Workshop: Mykonos island, Greece, 15 – 22 June 2012
Price: £ 995 (£100pp discount for room sharing)
Availability: Unavailable – This tour will run again in 2013
Location introduction
Mykonos. This small and really barren Cycladic island, has always been considered by ancient Greeks as the island of poverty. Not any more, not since the 70’s anyway. I think films like Zorba the Greek, Shirley Valentine and visits there by Greek tycoons, have made the island the destination in the Med these days. Over a million people visit Mykonos every year, many of them local and international celebrities. Besides the colourful hordes of people visiting, however, Mykonos has remained very charming, always dressed in that white on blue Mediterranean colour and always bathed in sunshine; and before you ask, we will visit Ag Ioannis, the film set for Shirley Valentine.
Another reason why Mykonos has remained so popular, is its excellent beaches. The more cosmopolitan ones are found at the southern part and for those looking for some isolation, the island apparently still offers some hidden gems, tiny bays where one can find peace and tranquillity.
The landscape of Mykonos with its granite rocks, its picturesque windmills and whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows; its merciless sunlight in contrast with the deep-blue sea is interspersed with many chapels. Whitewashed with red rooftops and bell towers, they are to be seen at every corner of the island; every turn of the road, every barren slope or deserted bay, over 1000 of them. The most famous of them all, Panayia Paraportiani can be found in the Chora (main village or capital), a true monument of Cycladic architecture. The best time of day to photograph it? Early in the morning. The building is quite small actually and I must admit I was really impressed when someone told me that, this building is five chapels under one roof. I also need to mention the island’s mascot, Petros or Peter. It is a long story but somehow, this Pelican has been a member of the Mykonian family for decades.
Mykonos’ name and birth are charmingly revealed in Greek Mythology. Myth has it that after Hercules (who helped Zeus in his battle against the Giants) fought, defeated and killed them, he gathered many huge granite rocks, pilling them on his dead adversaries. And as mykon is the Greek word for heap, that Giant’s stony tomb was named Mykonos.
A few more things
Recent excavations in Ftelia show that Mykonos has been inhabited since the late Neolithic Age (5000-4000BC). In Greek antiquity, Mykonos’ history followed that of famous Delos and was first colonised by Ionians. When the Athenians established the sacred Delian Alliance, the impoverished Mykonos became its member, with the obligation to pay one talent only, which of course flowed straight into the Athenian treasury, as the Alliance was practically under tight Athenian control. The great development of Delos (its neighbouring island) in the 2nd century BC greatly influenced Mykonos, as many of its people worked as contractors, technicians and workers in Delos, thus contributing to their island’s affluence and prosperity.
When Arab pirates swept the island, its people left their sea-side abodes and settled at Paleokastro for safety reasons. On that hill top, Mykonos’ Venetian occupiers – the brothers Andrea and Jeremiah Gizi – built their castle (its ruins are still visible), after seizing the island in 1207 with the kind permission of their uncle, the great Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice. During the next years, Mykonos was ravaged by successive plunderers, namely De Luria’s Catalans and the ferocious Barbarossa’s pirates.
During the long years of Turkish occupation, the people of Mykonos developed into notorious seamen with great success in trade, piracy and…slave-trade. Thus, they managed to form an important fleet, and when the Greek war of Independence broke out in 1821, Mykonos joined the revolution with its 22 battleships, 132 canons and many seasoned and well-trained seamen. An important person in Mykonos’ struggle against the attacks of Capudan Pasha, was the brave and beautiful Manto Mavrogenous, an extraordinary woman.
Tutor’s view
I had visited the island a couple of decades ago as a tourist and with no photography in mind. However, on my recent visit as a photographer, I discovered that this jewel of the Med has a lot of potential and the possibilities are endless. One only needs a camera (any kind of camera) and some inspiration, everything else falls to place.
Besides its architectural and artistic side, the island also has to offer plenty of seascape photography. Using long exposures or catching the 9 o’clock train as I call it, we will create some of the most amazing seascapes one can only dream of. Using a 2 minute exposure, we will create some images that not only will stir the soul but will also be your pride and joy. Take a look at the “pictures of the area” and you will see what I am talking about. I will be there with you all along, providing you with help and advice if and when you need so. Needless to say that we will visit the best parts of the island under the best light and of course, it is always nice to have a Greek guide while in Greece.
But what about the food, after all we will be on a holiday. The food is something that you will never forget, gourmet and plenty of it, with flavours that people who have visited Greece before can only confirm. Plenty of Greek meze for lunch? You can’t go wrong, can you? And after a heavy lunch you need some siesta. Everyone needs to charge their batteries and I am not talking only about the camera ones. Slightly later and fresh as daisies, we go along for more photography until away beyond sunset. For a once in a lifetime experience, come and join me on one of my visits there, I guarantee you an unforgettable experience.
Who is this course for:
All beginners entering landscape photography and could do with help. Intermediates looking to improve their skills. Advanced level looking for some inspiration or new and exciting places to visit. However, does it really matter if you are a beginner or a well advanced photographer? You will find yourself that this island, not only has something to offer to everyone but also, it can be an amazing holiday destination, this tour combines both, come enjoy Mykonos with us.
What you should bring with you:
Mainly cool clothes as it gets lovely and warm during June. The temperature is usually between 20 – 30 Celcius. However, a light jacket is some times necessary as during the evening it gets cooler. Light walking boots is also a good idea as there is uneven terrain to walk to. Your photography gear (check with airline allowances for back packs) and a few prints or digital files of your previous work for constructive feedback and discussion within the group.
What is included in the price:
Seven nights accommodation on a non sharing basis and with no single supplement, breakfast, lunch, transport to and from airport. One to one and group tuition and all transport during the course. Tutorial on image processing, for those with not much knowledge on the subject. This will give you an idea on how to best present the beautiful images taken during the course. Also, screen presentations of Dimitri’s own work and of your own images made during the course. Dimitri believes that feedback from the whole group, improves the way you see photography. Extensive technical notes to take with you and also, after course advice via phone/email.
What is excluded:
Cancellation insurance, meals not mentioned above, drinks and flights.
Course times and flights:
I will meet all participants at Mykonos airport on Friday 15 June 2012 around noon (depending on flights). There are flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet, as well as flights from Manchester, Newcastle and London with Thomson and Thomas Cook. For countries out with UK, please check with your travel agent.
Accommodation
We will be staying at Makis place, a family run hotel in a very friendly environment. www.makisplace.com
Client’s Mykonos gallery
Finally
Many of the images to be had on the island, come from its architecture and for this, we will need to visit many of its little chapels and other buildings. We will need to visit the Chora (capital) more than once as this is where most of the colourful and abstract images can be found. Also, there will be sunsets every day and early rises every second day.
This tour is ideal for couples even if your partner is not into photography, as we will be photographing 3 hours in the early morning and 3 hours in the evening. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, swimming and having lunch with the group. Your non photographic partners, will definitely enjoy those lovely photographic walks with the group during the evening, absorbing the glorious sunset light. Main meal will be after the sunset shoot. In general, anyone can have a superb holiday with unforgettable memories.
There will be a small degree of exercise involved in some of the walks but don’t panic, we do appreciate that this is your holiday and we will allow plenty of time for these locations. We most definitely want to get any chance to photograph the island and the lovely weather will make sure of that. However, the last evening we will have a presentation of the images taken during the course and then, our usual goodbye supper.
Please, have a look at the images from the island and prepare yourself for some stunningly artistic photography. We guarantee you will go back home with some superb images, even if you use a compact camera. There is endless potential on the island, even for black and white photography, a little bit for everyone.