Tag: Cyprus

Cyprus’ Creative Beach Opportunities for Photographers

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Taya Ivanova

Islands can’t help but make their visitors believe that summers are endless. This infinitely bright atmosphere can be credited to beaches, which gratefully embrace seas or oceans all year long. Even in the middle of December, a few eager tourists can be found diving into deep waters in hopes of having a brilliant and adrenaline-filled adventure. The site is fascinating and heartwarming. In general, living on a tropical island is an uplifting experience which leaves every citizen feeling occasional volcanic eruptions of butterflies in their stomach.

In this article, you’ll witness the beauty of Cyprus beaches. Cyprus is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, a region of gentle azure skies and incredibly scrumptious food. While summers there can be overwhelming due to intense heat waves, milder seasons are a joy to be a part of. Swarmed by tourists in the summers, Cyprus’ beaches can be enjoyed a little more fully in the autumn or spring. Once the hotter months are over, the sea is still warm enough to swim in, but not luxurious enough to attract a plethora of visitors. For those who enjoy photographing nature in tranquil places, the quieter seasons will prove to be satisfying.

Cyprus has many, many beaches. While a great percentage of those beaches is loved by tourists, there are lots of spots that aren’t dedicated to human relaxation. These places are surrounded by cliffs, sharp rocks, and a general atmosphere that reminds visitors of medieval castles and epic music. These slightly intimidating locations are particularly ideal for either admirer of edgy landscape photography or portrait/conceptual photographers who make the most of the complicated backdrops.

Other spots are more fitting for curious travelers; these are usually home to timid little stores where you can purchase interesting props for your shoots or just a delicious snack to enjoy during a break. If you venture into the fields nearby, you’ll encounter parks, stables, and great hiking trails. Thus, in addition to taking interesting photos of the beach, you’ll have an impressive amount of diverse locations to spend time in afterward.

The most common beaches are, quite, fortunately, located next to apartments, stores, and markets. In Limassol (a city located in the southern part of Cyprus), a welcoming beach is never too far away. Some people live right next to the sea, the beach is their daily morning view. Upon spending time in the sea, you’ll have access to cozy restaurants, calming cafés, and delicious drinks you’ll never forget. If you’re not in the mood for swimming on a particular day, you can still enjoy the smell of the sea by walking next to it. Almost every beach is decorated with smooth paths on which you can exercise, photograph, or simply take walks.

If you’re a nighttime photography enthusiast, these paths will provide you with many opportunities. Since there aren’t many people taking walks during this time, it’s possible to set up a tripod in a safe place and try out long exposure photography. The sea is never violent, so getting a perfectly composed shot of the beach won’t be an issue. If you go out a little earlier, you’re likely to catch a magnificent sunset. Even when covered by clouds, the island’s sunsets never cease to take one’s breath away. Photographing these natural phenomenon will not only give you amazing results but also provide you with an intense and fulfilling love for nature. You’ll leave the beach feeling beyond refreshed and inspired.

The aforementioned paths come in handy at night; this is when the daytime chaos of the popular island settles down. Despite the lack of light, however, safety isn’t something you have to fear. Cyprus can serve as a refuge for those who seek endless outdoor peace. Nighttime walks are a great time for meditation, inspiration, and general relaxation. If you’ve been shooting all day, you can refresh your creative mind by watching the stars from a bench or listening to the natural music of the sea. The soothing sounds of endless waves have the power to prepare you for another wonderful shooting day. Alternatively, they can make you feel grounded, calm, and completely alive.

Cyprus is adept at providing artists with picturesque locations and rejuvenation. Thanks to its many beaches, photographers have many locations they can visit and enjoy. The island preserves its beauty through nature all day long, all year long. This makes it one of an ideal spots for creative photographers of all kinds.

Cyprus throughout the seasons: Meeting a Paradise

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Taya Ivanova

Cyprus is relatively warm and bright all year round. The brilliant sun lovingly showers the island with happiness and luxurious light more often than not. To photographers, this is paradise – the golden hour is present for a very long time during the year, leaving only during the winter months (but even then, the days are long). No matter what kind of photographer you are, Cyprus will provide you with spectacular things and people to document and cherish your whole life. Below is an exploration of each season in Cyprus.

Winter

While winters in countries like Russia are rarely welcome, Cyprus winters are embraced with open arms. It is in the winter when the island’s inhabitants finally get to wear another layer of clothing. It is also when seeking unoccupied shades under trees stops being a continuous hobby. Tourists, however, freely walk around in T-shirts and vests, sometimes diving, unperturbedly, into the chilly sea. Despite the slight drop in temperature, the sun continues to generously give out its light; this time, the only difference is the intensity of the heat itself. A lack of humidity allows for long walks on the beach or spontaneous visits to the mountains, where winter can be experienced on a very mild level. A harmless layer of snow temporarily resides in the mountains – if you’d like to take great snowy photographs without freezing, Cyprus is just the right place for you.

Spring

Spring arrives with the promise of mild humidity. While it can get unbearable in the summers, spring humidity is tolerable and almost enjoyable after months of dryness. This time of year is perfect for mountain hiking, cycling, and running on the beach. Though flowers rarely wilt to the point of leaving the island gray and bare, certain types do disappear for a while. They gracefully emerge in the spring, dipping the island in uplifting colors of royal purple, lilac, and periwinkle. Spotting watermelons in people’s backyards during this time is far from strange – in fact, it’s a pleasant and drool-worthy sight. Best of all, spring is a time of new kinds of fruit and vegetables on the island, all of which can be obtained at humble little markets. These locations are ideal for street photography enthusiasts as most of the locals are more than happy to have their photo taken. In addition to a striking photo, you’ll get a good deal and will get the chance to enjoy a wonderful and refreshing meal at home.

Summer

Cyprus summers are viewed from two very distinct and different perspectives. There are those who thoroughly enjoying swimming or eating in restaurants by the beach and those who prefer the cool comfort of home. The former find satisfaction in fresh underwater photos or in appealing phone snaps of food and landscapes. The latter enjoy the great indoor lighting conditions provided by the endless, generous sunshine. If visitors wish to escape the heat, they can find refuge in the cool mountains of Troodos; this place is comfortably chilly all year round, providing tourists with both picturesque locations and bearable weather conditions.

Autumn

This could be considered the dullest time of year due to the empty trees and fallen leaves. A feeling of neglect washes over the island when autumn arrives, leaving people feeling slightly disappointed. However, the sadness doesn’t last long thanks to the breathtaking sunsets; these remain loyal to the island no matter what kind of weather is present. Even if most of the trees look haunting, the promise of another perfect sky is worth it. Photographers who adore feeling cozy outdoors will thoroughly enjoy the beginning of fall, whereas those who enjoy spending time absorbing and photographing landscapes will find an abundance of creativity in the entire season.

The key to making the most of Cyprus all year round is knowing where to spend your time as the seasons blend into each other. Summers are perfect for camping in the mountains; the months of spring can be fully enjoying in friendly markets; autumn can be enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa during the sunset, and winter can be fully enjoyed by the beach. The beauty of this homely island is the amazing creative opportunities it gives to every artist throughout the seasons. No matter when you visit Cyprus, you’ll find something there to call home.

An Autumn Morning in Cyprus and Self-Reflections

Posted on May 20, 2017 by Taya Ivanova

Autumns in Cyprus are a blur of fog, crunchy leaves, and rainy (self) reflections. Every autumn, my family and I would spend hours collecting refreshing water, hiking, and taking quirky photos in the mountains. Since Cyprus is a fairly humble little island free of endless traffic jams, getting to places requires no effort at all. This easiness allows the island’s inhabitants to freely explore the entire island. In the autumn, this is particularly useful.

There was a certain year when autumn grandly announced its arrival and showered the island with shades of amber and brown. Everybody was in a state of perpetual awe during this enchanting time; most people were either taking snapshots all the time or simply absorbing, wide-eyed, the bountiful supply of picturesque scenes. I was amongst the former, dutifully photographing both landscapes and details with any camera I could get my hands on. It was a refreshing period of time which put us all in a world where worries concerning time and pain didn’t exist. Because every individual had the chance to experience this worry-less reality, even if temporarily, more people seemed to get along. It was as if the season had cast a spell of tranquility on us all, blocking all resentment from entering our newfound bubble of safety.

The mountains’ personality changes along with the time of day. Aware of this fact, we decided to visit the mountains before they awakened. On a cozy morning, we packed spinach pie and a thermos full of hot tea and went looking for an adventure. On our way there (a trip that takes no longer than an hour and a half), we spotted a shepherd herding a flock of sheep. The group was carefully hidden behind a timid layer of fog, a ghostly yet comforting reminder of a simpler life. Such a sight, though common in the mountains, is a rare occurrence in the city itself. This is why exploration is precious – you could visit the same location over and over again, but the creative opportunities it would provide you with would always be diverse and endless. Finding unexpected situations to photograph is an absolute joy for us all. The good news is that you needn’t go far to experience this joy.

Around 30 minutes into the trip, we stopped to grab a few snacks in our favorite store, a place that smells like the best bakery in the world mixed with the wondrous scent of forests. There, we spotted another unexpected moment: birds appearing out of nowhere like fountains in the sky. They quickly and elegantly flew around the area, leaving behind mild echoes and feather souvenirs. This, combined with Birdy’s cover of the song Skinny Love, left an unforgettable mark on me. Though the grandiosity of this moment might not have abandoned me in the years to come, I would’ve forgotten to remember it had it not been for the images I took during that experience. It is for this reason – that significant yet unpredictable moment, when documented in one form or another, stay with us forever – that I cherish photography and everything it has to offer.

Entering the heart of the mountains was, as always, akin to a sigh of relief. Our favorite spot, an outdoor space where visitors could relax and collect fresh water, was located next to an abandoned little shed surrounded by a stream. In another environment, this would’ve been a disconcerting view; in the autumnal morning mountains, it was a visually appealing comfort. We spent the rest of the morning nibbling on goodies, discussing the beauty of the chilly season, and taking comfortable walks in the area. Every moment felt strangely endless, and in a way it was. When I go through the photographs I took back then, I find myself reliving every vivid moment as if it only happened a week ago. To quote from Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Slaughterhouse Five: “Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.”

I encourage you to visit all kinds of places, even your own backyard, and to look at them through the eyes of a curious observer. In that world of inquisitive thoughts, you will find exactly what you need, especially things you never knew you needed. There is endless value in being both present and photo-ready on this unpredictable, marvelous, colorful earth.

Life in the mountains of Cyprus

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Taya Ivanova

Cyprus – an island neatly located in the Mediterranean Sea – is filled with scrumptious food, fresh air, and a welcoming mountain range known as Troodos. The mountains peacefully reside in the center of the island, distancing themselves enough from surrounding cities to be considered a land of their own. Throughout balmy summer months, this distance serves as a haven of sorts, providing desperate tourists with fresh springs, pleasant hiking trails, and welcoming cafés. This combination of delights creates an indescribable calmness in the heart.

In addition to being picturesque, the mountain range is barely inhabited. More often than not, it’s very possible to find secret, harmless corners after hours of hiking. Picnic spots are scattered all over the mountains; simple yet charming benches and tables wait for friendly visitors each day. The intimacy of such hidden spots makes its discoverers feel very welcome, giving them the idea that the place has been patiently waiting just for them. Such places are usually accompanied by an incredible view of the surrounding area. Since intimidating constructions aren’t a common sight in the mountains of Cyprus, stunning views are rarely blocked.

Amongst the many hidden corners smartly placed in the mountains, the calmest one is a dam. To reach it, one has to take a sudden left turn after driving for around an hour from Limassol, Cyprus’ southern city. Though the road is slightly precarious and very muddy, the destination erases any discomfort that may have emerged during the journey. The dam, a deep blue on cheerful days, is a pleasant introduction to the view that is to come. Walking past it will reveal an almost untouched forest filled with wooden picnic spots. Here, photographers can rest and take incredible pictures, an experience which won’t leave them exhausted and hungry. The picnic spots are both photogenic and sturdy, allowing for great shots and pleasant meals.

The forest itself is fairly large and inviting, a place ideal for group hikes. Reaching the top of the hill will provide you with an incredible view of the dam and the mountains beyond. For those who own wide-angle lenses and love panoramas, this view is guaranteed to be a portfolio-filling treasure. Those who have other kinds of cameras and lenses will also benefit greatly from this location. The beauty of Cyprus’ mountains lies in the consistency of nature; no matter where you go, you can expect an encounter with a breathtaking place.

Nature thrives in the mountains. Since winters aren’t harsh (a light sprinkling of snow represents the colder months), everything appears beautifully fresh. It’s not uncommon for an exotic butterfly to land on your finger or for a hedgehog to busily cross the road (don’t worry, they rarely get hurt.) The lack of people provides visitors with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with nature in its rawest form. This experience might be particularly fascinating to photographers coming from big cities, though wildlife-loving artists will perhaps benefit from this most.

Those who call the mountains their home have found a way to live in peace with nature. There’s much land that hasn’t been touched in years, though the earth that does get used produces incredibly delectable fruits and vegetables as if it’s grateful for a chance to be productive. All of this can be witnessed during the journey to the mountains; in the summer and spring, one can experience the indescribable beauty of fields filled with watermelons, grapes, and apple trees. Many locals happily welcome curious tourists and share their endless gardens with them. After such a trip, every visitor leaves a local’s home with appetizing fruit.

If visitors wish, they can either stay at a hotel or sleep in their cars. While the latter might sound unappealing, nothing beats the opportunity to watch a blindingly breathtaking night sky. There are special camping grounds for those who enjoy a deep sense of adventure; visiting these parts before the summer begins will help you enter a completely new world. Since summers attract an abundance of tourists, the weeks before its beginning are ideal for those who dream of a little more solitude. Paying a few euros will give you access to a night in a peaceful location completely surrounded by nature. In the morning, the adventurous possibilities are unlimited: hiking, eating at a humble little café, searching for mushrooms, and most importantly, taking photos of everything in the process. This, you’ll discover, is the definition of bliss.

Admiring Ayia Napa from a Ship

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Taya Ivanova

Somewhere in the Mediterranean (on an island difficult to find on a map), there is a resort town called Ayia Napa, a place perfectly positioned on the warmer side of the earth. So perfectly is it positioned, in fact, that the sun appears to be in love with it; if you were to experience the island’s endless summers and delightful ships brimming with tourists, you’d eagerly confirm my thoughts.

I had the chance to enjoy the town on an unsurprisingly warm October day six years ago. (If you’re wondering why such warmth was not surprising, know that for the locals, unclouded autumn days are a natural matter.) I was able to admire the city’s landscape from a cheerful “pirate” ship filled with delicious snacks, welcoming people, and nautical music. Though we traveled for a mere four hours, the memories and photographs have acquired a certain timelessness which proves just how incredible photography is at preserving remarkable moments. These are my Cyprus adventures.

The journey began at 11 in the morning, a busy time of day for enthusiastic travelers of all sorts. Tourists were eagerly collecting at the ship’s entrance and trying their best to catch a glimpse of the treats awaiting their arrival. The ship itself, a looming presence which towered over the surrounding boats, looked slightly out of place. It seemed that we had obtained the key to the 17th century for a few hours, a key that would lead to stunning photographs of food, people, and an era unlike our own. Aware of this, we were determined to make the most of our approaching adventure.

The ship welcomed us with silent darkness at first, leaving us wildly intrigued, while merry tunes floated in the distance. In a matter of seconds, everything became excitingly clear: comfortable seats on the ship’s deck, a couple of crow’s nests, a quarterdeck where we could take pictures with the crew, and a bar where brightly colored drinks were generously given out. The delicious snacks and drinks matched the day’s palette – an azure sky and soft, chalky clouds – the ideal situation for a photographer. Since every corner was so captivating, it wasn’t surprising to see most of the tourists taking endless snapshots with their phones.

Boats lined up neatly bid us farewell as the ship began its journey; the scene looked like it had been taken straight out of a postcard. My Canon Powershot SX10 has happily absorbed the view with an aperture of f/4.0. The camera, 10 megapixels with a 20x zoom lens, was ideal for this journey. The only disadvantage was the terrible video quality, which wasn’t much of a setback when considering the impressive zoom lens. The zoom lens would really come in handy a little later.

As friendly chatter rose and abated, the ship passed mysterious caves, peaceful fishermen, a lonely lighthouse, and delighted tourists on neighboring ships. And then, all of a sudden, the October sea lost its temper. It rocked the ship back and forth, intensely alarming the whole crew. There were many who enjoyed this unexpected turn of events and absorbed the pure unpredictability of a great, albeit short, adventure. For a brief moment in time, we were in our own infinite bubble. Though we could predict nothing, we felt everything all at once. Such an enriching feeling proved to me just how precious adventures – and capturing them – are.

My zoom lens revealed its strongest side when we reached Famagusta, a ghost town north of Ayia Napa. The disconcerting quietness of the town silenced us all for a few moments, forcing us to think back on the town’s history. Captured by the Turkish army in 1974, Famagusta has been uninhabited ever since. The townspeople, wanting to avoid the invasion, escaped the town so suddenly that they left everything as it was. To this day, the things they neglected still stand like statues in a haunted museum. A normal lens wouldn’t have been able to capture the sight since the town was far away, so I was grateful for the opportunity to catch such a fragile place frozen in history.

On the quarterdeck, tourists could take as many photos as they liked with the crew. Their pirate costumes were inspiring and further pushed us into a reality so different from our own. This otherworldly feeling resulted in creative ideas which clung to me so strongly that they’re still with me now. This feeling brought together strangers of all backgrounds. There were many, many absorbing conversations and not a single tear. I knew, at that moment, that photographers interested in photojournalism would adore a trip like this. There were so many people whose stories were worth listening to.

After many delicious meals and breathtaking sceneries, the ship returned. Everyone cheered and thanked the staff for providing us with brilliant memories we’d never forget. Surrounded by positivity and happiness, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of ships and the great creative opportunities they can give to anyone, especially photographers. Portrait photographers would’ve benefited from the tourists’ reactions, the enthusiastic locals, and the vibrantly dressed pirates. Nature-loving artists would’ve adored the abundance of ever-changing views. Food photographers would’ve cherished the mouth-watering meals we were constantly given. Photographers of any kind would find something worth capturing and adding to their portfolios on this journey.

As for me, I visited the mountains after all of this busyness to find peace and quiet. Sleepy and positively overwhelmed by the adventure I had been a part of, I watched the sun paint the clouds as it did every day. It struck me that it did this without waiting for gratitude or admiration. Perhaps, I thought, I should do the same. And so I took photos of the things I loved: the sunset sky so different to the azure sea, the calm mountain birds perched on nearby branches, and a house patiently waiting to be covered in stars. While I was taking those photos, I felt another adventure slowly approaching. But that, dear reader, is a story for another day. {To be continued}