2004 was great! An end to my first serious relationship, graduation from college, a move to England and (amongst other events), in the world, the Olympics in Athens. Man, and what an opening ceremony it was. You can relive its highlights here if you like or watch it in full, if you’re not a parent that is and you have over 3 hours to enjoy of YOUR own time here:)
I remember watching the ceremony of the opening with an open jaw; the lights, the dancers and the singers, Bjork amongst others, the whole show - I had never seen a concert of pieces coming so wonderfully and triumphantly together in a masterful and complete composition of art wonders and installations. Although not entirely impossible on other occasions, we sat together absolutely speechless, exchanging only looks of admiration of what we’d been seeing on the screen. It was clear, we had one of the best Olympics to follow and watch from the comforts of our home ever!
I re-live that moment and the summer of numerous events watching the competitions with sentiment and, inevitably, a pinch of sadness, a heavy heart even for it had been the Olympics in Athens, amongst other things, that contributed to the state Greece is in now… I also come back to that moment thanks to an entry in the Guardian photography section where I saw today the photos of the Olympic stadiums abandoned, forgotten and forlorn 10 years on. I really feel for the Greeks but also the photos make me feel part guilty in a way as I enjoyed immensely a show which left one country in debts. The question then is - do we need opening ceremonies for THAT sort of money?
Credits for photography: Yannis Kolesidis/EPA, Orestis Panagiotou/EPA, Thanassis Stavrakis/AP, Yorgos Karahalis/Reuters, Milos Bicanski/Getty Images, Petros Giannakouris/AP
Original post - Guardian
In the morning ‘cool’ it’s sometimes worth waking up before everyone else and watch the world wake up at the golden hour, take that drive and indulge oneself in walking around God’s gallery of the world he’s created. And take some photos of course too unless your batteries go completely because of the cold that is…
A little while ago I’ve come across this and would like to share this for 2 reasons: 1 whilst sharing one increases chances of winning one of those amazing cameras, and 2, I think those guys deserve a bit of a shout. Although it might seem kind of “marketing strategy” at first I don’t mind it here. So get yourself involved as well and have a go! And if you win you’ll have one heck of a camera and a very jealous group of people out there. Good luck to all of us!
<a href=”http://snapknot.com“>http://bit.ly/1BlnvH0” title=”Local wedding photographers” alt=”Local wedding photographers” border=”0” />Image courtesy of: SnapKnot - <a href=”http://snapknot.com“>Local Wedding Photographers
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Time flies. In its ruthless and unpredictable passing however it gives me opportunities to go back to work from the past and discover things not noticed before. It also gives time to practise both shooting and editing. This time I’m not reaching far back but to the trip to Holland in December, however from a different point of view. I’ve always loved street and documentary photography simply because it is quick, unprecedented, unpredictable and so new every time! Just like weddings. It is also a great way to ‘keep the saw sharp’ and practice that ‘spacial awareness’ so important in both genres. Here’s a set from the streets of Rotterdam and Delft.
It’s that special time of the year again when I cannot but help to think it’s been a good one! The friendships started through photography, both weddings and other photo shoots, this year or before, enrich us once more leaving that feeling of fulfilment and fuel our passion further. There’s really not much more to say than that I feel extremely grateful to the almighty for all the connections made, all the laughs we have had, the places we’ve been and memories we keep forever. All of us. And of course, we’re hungry for more! :)
To all of you, without exception, past, present and future - have a joyful and happy Christmas with plenty of laughter, delicious food (eat responsibly:) and superb family time! And of course, inevitably, see you all next year!
