Golden dawn light over Turkish mountains, part-submerged steps, and a curious ginger cat—this tranquil morning in Kos was unforgettable. My daughter and I shared a serene moment, joined by our fluffy tour guide.
👉 Read the full story & explore the canvas link in bio.
" The diving tower, known as the Trampoline, was built by the Italians when they occupied the island and provides a 20ft diving tower for those brave enough to use it."
There's something magical about those pre-dawn moments when the world still sleeps, except for a few early risers. At 5am, with the temperature already reaching 27 degrees, I packed my gear and set out with my daughter Gracie for Elli Beach's historic diving tower.
The Trampoline, a legacy of Rhodes' Italian occupation, stands as a commanding 20-foot monument against the peaceful morning sky. Built by the Italians during their time on the island, it still beckons brave souls to make the exhilarating leap into the Mediterranean waters below.
This tranquil scene captured the ethereal transformation of night into day, as we watched the gentle dawn light evolve into sunrise.
For an hour, Gracie and I shared this meditative moment, our peaceful photography session only interrupted when a young Italian swimmer unexpectedly appeared naked - creating an amusing memory that still makes us laugh.
This serene image, now available as a large canvas piece, preserves that perfect morning light as it embraces the iconic diving tower, creating a reflective scene that speaks to both Rhodes' rich heritage and the timeless beauty of Mediterranean dawns.
"Golden Light and Serene Discoveries in Lindos"
An early morning in Lindos revealed this calming scene: warm street lamps, a peaceful chapel, and a hidden bird I missed until post-production. The tranquil charm of this village keeps calling me back.
Explore more tranquil moments in my gallery.
I captured a serene view of Glastonbury Tor during a peaceful winter morning at Ham Wall Nature Reserve.
The sunrise lit up the Somerset Levels, creating a moment of pure tranquillity. View this canvas wall art and read the full story on my gallery:
https://bit.ly/4gz37JM
Swan Feather Ham Wall Somerset
View this atmospheric misty scene captured at Shapwick Heath and read the full story. Available as canvas wall art for your home or office.
View this canvas and read the full story on my gallery
https://bit.ly/3BoIOjz
Creek Dittisham South Devon
https://bit.ly/4mdpO9j
View this stunning scene of Cameo Island and the vibrant sky, and read the full story of the morning. Available as canvas wall art for your home or office.
View this canvas and read the full story on my gallery.
https://bit.ly/4gfawye
You could feel the raw energy as an August storm sweeps through Church Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall.
This brave lady sat herself on some gnarly damp rocks to watch it all unfold.
##StormWatching ##CornwallCoast ##ChurchCove ##NaturePower ##LizardPeninsula
"A blind woman, two goats, and a timeless village on the edge of a volcano—an encounter I’ll never forget."
In the summer of 2003, my wife and I visited Kos, Greece, and took a boat tour to the nearby volcanic island of Nisyros. After a delayed departure, we explored the island’s wonders, including the Stefanos crater—a surreal, steaming landscape that felt like walking on the moon.
Later, we visited the nearly abandoned village of Emporeios, perched on the crater’s rim. Destroyed by a 1933 earthquake, the village was a haunting mix of crumbling streets, a few inhabited homes, and Greek cats lounging in the dusty shade. As always, I fell behind the tour group, stopping to photograph the mesmerizing scenes.
While reloading my camera, I heard our guide calling my name. He had found something special: two goats framed in the entrance of a narrow street, with a woman sitting further down in a shaft of warm afternoon light. Her wild, grey hair caught the glow perfectly. I quickly captured the moment before it vanished.
Our guide explained she lived alone at the edge of the dormant volcano, without electricity and with only her goats for company. Astonishingly, she was blind. As I finished a few closer shots, she called out, “Ahh, photographe!” and let out a hearty laugh. Her joy and resilience left a deep impression on me.
Years later, in 2023, I learned her name was Nina Vasiliou. A man named George contacted me, explaining she was his mother’s cousin. Nina had lived independently in Emporeios until her passing around 2017. Knowing her name and story added a profound layer to a memory I’ll cherish forever—of a brief, almost biblical encounter in a timeless place.
👉 Explore the gallery for serene escapes through art.
Nina Vasiliou
https://bit.ly/4gW5B5E
0
0
0
https://bit.ly/3TQu5Ub
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
https://bit.ly/46opQXu
While away in Kos Greece recently the first person I met on arrival at our hotel in Kardamena was this lovely character called Neofitos.
Dressed in white wearing a captain's sailing hat he welcomed us with a big smile. I speak a little Greek so said hello and asked how he was and we (well he) started to chat away I quickly lost track and had to explain I only understood a little Greek with a laugh.
I find at least trying to speak some language, especially in Greece goes a very long way. As many tourists don't speak any they want to know why you have bothered to learn and I often get asked where I'm originally from thinking I must be of greek descent.
Speaking a little of the language even poorly also helps in building rapport when I wish to photograph someone and put them at ease.
We saw Neofitos several times a day as he drove the Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel tourist train to the local beach and back. Always smiling and chatting in Greek it became a bit of a joke when I had to remind him I only understand a little! It mattered not we still managed to converse.
I couldn't leave the hotel without capturing a few frames of Neofitos and his infectious smile.
https://bit.ly/4eZjv6Z
3 Somerset Icons Glastonbury
https://bit.ly/45esEnJ
George The Greek of Kos Castle
"A chance encounter with George, the seasoned guide of Kos Castle, led to an unforgettable portrait capturing both his wisdom and the island’s timeless charm."
My wife and I purchased a holiday home in Turkey 12 years ago, which meant I traveled to the Bodrum area often. One day, during a "working trip" (as I tell my wife), I ventured with a few friends to the beautiful Greek island of Kos for the day.
While touring Kos Castle, I met a delightful man named George, who was offering his services as a tour guide. Immediately, I knew I had to photograph him. I sat down with him on a rustic marble bench to escape the blistering May heat and struck up a conversation. I mentioned my home in Turkey, and George shared some fascinating details about his life.
I could have spent hours chatting with him, but soon my friends caught up with me, so I asked if I could capture his portrait. He agreed, and we said our goodbyes.
I love meeting and photographing people like George—individuals who have lived rich, full lives and can share incredible stories. This moment with him was one of those rare, serendipitous encounters that make travel so rewarding.
"Ancient Mornings: Finding Peace in Mediterranean Light"
“Ancient Mornings” is a downloadable visual and literary meditation, guiding readers to Greece’s tranquil dawns—where light, history, and nature offer a timeless sanctuary for reflection and escape.
Amy Hart Breeder Of Rare Poultry
https://bit.ly/4mafO0Q
I photographed Jane at her home close to Exmoor one early morning back in May 2022. Jane was introduced to me by Cat Mills the Silversmith I photographed for the project.
Jane works as a Herbalist and was introduced to herbs by her grandmother at the age of 9 which was the catalyst for her interest in plants.
We spent an hour shooting around her property making the most of the clear early morning light. This was followed by a few images inside one of her poly tunnels accompanied at all times by her dog who's name escapes me.
We finished the shoot inside Jane consultation room where she sees her clients and also mixes her vast collection of herbs.
Just like Cat Mills studio this area was full of character. There were wonderful shelves full of interesting glass jars of herbs and other colourful objects I was like a kid in a sweet shop !
You can see Jane's story and a full selection of images at the project page Life In A Somerset Landscape
https://bit.ly/44y5lpW
I’ve been fortunate to have been featured in a fair few photographic magazines over the years and the odd podcast.
Terry Hope is a name that is well-known in the photography press as a writer, editor, and book author.
I first met Terry in the mid-2000 on a car testing track when he interviewed me about my car photography at that time.
We have spoken a few times over the years and most recently was in October this year.
He asked if I’d like to appear in a regular feature in his magazine Professional Photographer called
“Things I Wish I”d Known” and of course, I agreed.
I have to admit I probably agreed without really thinking as I ended up nearly missing the publishing deadline due to a heavy workload and a sunny holiday sidetracking me.
I ended up panicking and writing it on my phone while flying over the Aegean!
I was convinced Terry would throw it back at me with a D - for not completely sticking to the brief of the piece but he’s a perfect gent and politely said it was great (I still think he was being polite).
The article appears in the December 2022 edition of the magazine.
Download Article PDF
https://bit.ly/3TBwQsp
