Fortress guarding ruins, a photo from Dodekanisos, South Aegean

Photographer's Note

Hidden up in the hills behind Halki's harbour is the village of Horio - now in ruins. Above that, marvellously situated on a rocky summit, is the Crusader Castle and the remains of the church of Aghios Nikolaos, which contains remnants of Byzantine frescoes. I loved this area. To sit just below the castle, on the shady side of the hill, taking in the superb views, and watching the ravens and other birds circling the ruins, was a real pleasure. On two of the three times we climbed to this place we had it all to ourselves. Several hours were passed just enjoying the surroundings.

Vames, Royaldevon, azaf1, danos, Jakab has marked this note useful

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bema (26591) 2008-11-07 7:53

Hi Maggie,

a beautiful capture of this hidden and abandoned ruins, good point of view and a nice depth and sharpness, like it a lot..

kind regards Bernd

stamatis (2565) 2008-11-07 8:14

hi Maggie
beautiful colours
i like the grey of the stones and the contrast of the blue sky.
best regards Stamatis

2ptommorow

Vames (4356) 2008-11-07 11:56

hi Maggie,very nice composition and nice Greece history !

Royaldevon (85638) 2008-11-07 12:20

Hello Maggie,

There is so much to enjoy in this photograph, besides the tranquil atmosphere which you have wrapped up perfectly.
The low pov, with the inclusion of the twisted branch, leads the eyes slowly up the steep hillside via the broken walls. To reach the castle at the summit is like reaching the top of a daunting climb, with the same emotion of achievement!
Wonderfully detailed, excellent light management and very well composed.
The use of the portrait style has help add to the imposing nature of the site.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

azaf1 (15931) 2008-11-08 0:58

Kalimera Maggie
I like that upward look at the ancient ruins that gives a picture of its imposing size and place. The inclusion of the broken branch gives a nice touch to the whole composition
TFS
Argiris

dumbo (4541) 2008-11-08 4:46

Hello Maggie,
Great POV and nice ruins. I like that old castle on the top of the hill and these beautiful colors.
Well done!

Regards,
Eino

Cretense (68709) 2008-11-09 4:48

Geia sou Maggie!

Very impressive composition, excellent framing, you have managed to keep our interest very high with all those diferent "levels" from foreground to background! Excellent light managment, too! Congratulations!

Hercules

danos (110407) 2008-11-09 8:42

Hello Maggie,
really Halki must be a treasure for all and especially for the photographs.I like the low shot that create depth in the scene as the brilliant light and the vivid colors of it.The curved dead trunk is a decorated element of the photo.Well done.

Regards,Danos

Jakab (3867) 2008-12-05 15:44

Hello Maggie,
very good impression, one can feel how steep the fortress is. The old trunk in the foreground was a perfect choice.
Best whishes
Laszlo