Continuing our series on 'great photo locations', travel photographer Tim Wheeler describes shooting the idyllic Greek island of Kastellorizo.
It’s hard to beat the crossroads of ancient civilisations when it comes to my favourite place to shoot – the Greek Island of Kastellorizo, just off Turkey’s south coast. We visited in September, a perfect time because the crowds have left, temperatures remain warm and the ocean is a welcoming 25 degrees Celsius. We were blown away with the ethereal landscape, abandoned ancient cities, and the ever-changing azure blues of the Mediterranean. A staircase behind the town beckoned us for a bird’s-eye view. The journey to the top took some time because we stopped to grab shots of ancient olives, sun-drenched figs draped along garden walls, and weathered doorways glowing under a patina of umber and blue.
From the top, the sleepy port of Kastellorizo, enveloped by rugged limestone hills, shimmered in the late afternoon sun. Wandering later around the narrow streets, we were captivated by the textures of forgotten stacks of lobster pots, coils of bleached ropes abandoned against ancient stonework and the rainbow hues of stacks of café chairs. Mosques, roughhewn stone Christian and Greek Orthodox churches contrast with military watchtowers to reveal the rich tapestry of history affecting this unique and sunny Greek island.
Early the next morning the soft warming sunlight washed over the tiny port afresh. Impossibly bright fishing vessels purred through the warm waters plying their trade. We tagged a ride on one to visit the nearby Blue Grotto to the west of the island.
View from the hill behind Kastellorizo. Nikon D800, 24-70mm f2.8 lens @ 24mm, f8, 1/1250s, ISO 800. Adjustments in Lightroom. Image by Tim Wheeler.
Greek fishing boat in Kastellorizo harbour. Nikon D800, 24-70mm f11 lens @ 42mm, f11, 1/250s, ISO 400. Adjustments in Lightroom. Image by Tim Wheeler.
Houses at the entrance to Kastellorizo harbour. Nikon D800, 24-70mm f2.8 lens @ 32mm, f8, 1/3200s, ISO 800. Adjustments in Lightroom. Image by Tim Wheeler.
