's like fourth or fifth one, but at least I’m trying something different every time...



Today, sunset in black&white, from analogue FED-5. Familiar view, but somehow so different.

Photo: FED-5 camera with AGFA APX100 B&W film

Thursday, August 16, 2012

cars not allowed


When I first came to Patras in 2010, Riga Fereou was under reconstruction to become pedestrians only street, closed for any car traffic. The idea of transforming city centers into traffic-free zones is followed in many European cities and it always works well. For over 2 years now, crowds of people, specially in winter months, can enjoy relaxing “volta”, shopping and coffee, without hundreds of cars around them.


Hopefully, more and more streets will join Riga Fereou to combine to whole network of pedestrian paths in Patra.

Photo: FED-5 camera with AGFA APX100 B&W film

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

waiting for trainaki


Today, I continue the series of analogue photos. Many weeks ago, I have written about Patra's suburban rail in separate post, and today I have photo of the same station but seen from different perspective: not only the other side but also seen through 40-year-old camera :-D


I like it as the old camera somehow gives “old” look to the photo and the place itself, like it was taken not in 21st century but 1980's...

Photo: FED-5 camera with AGFA APX100 B&W film

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

old russian


One year ago, while packing my stuff before moving to Greece, I found an old analogue camera. It was russian model FED-5, probably from early 1970's (it became impossible for me to establish exact year of production). At the beginning I was not even sure if it works, but there was only one way to find out. So I bought some B&W cheapest film and started to carry the “russian oldie” with me.


Fortunately, it turned out to work absolutely fine, which I cannot say about my operating skills :-/ I had to learn on my mistakes, as I haven't much previous experience with fully manual camera :-/ Anyway, after 5-6 rolls, I got the basic idea :-D and starting today, I decided to post some of the best photos I managed to take with my FED-5, here in Patra. The very first is from George square, with the Apollon Theatre.

Photo: FED-5 camera with AGFA APX100 B&W film

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

abandoned


Few minutes outside Patra’s city center, just next to the new south port, is an old industrial area full of bankrupted and abandoned factories that once were fully operational and brought prosperity to the city after Second World War. The factory from the photo is Peiraiki-Patraiki, probably the biggest one in the past and the best example of collapse of Greek industry in early 1980’s (this is exactly when Greece joined EU! – coincidence ?)



Today, more than 75% of Greek GDP is based on services, mainly tourism and sea transport of course. No production, no industry. That is the main reason why Greece is so dependent on imported goods from abroad. Even milk and flower are imported as local production is not enough. It was not always like that and it doesn’t have to be in the future. The infrastructure is there, just waiting for new business to start operating again…

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/800s, -0.3EV, f=75 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

’απνοια


Patras gulf is known for its strong and constant winds. Especially the area of the bridge is a bottleneck that increases wind speeds. It actually happens quite often for the Rio‑Antirio ferries not to operate and the bridge to be closed due to dangerous windy conditions. Therefore, it is very unusual for this place to experience  absolutely no wind at all!


Of course, it does happen, and probably at least once per month, but only for few hours and so far I have never had my camera with me at the moment. Until now… I finally got lucky and I did take my camera this particular morning when driving work. The Greek word for complete silence is “apnoia”, and on the photo You can notice so rare reflection of the bridge in the sea :-D

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/500s, -0.3EV, f=60 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Friday, June 22, 2012

menagere


Patra was once the most modern among Greek cities. With construction of the new port in 19th century, the city got it’s new nickname as “the gate to the West”. Together with ships and ferries, many wealthy traders and western trends came. New stylish mansions were built in the center and suburbs of Patra, some of them designed by world famous architects. The period of military regime in 1960’s was destructive for many of these neo‑classical buildings, but luckily some remained and are today a real attraction in the city.



I post the photo of “Menagere” from the famous corner of Agiou Nikolaou and Maizonos. It was built in 1887 and today serves a luxury clothes shop. But stay tuned as I have some more photos to come with other architectural jewels of Patras…

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/1000s, -0.3EV, f=27 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

after eight


Kerkyra is the most international of all Greek islands. Its' unique character comes from many foreign governors in its' history and the fact that it's extremely popular tourist destination. On every corner You meet British, Italians, Germans, Russians and Scandinavians. The official language of Kerkyra, or I should say Corfu, is of course Greek but in everyday life mostly English is spoken. Just imagine how amazed I was, when I tried to order frappe in one on the beach bars in Kavos and the waiter not only didn't speak Greek at all but he didn't even know how to prepare frappe... I leave it without comment :-/


The photo presents the clock tower in old fortress of Kerkyra. It is not working and shows exactly 8:02, a famous British “after eight”! Coincidence ? or the islanders want to be so good hosts :-P

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/1000s, -0.3EV, f=69 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Friday, June 8, 2012

morning volta


Very early morning, or just before sunset, is the best time to witness some interesting cloudy sky, some windy dynamic weather and perfect sun, not too strong not too light, just perfect.

 
For that reason, even without many hopes, I always remember to take my camera for morning walk by the sea. And once per month, maybe even not so often, I am rewarded with really amazing views! One of them I post today.

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/9, 1/400s, -0.3EV, f=27 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Friday, June 1, 2012

ready for the summer


Weather in last days is not like everybody would expect. After some hot days in the beginning of May, the cold, wind and rain came back. All this is a little confusing: have the summer season already started? Should everybody go for banio in the afternoons and weekends? Maybe the water is still too cold to swim, but it seems some days are warm and sunny enough to lie on the beach or play rackets.

 
Well, at least the beach bars all along coast line are ready for the people to come! In Agios Vassileios the beach has been cleaned and is already full of chairs, umbrellas and tables. Summer is coming...

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/9, 1/400s, -0.3EV, f=27 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

skagiopouleio


Panagiotis Skagiopoulos was a famous and wealthy raisin merchant in Patras in the end of 19th and begining of 20th century. He was also a great philantrop and active citizen. In 1926 he fully financied a construction of orphanage center, named after him. Today, the same name is used for the whole neighborhood, south east from the center. The orphanage was inaugurated on December 29th, 1929 by Eleftherios Venizelos, greek prime minister at that time.



The building itself was renovated in 2001, with help of Kostas Dimitriadis, but regardless of that, is not in use since then. In 1982, half of the area surrounding the orphanage, including it’s gardens, was awarded to the citizens and is now the only green spot available in the neighbourhood. A.O. Skagiopouleio is one of the oldest basketball clubs in the city and has participated five times in the First Division category. It features also volleyball and, in the past, climbing and cycling sections.

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/9, 1/400s, -0.3EV, f=27 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software