I am still going through the Crete photos; it seems that I have a tendency to edit bits and pieces at a time. In a world where everything is expected to be posted and documented immediately, I’ve stepped or more like fallen back from that pressure—I’m never ready to share them that quickly. By the time I consider posting, the moment has already passed. Do you understand what I mean?
Social media has made it too quick for me to keep up with the constant flow of information and updates. As a result, I’ve mostly stopped posting there, feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of engagement that doesn’t allow for thoughtful reflection. I often find that I am never truly in the moment, as the pressure to share experiences instantly detracts from actually enjoying them.
Now after that rant, for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness: here are black and white, monochrome images from the Fortezza Fortress in Crete. This historical site, with its impressive architecture, offers a unique perspective on the rich history of the region. In my post from yesterday, I was below looking up, trying to capture the grandeur of the fortress that towers above the surrounding landscape. This time, however, these images are actually taken from within the fortress itself, allowing you to explore the intricate details. The timeless grandeur and the enduring strength of this magnificent structure of Crete’s ancient heritage.
The picture depicts the Church of Saint Catherine (Agia Ekaterini), located in the historic area of the Fortress .This charming Orthodox chapel, built of rugged limestone, dates back to the 19th century.
The Sultan Ibrahim Mosque is located within the Fortezza Fortress and was constructed in 1583, initially functioning as a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas during the era of Venetian control. Following the Ottomans’ conquest of Réthymno in 1646, the church was transformed into a mosque, at which point an 11-meter diameter dome was added, along with a minaret that has since been demolished.
The fortress is primarily built from rough limestone, and its walls can be up to 5 meters thick. The limestone arches looked interesting
With this last photo, I did two monochrome edits. As you can see, the other is in the same gray shades as all the photos above, while I tried more blue tones in the one. I still lean towards the more traditional black and white – gray shades. Don’t you think the mood changes in these two, even if it’s the same shot? Any thoughts about this?
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
That is very old, so cool looking!
I agree with you on ‘social’ media, it has an energetic shift that isn’t what I would refer to as good. In comparison to the blogs on WordPress, which my energy much prefers.
My energy is more suitable for blogs too 😀
I was even more turned off this week when a few nights ago I opened FB to see one of my husbands cousins obituary… no one reached out to us in real life. Social media is, IMO not how family should find out about a death! Turned me off even more.
So sorry for your loss, and how you got the news. I agree it should be more personal, absolutely.
Great black and whites Ritva. I loved the image of the arches. I was deleted from Facebook after someone hacked my account. I gained back an hour of my day.
Sorry about the hack, glad for the extra hour you gained. and me Luckily i have not been hacked, but I do not spend lots of time in FB anymore as it is mostly adds now
😍
😊
You continue to be slowere and thoughtful in your postings! It shows, when you do share them with us, and in a good way. This particular site responds so well to b/w. And that last shot? Really, I don’t know. I like both treatments. Unhelpful. Sorry.
I appreciate your rant and the thoughtfulness you put into creating and sharing posts.
I was blogged a bit about how I prefer blogging to posting on social media too! People are so much more friendly and sincere here. Wonderful images. The monochrome works so well for them
I just blogged a bit, that should say 😊
It’s nice to live with your images for a while, Ritva. Makes the holiday experience last longer. Once they’re published, they’re gone … xx
That opening rant hit home — the pressure to post instantly really does pull you out of the moment. I’ve stood in beautiful places fumbling for my phone instead of just looking. Funny how stepping back is exactly what lets these Crete photos breathe. And between your two edits, the traditional gray shades win for me too — the blue reads cooler, but the gray holds the weight of that 5-meter limestone. The church-to-mosque history of the Ibrahim Mosque is such a rich detail.