On the move at Greek Festival

Posted on by Prior...

Mofman‘s challenge (HERE) invites us to use color photography that incite emotions. To join in, I am sharing TEN photos I took at our local Greek Festival yesterday.

otm1
Dancers at the Greek Festival in RVA. (Can you see the lady to the far right? – she is giving us a smile…)

otm2

greek 1
The vibrant colors at the Greek Festival can be seen in clothing, food, and even in the dishes.
ladies in colors
These two ladies – in their colorful dresses – are on their way as they walk and eat (linked to TS). The trash on the ground and the background folks add to the vibe. I also like the informal triangle in the composition the three ladies have two colored dresses and the one with a turquoise colored outfit – and then three flags and a little tilt add to the shape.
lady in blue
Another “on the move” (or on the way) feel – along with a traditional outfit and a bit of stage light for interest.
lady in orange
I was actually taking some pictures of folks using their phones- and somehow this sweet grandmother ended up giving me a smile. The exposure is not the best, but I like the mood with the grandmother’s kindness, her beauty, and her watchful diligence as she keeps close tabs on her grandson (notice that tight shoulder grip).
capturing
Here is an example of photos of folks taking photos.
man in green
This man’s soft smile and skin variations caught my eye.  I wondered what he was thinking. Also, the little happy face on the outfit seems to add something.
bombed
The mood in this photo speaks for itself (and notice the photo bomb?)
greek festival 2015 rva
A collage – just to show the fun and good food.  The gyros, kabobs,  and greek salads were excellent. We were at the festival back in 2013 and this event really feels timeless.
take out food
Many people leave (on their way home) with take out food from the festival. Here is an example of 5 people leaving with festival food – and this was a few blocks away. This event also has a drive through set up each year just for those who want to enjoy Greek festival food to go. mmmm.

walkers with color

Well thanks for dropping by – I hope you have a nice “last day” of May 2015.

Update- here is the street musician (Marquelle) who was set up “on the way” to the festival.

pps-529-marq-5-2015

90 thoughts on “On the move at Greek Festival”

  2. That’s a good way to see May off 🙂 I love your collage best (really awesome), so I am displaying that one in my post. Thank you very much for taking part in this challenge, Yvette. Greeks are a colourful nation. It is one of the countries that I yet have to visit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. well thanks for picking the collage one to share – ❤ – and my pleasure to join in – Allan's post was quite passionate – looking forward to his B & W – have a nice day and cheers to June…

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Pingback: Thursday’s Special: How to tell a story through colour photography (response to guest challenge) | Lost in Translation
  4. Pingback: Guest Challenge: How to Tell a Story through Colour Photography | Lost in Translation

  5. You’ve done a great job of combining themes/challenges in one post and be able to tell wonderful stories. Have a great Sundy, Yvette! 🙂

    Like

  6. What a great day out and some cool photos to go with it! Love your photo of the Greek dancers, some much better with the lady smiling at you too! And that one of the people with festival food is so cool, the way they are spaced out, hang on that sounds wrong, the gaps in-between them, oh you know what I mean! 🙂
    Here comes summer! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Katie – thanks – and I think I do know what you mean! 🙂 – and those minor details are fun to find later- at least for me – they happen accidentally. ttys

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Good morning, Yvette. Another good story! Our Greek Festival is at the end of August. Their desserts usually are sold out by noon. Hmm… I have 3 month waiting period… ;-(
    Have a great day!

    Like

    1. wow – that stuff must sell out fast! and what a drag to go there and see “sold out” signs – better get there early then – Well here is a photo of the indoor dessert area – which I was told came all the way from Florida (by truck) for this event… hmmmm

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Looks like alot of fun. I can almost hear the music over here!

    Like

    1. thanks yellow-cable – it was a last minute attendance for us – and I am glad we made it this year – 🙂

      Like

    1. thx G – overhearing the live music was my favorite part – the dancing was okay – nice and all – but they sure do dance for marathon numbers – ha! anyhow, the live music was simple – authentic -and you could hear it throughout.

      Like

  15. I think I’d like a beef chwarma. Salad with yogurt dressing. Yeah, your photos did this great justice, Y. Colorful and INTIMATE. The costumed dancers being shot by (probable) family members with their phones is my favorite. That’s such a combo of tradition and life n 2015, right? And the two girls putting their happy face and body posture on for the stranger (you) taking their photo, that’s what life has turned out to be now, too, mugging it up for a photo opp. Photo bombing included. The old world feel of the dark street with the take home walkers is fantastic, a neighborhood where people still walk places. That’s cool. Way to go, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi mark – you are so right about the photo opps – also – we have some neighborhoods with no sidewalks and they are just like every other city – but this festival is in an older neighborhood area – and some of the houses are weird – like huge apartments now. also, here is a musician who was on the corner – said he stays there for about 8 hours a day during the festival –

      Like

        1. I agree – even tho my husband said he thought the guy was cheating – and that he should have only used “all buckets’ for his set up – but in my opinion I thought it was fine. I grabbed a little video of his playing – and his name was Marquel – I will share the snippet of his playing later.

          Like

        3. I just put it together – it is very informal footage – but captured the feel… let me know what you think

          Like

    1. Hey Linda – things here are plugging along nicely here too – and side note – I am still laughing at those recent photos you shared – like the dog with the rollers – ha!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Yvette I admire your ability to capture the emotion of people in living day to day and in such special celebrations. I am hesitant to photograph people. Perhaps in Peru I will try it more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Sue – thanks for your nice comment. And I will tell you one thing – it takes being in the right mood for this kind of photography. I am still experimenting (which I think you know) and I really try to have ethical sensitivity and manners. But it really does take being in a certain frame of mind – as does taking any photos – and it is sometimes just nice to leave the camera put away 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Looks like people like to pose and smile for your shots, Y. What’s your secret? Did you say something funny to them? 😀 Very lively festival. You should have taken a moment and joined in the dancing. I’m sure no one would mind.

    Like

    1. Hi Mabel – well I did joke around once or twice with this “Irish” dance move – where you do the heel-toe-heel-toe – but it really felt like listening music (if that makes sense). The dancing was culture rich – but so many of the numbers were similar and we liked the music most.

      and for my secret? how nice of you to ask. 🙂
      first,
      have to be in the mood because of the social element. we went here last minute the other night and I was not going to take any pictures (ha!) but when I saw the street musician I had to get some footage – I find street players are so unique and so they get me every time.
      and then that was it – I was in the mood to take pics.
      second, it helps if I have a goal or an aim for the photos – for example, on one of the days in Florida I was really looking for a surfer –
      third,
      the vibe of the atmosphere plays a part and sometimes depicts what unfolds – – in this case, folks were moving about and so many folks had phones out it was actually eerie. I decided to take photos of people using their phones – and I was standing near those ladies – and they saw me taking a crowd shot and it unfolded naturally from there – this friendly lady (on the left) started chatting with me –

      anyhow, thanks for asking 🙂

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for sharing your secret, Y. I will keep them in mind when out scouting for photos. I like to photograph street performers too – they put themselves out there on the street and don’t mind the attention. Other normal people, however, move away from me when I hold up my camera.

        To be honest, I’m usually more comfortable taking photos when someone else is taking photos…if I’m the only person in a room taking photos, at some point I start wondering if I’m allowed to (I’m going to write about this topic in my return-blog-post in a few weeks).

        You and your camera make a very good pair, Y. It gets you friends and sort of makes you the life of the party 😀

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I hear ya on that – I also feel at ease when others are taking pics 🙂 (ps – I hope you have a nice few weeks off – you will be missed )

          Liked by 1 person

  21. These photos really capture the energy and spirit of the place. I like the one a few block away, with people carrying take away! Made me think of wanting some gyros!

    Like

    1. thx bf – and the gyros were so good – also – the prices were so nice – like gyros were 8 dollars -that is what the greek places in carytown sell theirs for –

      Like

      1. 8 bucks for gyros? I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon. I just can’t get used to prices of things these days.

        Like

        1. well I hear you on that – and I feel like 8 dollars is the new five bucks – you know – where a fin could get you lunch – now it is two fins – do you know what I mean fish on the move? jk

          Liked by 1 person

  22. Wow! The festival looks very popular.
    I love watching – and moving to – the Greek dances. They are so energetic and full of fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for dropping by Colline – and when we went in 2013 it was raining and only had half the crowd – – and I just put some of the dance footage into a quick youtube video – it is here if you want to peek.

      Like

    1. bahhh – they have so many wonderful things – olive oil soap – lamb meat – and music -= thanks for dropping by CP4 ❤

      Like

  24. Looks like it was a really lively affair. and your photos captured the mood very well. Loved the Greek dance video, Yvette. They are so enthusiastic. 🙂 I hope that happy street musician makes a few bucks from the passers by. He has such a great smile.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. I miss the ethnic festivals of my youth in NE Pennsylvania! Yvette, you capture the color, movement, and joy so well! Thank you ❤ Opa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. sorry I am long to reply -but thanks so much for dropping by themofman – and u had a cool challenge by the way – anyhow, this was in Virginia – and here is a photo of the church that hosts this each year:

      Liked by 1 person

  29. What a super fun post! From your great photos, I could hear the Greek music, smell the delicious food and hear the music as the dancers spun ’round and ’round! Thanks for sharing this festival with us!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Particularly like your opening shot, Yvette, but they all capture life because it’s what you do best. 🙂 Such a pretty dish too. Hope you’re having a happy week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thanks so much for saying that restless Jo! 🙂 hope you are having a nice month of June so far – and be over to see you this weekend… xxoo

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Lovely images to give us a great flavor of the mood of the festival. Mmmm thinking about Greek food now. Love those bright dishes. And the grandma’s smile too 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Greek festival! I will certainly visit the festival if it happens in my area – I like Greek food a lot! Looks like you had great time in the festival, Yvette 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi – yes, we had fun – we were not there too long – but long enough to feel the culture rich sharing :0

      Like

  37. WEEE!!! I love love Greek dances. Hope to see and dance more to it while here in Greece. You pay attention well to just about everything and anybody. 🙂

    Like

    1. Hi Rommel – thanks for dropping by and if you do capture some dancing in Greece I look forward to seeing any photos you grab… 🙂

      Like

  39. My favorite was the collage! I love the way it brought all the colors together. So vibrant. My second favorite was the Indian Woman smiling at you. Lovely capture.

    Like

Comments are closed.