Last month before I went to New York I had the pleasure of taking a trip with the family, to the mountains. The difference with this trip and another trip I shared with you last year, was that this time the mountains were covered in snow.
Join my today as we take a look at the snowy mountains of Greece. These are actually a fifteen minute drive from my tow
n.
We set out with nice weather but once we got to a certain altitude we saw these icicles which indicated that it was indeed cold up here.
It was at this point that I had edited most of the photos but some of them looked flat. Lots of blue, white, and grey. And so I did something different. I decided to channel my inner Ansel Adams and switched some of them over to black and white. I’ve never tried this before but there was a huge difference.
I first discovered Ansel Adams in college and was always astonished by his photography of nature and in particular Western America. He was a true environmentalist.
Without that great big blue sky everything looks starker, there is more contrast. And let’s face it I’ve shown you that sky a billion times by now! It was time to change things up.
Below is a field with raisin bushes all lined up with the village right behind. Or as normal people call them “vineyards”! The altitude here is 831 meters (2,726 feet) and there are only 15 residents. This is actually very common for many villages. Many of the home owners visit in the summer months and have these as their second homes.
Finally we reach our destination which is another village, this time at a height of 1,105 meters (3625 ft). This one has only 4 residents. But it has a cafe and a church.
There is plenty of snow and ice here.
And a spectacular view!
I’ve always found the mountain ridges fascinating, as if something is hiding between the folds.
The rocky formations are very common in Greece. You’ll find rocks everywhere even in the farming lands.
In the last few years we have had quite a few fires in the area. The forests have thinned out.
A bit of greenery peeking through.
There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.
- Ansel Adams
Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
A moss covered tree full of health despite the cold and snow.
And the church. Wherever you go in Greece you will find churches, big or small, no matter the size of the village.
This view is from the village we visited looking down to the Corinthian Bay.
The same photo in color. And a whole different mood. You may also be able to discern the mountains on the other side of the bay.
It was a cold, brisk day but we had a lot of fun. In fact my daughter the one who has the You Tube channel made a video. You can check it out here to see her antics.
I really enjoyed sharing this trip to the snowy mountains of Greece and paying homage to Ansel Adams. And I hope you liked my unusual take on them in the form of these black and white photos. Are you a fan of black and white photos? Which one was your favorite?
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image!
If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.
More photo essays:
Such a stunning landscape Mary, you must never tire of gazing upon it 🙂 I love the black and white photos – they really give you a feel of the atmosphere.
Thank you Sarah, I know that you have seen your fair share of beautiful landscapes. I have a big window in my kitchen and just stare out of it when I’m doing the dishes … sometimes they don’t come out so clean!
Mary, I am a huge fan of black and white photos, if you saw our art wall you know that. If you would have asked me before I saw these if I would like your Greece images in black and white I would have said no. I love all the color and sunshine that your images show, I would love to live by the ocean and you take exceptional photos! But, you’ve changed my mind. There is so much depth to the images without being distracted by the gorgeous blue sky! I am amazed! I love them both and I couldn’t choose one over the other. You have a great eye! Should we call you Ansel Jr.?
Haha!! From your lips to Ansel Sr.’s ear!! Thank you so much for your sweet compliment. I did this as an experiment because let’s face it that blue sky really was hogging up all the attention. And it worked because there’s a lot of snow in the photos.
Beautiful photos Mary! I couldn’t possibly narrow down a favorite out of these! Maybe the church if I was pinned to a choice, but they are all great. Glad your family could do something fun together! Do you live anywhere near Rhodes, or at least the town that used to be called “Rhodes?” I don’t know what they call it now.
Florence I live all the way on the other side, near the waters that wash up with Italy. Have you ever heard of Patra? That is the big city nearest to us.
Great pics Mary, enjoyed seeing them. Brr! Sure looks cold there and the black and white pics make it look even colder. Sharing on social media. Saw your link at the I am Pinnable Link Party #30 🙂
It’s true the black and white does make things look colder. But thank goodness it was a sunny day so while technically freezing it was still bearable.
I have to admit that I generally prefer color photos to black and white. But I have to admit that these are stunning. The B&W gives them a depth that I’m not sure the color could add to. Thanks for sharing at Over the Moon. We look forward to seeing what you have to share with us next week.
Shelley in color they mostly looked washed out with the soft greys and the blue. Black and white was definitely the way to go. Thank you.
I guess I’m demonstrating my ignorance or naiveté, but I was surprised to see wintry shots taken in Greece. I don’t think of it being that cold there!
Thanks for opening my eyes a bit, and for these lovely shots. I hope you’ll come share at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/02/worship-in-beit-sahour.html
At sea level it doesn’t get very cold but when you go up to the mountains you have a whole different story. Thanks for stopping by.
Wonderful scenery!
Thank you so much Carol!
So lovely! I like when photos are presented in black and white. Because of that, you are forced to look a places and landscapes in a different way. Would like to see snow in Greece! #PhotoFriday
It’s always fun to experiment and aim for something different Ruth. The snow is real and white but the blue sky had to go for once.
Your photos of Greece are just fantastic. I love the church steeple a lot. and those icicles are so huge!
We definitely get our fair share of snow in the mountains Betty!
I wouldn’t think of Greece and snow. Such a neat post. And well done on channeling your inner Ansel Adams. He is my favorite photographer.
Lisa @ LTTL
Lisa it’s always nice to find a few surprises along the way. As a child I remember the snow in the villages but after Imoved to America I forgot. So when we moved back I was taken aback with all that snow and the mountains.
What a beautiful place. I can’t imagine living in a town with only four homes, but it must be so peaceful.
Erlene there are 4 households year round but many more houses are used as summer homes. It would be a really small village if it only had 4 households. And it is never peaceful in Greece! We are a boisterous bunch!
I always enjoy your photos of Greece. I didn’t know that there were places in Greece that received snow! These are really great shots, they would make a lovely black and white display!
Michele we have a mountain range that slices down mainland Greece beginning from southern Albania. Lots of mountains and hence the snow in the winter. Of course it doesn’t snow that often on the coastline.
Mary the scenery is so lovely. The church, the moss, the mountains. What a wonderful trip you must have had and of course the nod to Ansel Adams
It was heavenly up there Debbie… truly a breath of fresh air.
Stunning pictures, Mary! What a gorgeous view! Greece is definitely on my must-see someday list. Until then, I live vicariously through you! 😉
Oh Celeste, I hope you can make it one day. You are going to love it.
Wow, these are exquisite photos! I never thought of Greece with snow.
Maria
We actually have lots of mountains in Greece Maria. And where there are mountains there is lots of snow.
I forgot to let Snowey in Greece is one my feature for my party tomorrow.
Maria
Thank you Maria, I am so happy!!!
I never think of Greece with snowy mountains but they look gorgeous Mary
Amber we have something for everyone. We even have desserts if you think of the summertime and how it feels then.
Hi Mary, just hopping back to let you know that you will be featured at SYC this week.
hugs,
Jann
Beautiful shots!
I must admit I don’t feel envious looking at these wintry photos, but we’ve been in the midst of a brutally hot and humid stretch of weather – these photos formed a nice contrast. I’m ready for fall to come, but don’t look forward to the cold temps and slippery precip of winter.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/09/basilica-shrine-of-saint-mary.html