Moments become memories, which fade over time. That is why, for me, photography is a way to preserve not only the image, but also the thoughts and emotions of the moment.
When I was still very young, I remember how much I loved looking at photos. That’s sort of how I came to see photography as a vivid memory.
Back in the days of film cameras, 12-exposure, 24-exposure, 36-exposure—I remember how impatient I was, waiting for the days to pass so the photos would be developed and I could pick them up.
I've always wanted to have photos of any moment in my life, as well as of the people around me, and that's pretty much how my relationship with photography began.
In August 2016, my vacation took me to Kythira. The landscapes and sights captivated me: Mylopotamos with its waterfalls and watermills, Lykodimos with the Astro diving spot, and Kaladi with its majestic cliffs. And Kapsali, with Saint George watching over it from above with a watchful eye, bathed in the light of the blazing sun by day and illuminated by the rhythmic beam of the lighthouse at night.
Further out on the horizon, a constant, silent presence—rugged, tall, and massive—rises from the waters and imposes its will on the landscape, daughter of the Mediterranean, Chitra with its otherworldly waters, companion of Aphrodite of Kythira.
But Tsirigos’s heart beats strongest for his people. You can feel the warmth and kindness the moment your heel first touches the island. Here, you’re a friend among friends. Everyone honors the island in the best possible way and sets an example of hospitality. The energy surrounding this place is so magical that many «strangers» came and never left. These «strangers» have made Kythira their home and represent it with the utmost integrity.
So it is to all these people that I owe my love for Kythira. So, in the summer of 2017, I returned for the second year in a row, and I’ve been going back ever since—many times.
Until we meet again,
George Vamvakopoulos
( https://www.instagram.com/yorgos_vamvakopulos_photos/ )
