The island of Santorini, my photography and me
Ren? Olejnik mainly photographs landscapes and people on his numerous travels. He discovered his passion for photography at a young age, but by chance on a trip he found a place in Santorini that completely reignited his passion.
In this guest article, Ren? gives us an insight into his very special relationship with this popular destination, his approach to photography and reveals how he discovers his motifs.
The story begins in 2012 on a day trip we took during our vacation in Crete. Crete was no longer an unknown place for me, as I had already been there with my parents as a child. For me, this island has a very special place in my life. This time, our day trip took us to the inconspicuous, northern island of Santorini. I noticed the almost magical attraction, which has stayed with me to this day, as soon as we took the catamaran into the caldera.
I already decided during the trip that this would not be my last visit. The decision about a vacation destination for next year was quickly made for me. Santorini. No question about it. The island was my first choice.
The small Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades not only offers vacationers a multitude of extraordinary possibilities, but also offers photographers a large number of exciting locations. The attraction takes hold of you faster than you can prepare before you set foot on the island or set up your camera. It doesn't matter where you are, you will meet people from all corners and countries of the world, and each one has their own personal story to tell about Santorini.
In addition to the tourists, close friendships have also developed with the locals, which means I no longer feel like just a guest, but part of the family. Santorini was, and still is, of great importance to my career as a photographer. When I started posting my Santorini pictures on Instagram in 2013, the feedback was great. People kept telling me that my photos were the trigger for a trip to Santorini. I would never have expected that, and yet it fills me with pride that I can inspire people with my pictures to this extent.
Anyone who has ever taken a trip and wanted to find out about everything beforehand will be familiar with the usual travel guides, their photos and the repetitive motifs. However, I look for motifs that you won't find in a travel guide. Why should I use a motif that everyone photographs? The unknown is what makes it so appealing
Although I already know my way around this small island very well, it still holds new surprises every time. Probably my most important piece of advice is: don't go during peak season! The island is also very beautiful in the low season. You'll also have more peace and quiet to look for interesting motifs and concentrate fully on your photography if it's not completely crowded.
A special highlight that I can recommend to everyone is the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations. It is a unique atmosphere that surrounds the whole island and the locals. For example, the town of Pygros in the center of the island is illuminated all around with torches and fire bowls.
While the island blooms with flowers in spring, it shows a rather barren and dry side in summer.
Another indescribable experience at any time of year are the sunsets over the caldera! These can be enjoyed from many places on Santorini, where everyone is guaranteed to find their own personal favorite spot. As a photographer, you want to capture the beauty of each one.
In search of new motifs, I not only walk through the landscapes, but also through the small villages. These have a decelerating effect on me. Just what you need if you want to escape the hectic pace of life. The villages are spread all over the island and always offer a beautiful and romantic motif.
The colorfulness of the countless lava stones is extraordinarily fascinating, which offer a breathtaking play of colors, especially at sunrise and sunset.
If you want to spend your time on the beaches of Santorini, you will not only find the typical sandy beach, but also a colorful sight of black, red or even white stones.
In addition, you will always find huge stone formations, mainly consisting of pumice stone, which give you the feeling of walking through the scenery of a Star Wars movie.
On the other hand, pure sunlight can quickly become boring for us photographers. If the weather conditions are right, with a little "luck" you can see a magnificent natural spectacle. The clouds that form over the caldera and rise above its rim turn into completely surreal formations. It almost looks as if the cruise ships anchored in the caldera are sailing on the clouds
You know when you forget your camera at the hotel in a situation like this? Unfortunately I do!
About two years ago, I decided to expand my photographic skills to include portrait photography in addition to travel and landscape photography. Once again, the question of the location was quickly answered. So my first portrait shoot took place on the island. The model shared almost the same story with the island as I did.
In addition to everything I have learned in recent years, connecting people around the world through photography is probably one of the most important things. Using that connection brings me great joy.
Over the last 2 years, I have repeatedly changed, expanded and adapted my equipment to my needs. In the meantime, it is equipment suitable for all situations, from landscape and travel photography to portrait photography.
I currently have a Sony Alpha 7RII with various lenses in my backpack and the possibilities that this camera offers me never cease to amaze me. The variety of lenses and setting options gives me a lot of leeway when choosing my subjects. The high dynamic range of the sensor leaves nothing to be desired for the final processing.
I am often asked the question: Ren? how do you find all your motifs? The answer is actually quite simple. Always be alert and go through the world with your eyes open. A lot has to do with luck and chance. Nevertheless, I often plan in advance which route I want to take. Google Maps in conjunction with Streetview is a particularly useful tool for this. I also use apps like Sun Surveyor to find out the exact position of the sun at a certain time and place.
I hope I was able to bring you closer to Santorini and my photography.
The next trip is coming up soon and preparations are already underway. More from Ren? Olejnik
06-2018 / VS
