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The Loners - National Archaeological Museum

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:52:44 +0000

A museum you absolutely must visit—but hurry!

Today I once again visited this gem of our country, with its incredible treasures, and learned that in 1 to 1.5 years from now it will close for about 5 years so it can undergo the fantastic renovation and expansion it deserves.

So, hurry up and visit the Museum—more than twice, I’d suggest.

Someday I’ll write a delightful post about all those amazing stories hidden within its walls.

Probably our most important museum!

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Celebrate spring in Aegina

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 03 May 2026 17:12:44 +0000

Our beautiful neighbor

Although I’ve written about Aegina and its attractions before, I thought I’d remind you just how easy it is to visit and explore the island in a single day. I believe the ideal time to visit is the enchanting spring.

The whole island is in full bloom at this time of year, a bicycle is the best way to get around, and the ease of the visit makes a day trip almost a must.

The people who live here are incredibly friendly, the food (and the pistachios) is delicious, the fish is cheap and fresh, and the local products are excellent.

“Have we thought about the fact that our heart should be so filled with love that it should overflow to our neighbor?”

— St. Nektarius of Aegina

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Amfissa - Siege of Salona

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:34:43 +0000

Fall of the Castle

Every year, in Amfissa, the anniversary of the Siege of Salona* by the Greek fighters is celebrated. This is a significant anniversary, which was even more spectacular this year, as it marked the 205th anniversary of the historic event. A large crowd honored the occasion with their presence, and the reenactment at the castle was quite moving for all those in attendance.

History Notes

Τhe sequence of events

The Siege of Salona was a military engagement during the 1821 Revolution aimed at liberating Salona*. It lasted from the start of the Revolution until April 10 of that same year, 1821.

The commander (a klepht and later a chieftain of Central Greece) of the province of Salona was Panourgias, who, initiated into the Philiki (or Filiki) Etaireia, when Alis was besieged (1820) and alerted by a letter from Papaflessas, fled from Ioannina (where he had been imprisoned for three years) and came to Salona. On March 24, when he learned that Achaea had revolted, Panourgias was with his 60 armatoi men (highly trained and disciplined, with the appearance of a regular military unit) at the Monastery of Prophet Elias, an hour and a half outside Salona. There he summoned the leaders of the town and the villages and held a general assembly in Galaxidi, at which it was unanimously decided to attack the Turks. At that meeting, following an invitation from I. Papadiamantopoulos (an envoy of P.P. Germanos), Odysseas Androutsos, Giannis Gouras, Bishop Isaiah of Salona, and others attended. Panourgias received, upon presentation of a receipt, 14,000 grosia to cover the costs of recruiting fighters. He ordered his son-in-law and deputy commander, Thanasis Manikas, to recruit everyone in the Vlach villages who was capable of bearing arms. He also sent his cousin, Yannis Gouras, to Agios Georgios to recruit and to coordinate with the residents of Galaxidi.

After making their plans, they set out on the night of March 26, reached Salona by dawn, and laid siege to the fortress under the command of Panourgia. The Turks, who had suspected the Greek uprising, had anticipated it and barricaded themselves inside the fortress with all the women and children, as well as the refugees from Vostitsa who had fled there from the Peloponnese. Among them were 600 armed men.

As the Turks retreated to take refuge in the castle, one of their snipers, entrenched in the Turkish baths (hamam), fired a shot that struck the unfortunate Stamatis Trakas in the forehead. He was the first casualty in the first official battle of the rebellious Rumeli. His father, Theodoros Trakas, seeing his son dead, clenched his heart and said to the soldiers: “There can be no wedding without a sacrifice.”

The Turks were strong, but the Greeks attacked with such ferocity that they seized the water supplies on the very first day. Forced by a lack of water, the besieged made a sortie on April 8 to seize a nearby spring, but they failed and 13 were killed, including the valiant Haidas.

After a relentless siege, the Turks, deprived of food and water, were forced to surrender on April 10, after 14 days, having previously agreed that they would not be harmed. They came out and surrendered their weapons to Panourgias, who received them while seated in front of the Gate. Those who wished to and felt safe remained in their homes, while the rest scattered to the villages.

The fortress of Salona was the first to be captured by the Greeks during the Revolution of 1821.**

“There’s no wedding without a sacrifice.”

— Theodoros Trakas

Louis Dupré - Nikolakis Mitropoulos raises the flag with the cross at Salona on Easter day, 1821

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Louis Dupré - Nikolakis Mitropoulos raises the flag with the cross at

Salona on Easter day, 1821

A nice trip

Amfissa is a short trip from Athens (about 3 hours by car) and is a nice, out of the ordinary destination. Nearby there are a lot of beautiful places to see, such as Galaxidi, Itea, many small traditional villages and my birthplace, famous Delphi of course.

But even if you won’t come here for the “Fall of the Castle” festivities, Amfissa has plenty to offer. Here you’ll find one of the oldest and best-preserved “kafeneion“ (traditional coffeehouse) in the country, stunning old stone houses of local heroes, traditional leather tanneries, a revolution museum, and an authentic atmosphere of the Greek countryside. An ideal escape for a traveller, rather than a tourist.

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*Salona is the old name of Amfissa

**Notes from wikipedia

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Japanese Festival ‘26

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:30:15 +0000

I ♥️ Japan

I was lucky enough to attend the Japanese Festival ’26. It was a wonderful event, featuring a wide variety of items.

We saw manga, booths with Japanese games, consoles, replica swords, traditional costumes, real race cars (!), handmade paintings, masks, origami, and of course bonsai. We also saw many people around us dressed in all sorts of incredible costumes, whether traditional or cosplay.

One of the most interesting moment was definitely when a group of women (and two men) dressed in traditional kimono costumes took the main stage. The highlight was when our friend Marianthi took the stage and was dressed live on stage in a beautiful kimono costume right in front of us, while the announcer shared incredible facts about this amazing tradition, such as that to wash a kimono (usually once a year), it is completely taken apart and sewn back together from scratch!

“Keizoku wa chikara nari”

— Japanese proverb

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The Japanese are incredible. I’d love to travel to their country for a few weeks someday. I consider them an admirable nation in many ways.

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HAPPY EASTER 2026

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:10:34 +0000

Fireworks during the Easter celebrations. Athens, April 12, 2026.* | f/11, 1.0sec, ISO 800.

Hello from Athens

If you’ll ever find yourself in Athens, during the Easter Resurrection, I suggest you go up the Lycabettus Hill for a truly unique experience.

When the time of the Resurrection comes, you’ll hear the sounds of hymns and bells all around you. After a while, firecrackers and fireworks go off all around you (in some cases they’re so powerful that thick, black smoke rises), and the spectacle is amazing.

At the same time, ceremonial cannon salutes begin from a spot slightly lower down, roughly in the middle of the hill, and this, along with the countless faithful who are slowly carrying the Holy Light right beside you, completes the experience.

Photographically, all of this can of course be captured in beautiful images, but simply being there is enough. It is yet another unique experience one can have in Athens.

I wish you and your loved ones health and happiness.

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*This photo was edited using my new Lightroom preset. It will be available in the coming weeks.

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On the way to Venice

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:30:14 +0000

The loneliest ever

A trip from Patras to Venice at this time of year is not only endless but also incredibly lonely.

At least, that’s how it was for me.

Οne of the rare times I didn’t feel happy while traveling.

“Was the earth put here just to nourish human loneliness?”

— Haruki Murakami

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If you like the preset I used in this post, hang in there; it will be included in my next Preset Pack, that soon will be available. Until then, you can buy my Nidipresets Pack V1.

Nidipresets Pack V1 Nidipresets Pack V1

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Throwback Hellenic Motor Museum

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:25:57 +0000

Car confession

I have a little confession to make: I’ve never had any particular passion for cars.

I’m only interested in them as objects that can be beautiful or even little pieces of art; but I’ve never had that obsession that men have with their cars.

For me, cars have just one purpose: to take me from one place to another.

I have almost no knowledge of a car’s mechanical parts, and despite the fact that I’ve been driving since I was very, very young boy, I have no idea about the performance or any other technical aspect of the car I’m driving.

On the other hand, something I’ve always loved is visiting museums. So today, I’m going to show you a few photos from an amazing private museum in Athens, the Hellenic Motor Museum, which I visited several years ago.

“Many dreams come true, and some have silver linings”

— Led Zeppelin

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Even for someone as uninterested in the subject as I am, a visit here is a unique experience, so I can’t imagine how captivated someone who’s crazy about cars would be.

I highly recommend it.

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The Perama Cave

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:30:00 +0000

A nature wonder near Ioannina

When visiting the beautiful city of Ioannina in Epirus, you must definitely visit the Perama Cave. It is located just 4 km away and is a magnificent attraction nestled within a hill.

Here is an excerpt from the simple yet very informative website:

“The cave is part of an underground river bed, which was opened during the Proto-Tertiary period, about 1,500,000 years old (Ioannis Petrochilos). Its tourist route has a length of 1,100 meters and the area it covers is 14,800 m2, while its altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 25 meters. The air temperature is 180 Celsius, while the temperature of the waters of the small lakes that form inside the Cave is 140 Celsius. Their hardness is 180 French with P.H 5.5 and the humidity of the Cave reaches 100%.”

An hour well spent

This the first cave in Greece to ever open as a tourist attraction. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk back to the entrance. Bear in mind that you’ll have to climb up and down a total of at least 600 steps. It’s not as daunting as it sounds, and the guide is really patient and waits until everyone catches their breath, but you should be prepared. The path leading to the entrance rewards visitors with a magnificent view of the city of Ioannina and Lake Pamvotis.

“One just principle from the depths of a cave is more powerful than an army.”

— Jose Marti

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If I ever wondered where the human imagination found inspiration for monsters and dragons, I no longer do.

Useful information

Telephone:+30 26510 81521, 26510 81650, 26510 86202, 26513 63080, 26513 63081

Website: https://www.spilaio-perama.gr/en

Email: info@spilaio-perama.gr

Opening hours: Daily, Weekends & Holidays 09:00 - 17:00

Ticket prices: 8€, Group ticket: 6€

Perama, 45 500, Ioannina

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Epidaurus

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:30:04 +0000

A small city of giants

Epidaurus was a small city in ancient Greece.

But this is just a tiny piece of the history of the place.

History walkthrough

Ancient Epidaurus, is world-renowned for its impressive ancient theatre with amazing acoustics (4th century B.C.) and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a leading healing center of antiquity (not the only one in Greece, but unquestionably the most famous). It is a top tourist destination because it blends beaches with natural beauty, history, and culture.

Due to their outstanding architecture and significance in the growth and dissemination of healing sanctuaries and cults throughout the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, the Sanctuary of Asclepius and ancient theatre were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

“Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
Edgar Allan Poe”

— "Oedipus" by Yannis Houvardas

Once in a lifetime experience

You have to be there

Nowadays, I would suggest to anyone to visit the ancient theatre during the Athens Epidaurus Festival and watch a play; any play. The vibes and feelings you get when sitting in the same seats where our ancestors sat and watch a theatrical play in the same stage is an undescribable experience.

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Ancient theatre at the Asklepieion of Epidaurus

The Asclepieion of Epidaurus became the most renowned of all the Asclepieia in ancient Greece, due to the many serious cases that were cured there. People came there from all over Greece, as well as from the Mediterranean basin, seeking divine mercy.

The complex was very large and included guesthouses, a gymnasium, a stadium, and the famous Theater, for the entertainment of the people.

The magnificent natural environment in which it was built also appears to have played a significant role in the treatment of patients. The tranquility of nature, the gentle and clear lines of the surrounding mountains, the lush vegetation, and the abundant springs had a tremendous effect, particularly on patients with mental illnesses, resulting in improved health with the help of their priests.

Swimming and Dining in Epidaurus

In addition to the archaeological site, it’s worth taking a swim in modern town of Epidaurus (above the ancient ruins of a roman villa), a meal at one of the area’s charming taverns, and perhaps another theatre play at the small theater of Epidaurus.

You can see more in the video below.

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Wedding / Ranio & Elias

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:20:42 +0000

A great couple

Ranio is a super talented young woman and an old friend of the blog.

A few years ago, I had the honor of taking photos for her simple and beautiful civil wedding with her partner, Elias.

I am very happy for her happiness and success, as I am for all the strong women in the world!

“It is better to be looked over than overlooked.”

— Mae West

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Kites and views

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:34:42 +0000

Kites: The symbolism

Flying kites symbolizes the ascension of the human soul to the divine, according to Greek Christian tradition. The custom is revived every year on Clean Monday, at the beginning of Lent, when Christians "cleanse" themselves physically and spiritually through fasting.

Did you know?

American inventor Benjamin Franklin discovered the lightning rod thanks to experiments he conducted with a kite and a key.

“Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.”

— Winston Churchill

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A fun activity for all

Flying kites is an activity often associated with childhood and joy.
Children and adults flew kites as a sign of freedom and happiness, expressing their joy at the coming of spring and the imminent rebirth brought about by the Resurrection.

Many years ago, when we were children, it was customary to make kites with our parents to fly on Clean Monday. Of course, there were also the classic kites in toy stores, as there are today, but the time we spent with our parents making our own kites as we imagined them was invaluable.

I am always struck by how few people fly kites on unrelated days when they go on a trip to the countryside with their children. It's such a fun activity for the whole family!

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A day trip to the artificial lake of Aoos and Metsovo

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 11:30:23 +0000

Metsovo, the mountain beauty

Metsovo, located in the heart of the Pindos mountain range in Greece, offers a beautiful day trip if you are staying nearby, such as in Ioannina. From the tranquil lake of the Aoos springs to the charming streets of Metsovo, this day trip promises to be a visual delight.

At the heart of the Pindus mountain range

Start early to reach one of the highest lakes in Greece at your leisure. You will make many stops for photographs; the landscape is magical.

The lake of the sources of Aoos, located about 20 kilometers northwest of Metsovo, is at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 11.5 square kilometers and is usually covered in snow during winter, offering countless photo opportunities.

If you are lucky, you will encounter fog and perhaps snow. Drive carefully!

“Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.”

— Wallace Stevens

Metsovo time

After enjoying the beauty of the lake, continue on to Metsovo, a picturesque mountain village.

It is famous for its traditional stone houses, cobbled streets, rich cultural heritage, and benefactors. The village is also known for its local cheeses, especially Metsovone, a smoked semi-hard cheese that is to die for. Try it raw and as saganaki.

While you're walking around Metsovo, you'll probably run into rain or snow, especially in winter. The place is super touristy, which kinda ruins its character, but where there's smoke, there's fire. It's touristy because it's so beautiful.

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Metsovo and Lake Aoos offer a quick escape from Ioannina, but you may also consider staying here. You can find delicious food, especially meat, but if you are looking for even more delicious traditional dishes, try the nearby villages.

In any case, it's a beautiful, easy photo trip.
The Egnatia Highway has made it very easy.

Note: Always check the local weather forecast before your trip. The mountains are no joke. Also, while you're around the lake, watch out for large sheepdogs, which can be particularly aggressive.

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The Cold War Museum in Lithuania

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:30:17 +0000

Cold days of the past

On February, 5th, 2026 we had some alarming news about nuclear weapons.

On this occasion, I will show you a few photos from a rather frightening experience I had in beautiful Lithuania.

A unique museum

Lithuania is home to the only Cold War museum, which is essentially an old Soviet facility consisting of four silos for launching missiles with nuclear warheads.

I won't bore you with the history of the place; I think the information on the museum's website is sufficient:

“Between 1963 and 1978, this fortress housed four SS-4 medium-range missiles, each armed with 2-megaton thermonuclear warheads, representing a significant portion of the nuclear arsenal aimed at Europe.”

“The threat of world war is no more.”

— Mikhail Gorbachev

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Cold days should stay at the past

Even the road leading to the museum grounds is rough and lonely, with no signs or other signs of civilization. It was built for one purpose only: to provide access to this secret place during the Cold War...

The museum itself is excellent. It presents the history of the place and the Cold War in general, without frills or unnecessary information. Those in charge understood that the terror caused by the place is enough.

The spaces that visitors can explore are dimly lit and coolly quiet. That is why I chose to present the photographs in the same way: dimly lit, grainy, and without intense colors. This type of editing gives a somewhat otherworldly feeling that grips you as you stand beneath the Earth.

One of the many shocking details I read in one of the boards is that “Upon receipt of the appropriate command, the crew was able to shoot a missile after 48 minutes.”

There is not much to see around the facilities, except for a metal observation tower overlooking the area. Climbing to the top, nothing helps you imagine that an invisible threat to so many people hung over this place for so many years.

Let's hope that the world will come to its senses at some point and that we will only see such horrific human creations as sad relics of the past.

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How to always take the sharpest photos possible (it is harder than you think)

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:30:55 +0000

Overrated virtue of a photograph

One of the important (though certainly not the most important) elements of a successful photograph is sharpness. Today, I will share with you some techniques and tips for achieving sharp images, regardless of your skill level.

Personally, I believe that sharpness is a rather overrated technical virtue of a photograph. The value of an image has never been elevated or diminished by its degree of sharpness.

Nevertheless, you will surely be surprised by how many factors affect the sharpness of a photograph!

What does a sharp image mean?

The term "sharpness" essentially represents an illusion. The human eye perceives edges as sharpness, as well as shadows and highlights as depth in an object. Simply put, what makes a photo sharp is having a light-colored pixel next to a dark pixel with very few gray pixels in between. When you use any sharpening method in post-processing, all you are essentially doing is taking those edges (the dark and light pixels) and adding contrast to them. If you pixel peep an image that you have sharpened, you will see the intense contrast between the dark and light pixels.

In practice, dark colors should become even darker and light colors should become even lighter. At the same time, there should be shades in the bright spots and shadows.

Finally, it helps to have contrast around our main subject. It gives the illusion of more sharpness than there probably is.

“Sharpness is a bourgeois concept”

— Henri Cartier Bresson

Lens Selection: Prime or Zoom?

When it comes to lens selection, prime lenses (fixed focal length) often outperform zoom lenses. Prime lenses usually offer a lower maximum aperture (and therefore greater speed—they are "faster"), better sharpness, and less distortion. While not an absolute rule, prime lenses can help you achieve clearer and sharper images than their zoom counterparts.

It is also a good idea to use lenses equipped with Image Stabilization (IS). Depending on the lens model and how many thousands of euros you have spent, the result can be magical. You will be able to take photos with a free, almost shaky hand and the result will be usable.

Clean Lenses: The Basic Principle

Before each shot, make sure your lens is clean. A dirty lens can reduce the sharpness of your image. Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. Also, have your lenses checked and serviced whenever necessary.

Avoid filters in front of your lens (with the exception, of course, of some special-purpose filters, such as polarizers)! This may sound somewhat controversial, but it is a shame to pay hundreds or thousands of euros for expensive lens glass only to hide it behind a filter that is probably cheap. I consider UV filters, which are supposed to "protect" your lens, to be the most useless accessory a photographer can have. Your lens can withstand a lot of abuse, trust me. If you ever want to do so for some reason, keep in mind that breaking the front lens of a simple nifty-fifty will require a hammer, considerable force, and quite a few attempts.

Correct Viewfinder Adjustment

Correct viewfinder adjustment is critical for accurate focusing. Adjust it so that you can see the image clearly and focus correctly. Depending on any visual problems you may have, such as slight myopia, you can make minor adjustments for a clear field of view through the viewfinder.

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Stability: Use a Tripod and Maintain Proper Posture

Stability is key to sharpness.

For handheld photography, follow the Hand-Holding Rule: make sure the shutter speed is at least the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens. E.g., 1/100s or faster for a 100mm lens.

Also, learn the correct body posture:

Hold the camera with both hands. Your right hand on the grip and your left hand below the lens (unless you are left-handed—how do left-handed people hold the camera?).
Make sure your elbows are close to your body.
Press the eyepiece against your eye.
Keep your feet slightly apart, at the same level as your shoulders.
If possible, lean against a stable object or a wall.
The aim is to create an artificial "tripod" with your body.

Use a sturdy tripod to prevent camera shake whenever possible, especially if you have a heavy lens attached to your camera body. This may seem excessive, but try this simple experiment: photograph a stationary subject with a telephoto lens at a fast shutter speed (using the Hand-Holding Rule) and immediately afterwards, take the same picture with the camera on a tripod. Chances are you will see differences in sharpness, especially if you zoom in on your computer screen.

When shooting with a tripod, it is a good idea to activate the 2" or 10" timer that cameras usually have. This will help you avoid the slight vibrations caused by pressing the shutter button.

These techniques will help you reduce camera shake.

Please note that when you put a lens with IS on a tripod, it is a good idea to turn it off. IS constantly searches for movement in the frame, and since there is no movement on a tripod, it is likely to cause blurring in the image.

Weather and shooting location

Even the weather can play a role in the clarity of a photo taken outdoors. The ideal weather is considered to be immediately after rain. It clears the atmosphere of microparticles, which are invisible to the naked eye but affect the sharpness of a landscape image.

The same applies to the altitude from which a photo is taken, proportionally, as well as the season of the year.

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Camera sensor

Your camera sensor also plays an important role. A medium format camera (53mm x 40.20mm) provides different sharpness than a full frame camera (35mm x 24mm) or a camera built into a mobile phone (12.8mm x 9.60mm at most).

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Aperture

Probably the most important factor is the aperture you choose when taking your photo. Knowing the depth of field here proves to be crucial. Let me explain:

A small ("fast") aperture number helps isolate your subject, such as in a portrait, giving the impression of "pop" and absolute sharpness through contrast. The term bokeh, which you may have heard of, refers to this creamy background; the more dreamlike it is, the more intense the effect.
A large ("slow") aperture number helps achieve sharpness from the foreground to the farthest depth of a landscape image, for example.
Be careful with extreme values, as a very bright aperture (e.g., 1.2) can cause our image to suffer at the edges of the frame, while, conversely, with a very dark aperture (e.g., 32), sharpness is likely to be lost due to diffraction.
Most lenses have a sweet spot of performance, which is usually f/8.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed is also important when taking a photo. If the subject is moving, such as an airplane, a fast shutter speed will freeze the motion, resulting in a clear image. If, on the other hand, the subject is stationary, such as a mountain landscape, a slow speed can blur the movement of the clouds, giving clarity to the mountains and a dreamlike sky.

For handheld photography, remember the Hand-Holding Rule.

ISO

Use the lowest possible ISO to reduce noise, or "grain," in the image. Of course, if conditions require it, you will use a higher ISO. An image taken with clarity in the dark, even with noise, is better than one that was never captured. However, this does not mean that an image at 25600 ISO can be clearer than one at 100 ISO.

Lighting

Proper lighting always helps in photography, and the same applies to sharpness. A poorly lit photo cannot be as sharp as a properly lit one. In a less obvious way, the flash can help by freezing any movement that occurs in front of the camera lens, but also by creating a stronger contrast. This is true even during the day, under certain conditions.

Focus

High Contrast Subject: Focus on areas with high contrast for more accurate focus or rather for a seemingly sharper image.

Subject Type: A metal object is easier to make sharp than a face. On a face, if there are no shadows and highlights, the skin will appear flat, and this is what the eye perceives as "unsharp."
Back-Button Focus: Use the back button on the camera to focus, especially in low light conditions, for greater accuracy. You want separate focus from shutter release.
Focus on Center AF Point: The center focus point is usually the most accurate. If possible, choose it.
Technology: Use all the features a modern camera has to offer: manual focus assist, AF point options, zoom on the LCD screen or viewfinder to verify the correct focus, etc.

Editing: Using Lightroom and Photoshop

After shooting, editing can improve the sharpness of your image. However, it is important to understand the differences between the tools:

Clarity: Increases contrast in midtones, adding depth to the image.
Texture: Enhances details without affecting shadows and highlights.
Unsharp Mask: Applies sharpness to the entire image, but can cause noise.
High Pass Filter: Applies sharpness to specific areas while maintaining image quality.

Note that we almost never apply sharpening to the entire image. It is better to focus on specific areas for best results.

There are so many sharpening techniques in Lightroom and especially in Photoshop that entire books have been written on the subject. In addition, you can find countless videos online, such as this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one.

A tip worth keeping in mind: when editing an image in Photoshop, make sure that your subject (the face in a portrait, for example) is no larger on the screen than the size of your closed fist when holding in front of your face at 15cm.

Exporting and photo size

When you export a photo from your computer, your file options are important. If it is a jpg, quality 60, 1000 pixels by 1000 pixels, no matter how much sharpening you apply, the image will look poor because its resolution will simply be too low. The same applies to prints.

Viewing distance

The viewing distance of a photograph is extremely important. A 60cm x 100cm printed photograph has a different sharpness when viewed from a distance of 10cm than when viewed from a distance of 3 meters. An image on a 22-inch screen at 300% zoom has a different sharpness than the same image on the same 55-inch screen at 100% zoom. Think of the analogy with a television or an advertising billboard.

Reproduction of the photograph

Similarly, the same photo will have different sharpness on plain matte paper, glossy paper, or cotton museum photo paper.

An image will look different on a simple LCD screen than on a calibrated QD-OLED screen.

A few more tips and techniques

Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW format allows you greater flexibility in editing and maintaining quality. Avoid shooting directly in jpg format, because you are essentially handing over the creative process to the camera itself and each company's algorithm, while the small size does not help in achieving absolute sharpness.
Shooting angles: Change your perspective to add selective focus to your subject.
Use special sharpening programs: Tools such as Nik Collection (Sharpener Pro), DxO PureRAW, Luminar Neo, ON1 Photo RAW, and especially the well-known Topaz Photo can improve the sharpness of your images. Some of them use AI, of course, so it's debatable whether they actually sharpen, but that's a topic for another post.
Take several shots. If you are trying panning, for example, you are likely to get at least one sharp photo, as long as you make several attempts.

Conclusion

Achieving sharpness requires a combination of the right techniques, equipment, and processing. By practicing and applying the above tips, you will see a significant improvement in the sharpness of your photos. Remember, photography is a continuous process of learning and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and explore different perspectives.

Nowadays, of course, it is easier than ever to take a sharp photo, but if you really want to have complete control over the final result, you should keep all of the above in mind.

On the other hand, as a colleague says, "Who cares, they'll see it online, on a mobile phone, at 1000 pixels. It doesn't have to be tack sharp, it doesn't matter."

Finally, don't forget: the more you zoom in, the blurrier your image will look, no matter how sharp it is. Unless it's a frame by Christopher Nolan.

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Rotterdam - The playground of architecture

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:02:45 +0000

Feast for the eyes

Some time ago, I visited Rotterdam for just a few hours. However, that was enough time to be enchanted by the city.

Until recently, Rotterdam was the largest port in the world and is still the largest in Europe. Water is omnipresent, as it is throughout the Netherlands, but this is not the only feature that characterizes the city.

Architecture lives here

Start at Centraal

I would say that what characterizes it is its rich, mainly modern architecture. During my long walk, in the hours I had at my disposal, I felt like I was walking according to Wallpaper*'s suggestions. Amazing design everywhere, incredible geometric designs on unique buildings and countless engineering marvels parade before your eyes.

If you come to Rotterdam by train, the central station, Centraal, with its surreal appearance, will give you a first, accurate taste of what awaits you in the city.

“Sterker door strijd (Stronger through struggle)”

— Queen Wilhelmina

A food market like you’ve never seen

One awesome place to check out is definitely the Markthal, maybe the weirdest food market you've ever seen in Europe. It is a huge horseshoe-shaped "canopy" covered with a colorful mural by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam.

Of course, when you find yourself at the Markthal, you will probably leave it behind and cross over to gaze at the world-famous Kubuswoningen, the cube-shaped houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom.

Imagine my surprise when, as I was photographing Kubuswoningen, a window opened and a jockey hat fell out in front of me!

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Dreams of a better life

A ship that is part of collective memory, the SS Rotterdam (also known as "The Grande Dame") is now a hotel/museum, but it was once the largest ocean liner ever built in the Netherlands. It is permanently moored in the Katendrecht district.

Nearby is the Hotel New York, once the headquarters of the Holland America Line. A historic landmark, this was the departure

point for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America. From here, I suggest taking a water taxi (which runs at excessive speed), passing by the SS Rotterdam and ending up opposite, at Het Park, to continue your walk.

Het Park is a beautiful, small park dominated by the Euromast (there is also a restaurant inside).

Unfortunately, Rotterdam was razed to the ground by the Germans during World War II, and after the war ended, it was decided to rebuild it from scratch as a brand new, modern city. That is why it is almost surprising to come across an old building or landmark, such as the Laurenskerk Cathedral.

However, the masterpiece that captivated me was the famous Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug). It is an 802-meter cable-stayed bridge, better known as "The Swan" because of the impressive design of its strange 139-meter-high pillar. It was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel and completed in 1996.

Amsterdam usually claims the title of the most interesting Dutch city, but Rotterdam is really a trip I want to take again, to discover it photographically at my own pace.

A beautiful city!

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Trikala - City of wonders

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:02:56 +0000

Live there

One of the few cities

There are very few cities in Greece, apart from Athens, where I think I would happily live permanently.

Trikala is undoubtedly one of them.

First of all, it is very friendly to its residents, who in turn are equally friendly and calm. How could they not be?

They live in a flat city, ideal for cycling, with very few places more than a 15-minute walk away. There is infrastructure for whatever anyone wants to see, eat, enjoy, and do.

“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”

— Plato

What to do (whatever you like!)

There are so many things to do here that I will simply mention the famous Mill of the Elves and the incredible Tsitsanis Museum.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the greatest advantage of the city of Trikala: it is perhaps the ideal base for someone who loves excursions, like me. Due to its location, it is almost in the center of mainland Greece, so choosing between short and long trips is a breeze. The mythical Meteora, for example, is just over 20 minutes away!

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Plan your visit in Meteora (and stay in Trikala)

Meteora is a unique destination in the whole world, but if you plan to visit it, take my advice and stay in Trikala. You won't be disappointed.

Finally, I must mention that some very beautiful people live in Trikala, such as Stefania, Thanasis, Stefanos, and Bessy, which makes every trip at Trikala a very easy decision.

It was certainly no coincidence that Asclepius was born here.

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A sunny winter day at the SNFCC with friends

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

A jewel of Athens

Living in a place like Athens, might have its difficulties, but there is always the sun. There's nothing quite like spending a sunny winter day with friends, coffee and a camera in hand. One of my favorite places to do this is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SFNCC).

Sunny Winter Day

Just when 2026 begun, we visited SFNCC. The weather was perfect—a calm, beautiful day with clear skies and not even the slightest breeze. My friends and I began our day with coffee of course, under the sun.

“Friends are the sunshine of life.”

— John Hay

A piece of history

Bréal’s Silver Cup, the historic prize presented to Spyros Louis as the winner of the marathon at the 1st modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

After our coffee, we took a leisurely stroll through the SFNCC's gardens. We walked by the canal and headed up to Esplanade. The Esplanade is probably the best part of the whole SFNCC premises. You walk between the olive trees and end up in front of the sea. The sight of yachts and fishing boats against the backdrop of the bustling harbor of Microlimano, a part of Piraeus, is magical. You can just rest here for a day and read your book, feeling you are hundred of miles away from the city.

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On the way back, you can see Athens spreading in front of your eyes.

There are some opportunities for photos, as the architects have worked wonders here. That said, although I took a few photos, as you can see, photography was not the main reason I was there, so I just enjoyed the company of my loved ones and cleared my mind.

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Don’t miss the chance to visit SFNCC if in Athens

If you are in Athens, I would strongly suggest visiting SFNCC. Too many things to see; National Library is here, as well as Greek National Opera. There are running tracks, playground, gardens, coffee shops, games area, labs for kids, a famous restaurant

and even a bike rental station. These days you can even see the Spyros Louis Bréal’s Cup. You can spend a whole day and still have things to do!

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens offers a mix of modern architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views, making it an ideal location for photographers of all levels and a great place to just relax.

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Planespotting

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:40:57 +0000

My love for airplanes

As a photographer with a passion for airplanes, few experiences can compare to the thrill of photographing aircraft in flight.
I can rarely resist photographing anything that flies or has flown in the past, as you can tell from the photos below (including a greek flag with a fragment from the moon’s surface from the Apollo 11 space flight).

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The dynamic interplay of light and the wonders of engineering offers endless opportunities for exciting photographs. However, trying to get some beautiful shots was, to say the least, a challenge at Athens Airport, officially known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.

The charm of airplanes and the art of plane spotting

Plane spotting, the art of observing and photographing aircraft, is a hobby that combines technical skills with a love of aviation. It is not just about taking pictures, but about understanding the subtle nuances of aircraft movements, weather conditions, and the delicate play of light. Each photograph tells a story of mechanical prowess and human ingenuity. Of course, as a little boy, I wanted to be a fighter pilot too. Fortunately, I didn't make it.

“We all fly.”

— Michael Jordan

The challenges of aircraft spotting at Athens International Airport

Unlike airports in other countries that have specially designated areas for aircraft spotters, Athens International Airport lags behind in this regard. The airport's design and surrounding infrastructure limit the accessible points for enthusiasts. While photography is allowed outside the airport perimeter, certain areas are off-limits and access to restricted zones can have legal consequences. I am not a planespotter, but I would like it to be easier to photograph planes more often. There are several colleagues who are serious planespotters, and their work is worth your time.

Discovering aircraft observation points at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport

Despite the difficulties, dedicated planespotters have identified several spots with good views around the airport:

Burger King Observation Deck: Located on the 2nd floor of the terminal, it offers a panoramic view of the eastern runway and taxiways. You can take photos, but reflections from the glass will make it difficult. Specific viewing angle. (airportspotting.com)
Bridge near the metro station: The elevated footbridge connecting the metro station to the terminal offers a good view of one runway (03L/21R) and the adjacent taxiways. (familyexperiencesblog.com)
Parking lots and commercial park: Outside the terminal, some parking lots and the adjacent commercial park offer views of aircraft movements. However, access to these spots requires careful navigation due to the lack of sidewalks between areas.
Open-air viewing platform: On the second floor of the airport. You can see takeoffs/landings, but you will be limited in what photos you can take.
Sofitel Hotel: A good choice for watching planes take off and land, if you are staying in the right room, but it will be difficult to take photos.
Other spots: This website is a tremendous help, created with passion by people who know everything there is to know about the subject.

Photography tips for photographing aircraft at Athens International Airport

Taking high-quality pictures of aircraft requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of the environment. Here are some simple tips:

Equipment recommendations: A DSLR or mirrorless camera combined with a 70-200mm lens or, even better, a 70-300mm lens (although a 100-400mm lens is probably ideal) for photographing aircraft from a distance.
Optimal lighting conditions: The morning hours, especially before 11:00 a.m., offer the best lighting for photographing arriving aircraft.
Composition: You can incorporate elements such as the airport terminal, runways, or the surrounding landscape to add context and depth to your photos, although I find that airplanes are so beautiful that they stand comfortably on their own in a minimalist composition.
Weather conditions: Watch out for heat haze during the summer months, which can distort (or even take off - pun intended) your images.

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Accepting the challenge and capturing the moment

Despite restrictions at Athens International Airport, plane spotting remains a rewarding pastime. Every photograph you take is a testament to the passion of aviation enthusiasts. Photographers (but not only them) can continue to create exciting images that celebrate the beauty and complexity of flight and the awe inspired by these marvels of human imagination and ingenuity.

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Conclusion

My journey as a photographer at Athens International Airport was full of challenges. One of them had to do with the fact that, upon arriving at point 2 here, my car ran out of battery, and it took roadside assistance about two hours to find the exact location!

The lack of designated areas for plane spotters reinforced my appreciation for the art and science of aerial photography. I encourage fellow enthusiasts to explore designated spots, respect local regulations, and always prioritize safety. Remember that every photograph is not just an image, but a story waiting to be told.

To get a taste of plane spotting at Athens International Airport, you can find several videos, such as this one.

I think I should go back soon to take some new photos at our airport.

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Kotzia square celebrations in Athens

Nick Boutsikos — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:06:36 +0000

Happy new Year!

A few more days to enjoy

In Athens these days, there are many ways to enjoy the New Year celebrations. One of the best is the one in the center of Athens, in Kotzia Square, right in front of the city hall. You have until Tuesday to visit them and I would suggest you do so.

Gift ideas

You will find many small kiosks with tsouros, hamburgers, jewelry, candles, decorations and various other souvenirs, so it is also a great opportunity to find original gifts from your trip to Athens.

“Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love.”

— Wally Lamb

Lanterns in the sky

For a few years now, the main event has been held here in the days around Christmas, when lanterns are distributed to the crowd and at some point everyone releases them into the sky. The spectacle is impressive. The next time you are in Athens around Christmas, it would be a good opportunity to see it.

This year, the organizers didn't do it as well as they should have because they were a little behind schedule, so many people put their lanterns out much earlier and the spectacle wasn't as magical as it could have been. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful evening.

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Wish you a very happy new year!

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Happy New Year!

Nick Boutsikos — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

“Wish you a very happy new year!”

— Nidibou

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