"Sunset Trips"?
I should probably file to patent this phrase, but I suspect someone has beaten me to it already.
Yes, though, I like a lot having travels or trips to different places just to meet the sunset and of course, take few photographs!
Having a trip to the sunken church at Zhrebchevo dam is, however, never just a trip. This place is definitely charged with energy. Something that cannot be explained unless a visitor experiences it herself!
During the communist/socialist decades in the history of Bulgaria, many villages have been forcibly resettled and then all the buildings, houses, schools, townhalls, churches, etc., just sunken because the authorities back then had plans to create several dams or water reservoirs.
Zhrebchevo is one of those dams and as it is in the center of the country, it would take a 2-3 hours drive, give or take, to get there from every place.
The name itself, is also interesting and while I haven't researched its history, its ethimology is clear to me, as it derives from a place called after little steeds. That's exactly what "zhrebche" means in Bulgarian - "a little steed". Quite poetical, right?
Prior getting there it's hard to tell if there will be access to the sunken church by foot.
Here on that photo it is obvious how high the water level goes when the dam is full:
Bulgaria is officially and mostly Orthodox Christian so the entrances of the local churches face West.
So this beautiful through-the-window view North to South.
There hasn't been a roof after the church was sunk so guess what quest do I have in my list?
Of course, to visit the church after the sunset and take photos of the Milky Way and the night sky.
Hopefully, some pleasant and clear-sky summer night...
Does that count as a self-portrait?
I guess not exactly but who cares. I know I've been here and I hope to be back again :)
I don't know if there is an official priest holding services but there are many evidences people visit, light candles and pray.
Moreover, there are icons put at some wow-places...
It is good many people visit this sacred place, here is a wide view, just for scale, do you see the silhouettes of the people by?
It's getting closer to that magical part of the day already.
I forgot to mention plenty of fishermen love this dam. Boats, tents, caravans and campers are a common view around the shores.
So long with the words, let's enjoy the breathtaking views as the sunset is here, finally!
I really hope you sense the energy of the place though my photographs!
You probably know by now how much I love Black & White or sometimes referred as Monochromatic photography. I have always believed that while Color Photography shows the external part of our world, Black and White Photography shows the soul, the inner hidden side of everything. Please consider the first photo of this post as my entry today to the established #monomad daily contest by the monochromes account and community and supported by the qurator account, thank you everyone for your hard and continuous efforts to build and grow this great community!
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Have a great day!
Here is an uncomplete list of some of my equipment I use on a regular basis:
| Cameras | Canon EOS 5D Mark III |
|---|---|
| Canon EOS M5 | |
| Canon EOS 550D | |
| Lenses | Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM |
| Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM | |
| Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM | |
| Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM | |
| Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM | |
| Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 | |
| 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 | |
| Strobes | Dynaphos Speedster |
| Flashes | Metz |
| Tripods and Mono-pods | Manfrotto |
| Benro |
The divider I use in my posts I have created in Adobe Express.
