The Temple of Poseidon is one of Greece’s most known archaeological sites. I’ve been there so many times that I have lost count of them. I have visited and photographed the ancient temple by night and day from nearly all possible angles. I recall a shooting, years ago. A group of astrophotographers, chasing a partial solar eclipse, over the Temple of Poseidon, from a 2-kilometre distance. We were waiting on the top of a hill with our telescopes and cameras. Everyone was anticipating the moment the eclipsed Sun emerged from behind the Temple. Capturing a sunrise over the Temple from such a great distance is a challenge. Capturing the eclipsed Sun behind the Temple is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Thick clouds were obstructing the sunrise. Only a small opening in the clouds was our last glimpse of hope but the Sun was already too high. Our last chance was to get to lower ground, fast. Really fast! We started running like crazy downhill with all our gear, telescopes and cameras. We made it! The shooting was truly epic and the proof is the last photo in this article. 🙂
Update June 21, 2024. The Road to Strawbery Moon
Follow the road uphill. As you reach the top, you have two choices. Turn left to go back in time, where Poseidon was the ruler of the seas or turn right for a trip to the Moon. No time machine or noisy rockets required. Only your imagination!
Update September 29, 2023
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of capturing a truly elusive target. The rising Moon behind the Temple of Poseidon from the furthest possible distance. Careful planning and preparations are essential for these kinds of shots. This particular one was challenging as I had to take the photo from Patroklos, a small uninhabited island located to the west of the Temple.
There was no transport available and the private boats were also unavailable after sunset so I decided to get there alone by kayak boat. After an hour of paddling and one more hour of climbing the rough terrain, I was in place for the shot. 5.300 meters away, I could barely see the Temple. At 19:25 local time, the Moon started emerging from behind the hill and slowly aligning with the Temple. What a moment! As I was shouting out of excitement, I saw a fishing boat in short range. I believe they were looking at the same spectacle or perhaps they were looking at me wondering what I was doing in the middle of nowhere!
Update April 13, 2023
A couple of days ago I went to Sounio again. I stayed all night. Yet another sunset. Yet another moonrise. This time I was lucky. The Temple’s lights, for some reason, were off, allowing me to capture the Temple without the light pollution. So why I’m getting there, so many times, chasing the Sun, Moon and starlight? What does it feel like to capture the Ancient Light? I will describe it with one word: “Home”.
Below, are a few photos that I shot over the years.
