Unexpected Crete: A Travel Photography Journey with a Twist

The picture shows a colourful port city of Chania inb Crete under an overcast sky. At the centre is a lamppost at the edge of a quay. In the background, we see pastel-coloured buildings, an old mosque with a dome, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The water is calm, and there are many people along the promenade. Artful review: The picture balances perfectly between urban vibrancy and natural tranquillity. The colourful facades contrast nicely with the austere sky and calm water. The composition emphasises isolation and focus, especially with the central placement of the lamppost. This acts as a visual anchor and introduces a certain stillness against the bustle in the background.

You know that feeling? You’re planning a photo trip to perfection. You’ve been dreaming of magical landscapes, golden morning light, and breathtaking vistas for weeks. The location? Crete – the rugged, sun-drenched island full of contrasts, mountain villages and turquoise bays.

I had everything I needed for this travel photography trip to Crete well prepared, including a list of photo locations that made my mouth water: Balos Beach, Elafonisi, the Gramvousa Peninsula, Samaria Gorge, historic Chania, Lake Kournas, the White Mountains, Souda Bay, and the waterfalls of Argiroupoli. My goal? To capture sunrises, mountains, gorges, and coastlines in their purest, most rugged form.

Expectations were high … and then the unexpected happened.

What we will discuss:

From walking routes to recovery pace
Slow photography: switching inside your head and camera
Crete through other eyes: light, detail, stillness and surprises between the walls
What lessons do I take away as a photographer?
The healing power of photography
Tips for when your photo trip goes differently than planned
Conclusion: Even the unexpected journey is worth it

From walking routes to recovery pace

Photo travel with limited mobility

A few weeks before departure, my wife, my faithful travel and photography partner, had an accident. She had to undergo hip surgery, and her rehabilitation was still in full swing when we had to leave. Long walks? Impossible. Even simple viewpoints were often too far. Not feasible. To top it all off, the first week we got rain, and later, when it got sunnier, there was a persistent haze in the sky that made the light pale and the skies flat. Even the waterfalls of Argiroupoli were disappointing; more water ran over the road than through the waterfall. Not exactly the recipe for epic landscape photos.

In my blog, on the weather and landscape photography, you can learn how to deal with different weather conditions.

The black-and-white photo shows a serene waterfall consisting of several vertical streams of water spreading across a moss-covered rock face. The water seems to slide down like white ribbons. Plants and ferns frame the image along the top and sides. The photograph exudes tranquillity and timelessness. The slow shutter speed effect transforms the flowing water into a soft veil. The choice of black and white enhances the texture of the moss and water, and removes distracting colours, allowing the shapes and tonality to take centre stage. The image is reminiscent of fine-art landscape photography. — ***“The Whispering Water”.*** While searching for the waterfalls of Argiroupoli, I found this layered mini waterfall. The water flows gracefully down a moss-covered rock ledge. Vertical streams of water form a rhythmic pattern. The black and white toning emphasises texture, shape and contrast. The mood is serene, mysterious and timeless. The style leans toward fine art landscape photography, poetic and hushed. (© Guy Lambrechts)

Honestly, at first, I was a little disappointed. There had been so much preparation and so many expectations. So, what do you do as a photographer? Quickly, I realised I had two choices: Put everything away and bail, or embrace the situation and change my outlook.

Slow photography while travelling: switching inside your head and camera

The camera did not go into the closet—quite the contrary. I switched to slow photography—slow, observing, in the rhythm of circumstances. Instead of golden hours on deserted beaches or brisk walks along mountains or gorges, it became strolling through Chania and Rethymnon. I discovered the charm of shadows on facades, a cat in a restaurant, colourful shutters, or a dove in a pool of water.

Even the images I could take from along the road took on meaning like a lonely tree on a rocky slope, or a chapel in the middle of the sea during a rainy session. The atmosphere, the silence, and the poetry of the moment became central. I took my time. And precisely because of that, I saw more.

A single, slightly bent tree stands on a rocky slope, surrounded by low, rounded shrubs and Mediterranean vegetation. The tree is slightly tilted to the right, presumably due to continuous wind. The sky is bright blue with a few veils of high clouds. Artistic review: The tree acts as a symbol of solitude, strength and survival. Its position in a rough and dry landscape reinforces its character. The texture of the shrubs and stones contrasts with the airy background, and the clear sky provides visual breathing space. The composition feels natural and balanced without forced structure. — ***“The guardian of the hill”.*** Stopping briefly along the road to consult my GPS, I saw this image beside the road: a lone tree growing obliquely in a rocky, overgrown landscape under a gently cloudy blue sky. The tree forms a powerful visual anchor in an open, wide-open environment. The atmosphere is calm, contemplative and a touch heroic. The style is natural and documentary with a subtle poetic tone. The tree takes on a symbolic meaning of resilience and adaptation to harsh conditions. (© Guy Lambrechts)

The focus shifted from vast panoramas to intimate moments, and street and travel photography replaced typical landscape work. And that felt surprisingly good.

The picture shows a pigeon in a shallow puddle on the tarmac, surrounded by ripples in the water. The puddle reflects a city facade in soft tones. The image exudes simplicity, tranquillity and a poetic ordinariness. The style is documentary with a touch of street photography: an observation of the small moment in a metropolitan context. The shot captures a moment of calm and reflection in an urban setting. The dove becomes a symbol of adaptation, the mundane and stillness. The reflection represents introspection: a view of the city through an unexpected lens. Photographing in Crete in bad weather — ***“A dove, a mirror, a story.”*** The photograph shows a dove in a shallow puddle on the asphalt, surrounded by ripples in the water. The puddle reflects a city facade in soft tones. The image exudes simplicity, tranquillity and a poetic ordinariness. The style is documentary with a touch of street photography: an observation of the small moment in a metropolitan context. The shot captures a moment of peace and reflection in an urban setting. The dove becomes a symbol of adaptation, the mundane and stillness. The reflection represents introspection: a view of the city through an unexpected lens. (© Guy Lambrechts)

Crete through other eyes: light, detail, stillness and surprises between the walls

What struck me was that I stayed in one place longer because I could not move around as usual. And precisely because of that, I saw so much more. The quietness brought space for observation. I did not suffer from the classic “photographic restlessness”—the feeling that something might be better behind the next corner.

The picture shows a colourful port city under an overcast sky. At the centre is a lamppost at the edge of a quay. In the background, we see pastel-coloured buildings, an old mosque with a dome, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The water is calm, and there are many people along the promenade. Artful review: The picture balances perfectly between urban vibrancy and natural tranquillity. The colourful facades contrast nicely with the austere sky and calm water. The composition emphasises isolation and focus, especially with the central placement of the lamppost. This acts as a visual anchor and introduces a certain stillness against the bustle in the background. — ***“Between Lantern and Mountains”.*** Chania’s harbour unfolds in all its glory: colourful facades along the waterfront, a hint of Venetian influence, and to the left, the Agios Nikolaos mosque. In the foreground is a lone lamppost, like a silent observer of the bustling life around it. The mountains behind the city, snow-topped and rugged, add depth and grandeur. Everything exudes Mediterranean charm: history in layers, calm energy, and an almost painterly use of colour. The style feels urban-documentary. The image captures a subtle tension: tranquillity and movement, past and present. While the mountains look on like timeless sentinels, the city beats vibrantly beneath them. A balance between culture, nature and the daily rhythm of life. (© Guy Lambrechts)

I spent hours looking, waiting, and clicking in Chania’s old port. In the alleys of Rethymnon, too, I tried to capture the atmosphere of a place where past and present live side by side. These are images I might never have made without this turn of events.

The photographs in this series are different from my usual work—less grand and more subdued. But they tell, perhaps more powerfully, what it was like: the day’s rhythm, the place’s atmosphere, and the peace that came when I stopped looking for “the perfect shot.”

The picture shows the Chania Lighthouse in Crete, Greece - a Venetian lighthouse with iconic architecture on a pier surrounded by calm, dark blue sea water. The sky is impressively dramatic with clouds floating elegantly in a dusky atmosphere. The scene exudes calm, steadiness and a touch of melancholy. The style is realistic with fine art touches thanks to the use of colour and the sky composition. The lighthouse is given an almost symbolic role here as a beacon, both literally and figuratively. — ***“The Keeper of the Sea”.*** The photo shows the **Chania Lighthouse** – a Venetian lighthouse with iconic architecture on a pier surrounded by calm, dark blue sea water. The sky is impressively dramatic with clouds floating elegantly in a twilight atmosphere. The scene exudes tranquillity, steadiness and a touch of melancholy. Thanks to the use of colour and the composition of the sky, the style is realistic, with touches of fine art. The lighthouse is given an almost symbolic role here as a beacon, both literally and figuratively. (© Guy Lambrechts)

What lessons do I take away as a photographer?

On this trip, I used my full-frame Nikon Z7II with a 28-200mm lens—a faithful travel companion that is flexible and lightweight. That versatility allowed me to switch quickly between details and more expansive scenes, and I didn’t have to lug a tripod with me.

In post-processing, Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar Neo came in handy, especially to give the faint skies some character.

But I learned most of all that photography is also about acceptance, being present, and the art of letting go: it is not about the perfect picture but about seeing what is there, not what I hoped for.

A small, white chapel of Agios Nikolaos in Georgioupoli, stands on a narrow, rocky path leading into the sea. Threatening clouds in deep blue and grey fill the sky. The light falls from behind and frames the chapel with a soft glow. The scene exudes melancholy and a touch of mysticism. The style leans towards fine art landscape photography, focusing on atmosphere and minimalism. The picture exudes calm, isolation and contemplation. The chapel symbolises hope and spirituality in a turbulent world. The photo tells of isolation and devotion - a path to inner peace. This photo with a shutter speed of 25 seconds was taken during a rainstorm, using a 10-stop Big Stopper filter. In post-processing, rain splatters were carefully removed from the lens. — ***“A Chapel in the Times of Tides”.*** The white chapel of Agios Nikolaos in Georgopoulos stands on a narrow path of rocks that winds into the sea. Dark clouds in deep blue and grey dominate the sky. Backlighting shrouds the chapel in a soft glow. There is a melancholy, almost mystical atmosphere. The style is fine art landscape photography, emphasising atmosphere and minimalism. The image exudes tranquillity, seclusion and contemplation. The chapel embodies hope and spirituality – a beacon in a turbulent world. It tells of devotion and the search for inner silence. The photo was taken during a rainstorm, with a shutter speed of 25 seconds and a 10-stop Big Stopper filter. Raindrops on the lens were carefully removed in post-processing. (© Guy Lambrechts)

A rustic dining table stands in a covered outdoor space, with a white-grey wooden bench. On top of the backrest sits a cat, graceful and alert. Soft evening light filters through the plastic curtain, enveloping the scene in a tranquil, almost poetic atmosphere. The style is reminiscent of documentary street photography with a touch of fine art. The cat seems accidental in presence, but draws attention and gives meaning. She perhaps symbolises the unexpected beauty of the everyday. The empty table raises questions: who was sitting here, and who is coming? A moment of quiet contemplation, captured in light and simplicity.
Travel Photography trip to Crete — ***“Unexpected guest at the table”.*** A rustic dining table with a white-grey wooden bench stands in a covered outdoor space. Atop the backrest sits a cat, graceful and alert. Soft evening light filters through the plastic curtain, enveloping the scene in a quiet, almost poetic atmosphere. The style is reminiscent of documentary street photography with a touch of fine art. The cat seems to be present by chance, but draws attention and provides meaning. She perhaps symbolises the unexpected beauty of the everyday. The empty table raises questions: who was sitting here, and who is coming? A moment of quiet contemplation, captured in light and simplicity (© Guy Lambrechts).

I discovered a different side of Crete and, perhaps more importantly, another side of myself as a photographer. Flexibility, adaptability, and the art of letting go are at least as valuable as a good lens.

The picture shows Chania's Venetian harbour, with the iconic lighthouse at the centre of the picture. On the left are historic buildings; on the right, a long stone pier draws the eye towards the city centre. The mood is timeless, with soft light and a calm sea. The style is documentary with a fine art finish. The picture exudes tranquillity, history and a sense of continuity. The lighthouse represents direction and protection; the still water invites introspection. The image connects past and present and shows the quiet power of places that defy time.
Travel Photography trip to Crete — ***“Waiting Winds at Venetian Harbour”.*** The photo shows Chania’s Venetian harbour, with the iconic lighthouse at the centre of the picture. On the left are historic buildings; on the right, a long stone pier draws the eye toward the city centre. The atmosphere is timeless, with soft light and a calm sea. The style is documentary with a fine art finish. The photograph breathes tranquillity, history and a sense of continuity. The lighthouse represents direction and protection; the still water invites introspection. The image connects past and present and shows the quiet power of places that defy time. (© Guy Lambrechts)

Do you still want to replace the sky in your photos? Then I heartily recommend Luminar Neo. With a few clicks, you can replace and edit the sky, including the reflection in the water. If you use the code GLNeo with Luminar Neo, you get 10% off your purchase.

Even quietly reading a book now and then, a drink in hand, carries its quiet magic. The gentle rustle of pages, the soft hum of the world outside, these small moments offer a kind of peace that’s easy to forget in our daily rush.

It had been long since we allowed ourselves the luxury of a truly lazy vacation. No packed schedules, early alarms, or lists of sights to check off. Just the freedom to be still, breathe, and enjoy simple pleasures: a good story, a soft chair, and the calming rhythm of time moving slowly.

Something healing is about that kind of pause—about letting go of the need to do and simply choosing to be.

Walking through the Imbros Gorge was out of the question. The picture looks out over the gorge from a mountainside (vantage point along the road), where rugged cliffs cascade down to the silent, distant sea. Scattered across the landscape are pine and cypress trees, softening the ruggedness. On the horizon, the sky fades into the sea, blue into blue. The image exudes a quiet grandeur. The style is realistic, with an eye for colour gradient, stone texture and the rhythm of the mountains. The trees do not dominate the image, but bring life and scale. They endure as silent witnesses of time. They represent strength, resilience and deep grounding.
Travel Photography trip to Crete — ***“Where the rocks end, silence begins.”*** Hiking through the Imbros Gorge was out of the question. The photo overlooks the gorge from a mountainside (vantage point along the road), where rugged cliffs cascade down to the silent, distant sea. Scattered across the landscape are pine and cypress trees, which soften the ruggedness. On the horizon, the sky fades into the sea, blue within blue. The image exudes a quiet grandeur. The style is realistic, with an eye for colour gradient, stone texture and the rhythm of the mountains. The trees do not dominate the image, but bring life and scale. They endure as silent witnesses of time. They represent strength, resilience and deep grounding. (© Guy Lambrechts)

"A carpet of green." A hill covered with round, yellow-green shrubs fills the picture. The repetition in shape and colour creates a rhythmic, almost graphic pattern. The atmosphere is calm, with a subtle threat in the clouds. The style is documentary, with a minimalist slant. The repetition feels like natural order. The absence of human traces emphasises the purity of the landscape. In post-processing, I subtly enhanced the relief with dodging and burning. (© Guy Lambrechts)
Travel Photography trip to Crete — ***“A carpet of green.”*** A hill covered with round, yellow-green shrubs fills the picture. The repetition in shape and colour creates a rhythmic, almost graphic pattern. The atmosphere is calm, with a subtle threat in the clouds. The style is documentary, with a minimalist slant. The repetition feels like natural order. The absence of human traces emphasises the purity of the landscape. In post-processing, I subtly enhanced the relief with dodging and burning. (© Guy Lambrechts)

The healing power of photography

Photography is more than making beautiful images. It is a form of self-expression that brings peace and balance, especially in times of stress, sadness, or insecurity. During photo tours, we repeatedly notice how powerful photography is as a tool for mindfulness and emotional processing.

Photography as an outlet: Looking through the viewfinder, your attention immediately shifts away from deadlines, worries, and obligations. You focus on light, colour, and composition. For many photographers, this is a welcome break. Taking photos helps organise your thoughts and channel feelings. You look more intently at your surroundings—and therefore at yourself.

Conscious looking brings peace: Those who look slow down. You see small details—the change of light and nature’s rhythm. Everything comes to rest. That helps you release tension and approach frustration differently.

Post-processing as processing: You also find peace in post-processing. You retell your story, your way. You choose what to accentuate, soften or remove. That gives you creative freedom and a sense of control – something you sometimes miss in difficult times.

The photo shows the Chania Lighthouse - a Venetian lighthouse with iconic architecture on a pier surrounded by calm, dark blue sea water. The sky is impressively dramatic with clouds floating elegantly in a twilight atmosphere. The scene exudes tranquillity, steadiness and a touch of melancholy. Thanks to the use of colour and the composition of the sky, the style is realistic, with touches of fine art. The lighthouse is given an almost symbolic role here as a beacon, both literally and figuratively. (© Guy Lambrechts) photo tour Crete — ***“The Keeper of the Sea”.*** The photo shows the Chania Lighthouse – a Venetian lighthouse with iconic architecture on a pier surrounded by calm, dark blue sea water. The sky is impressively dramatic with clouds floating elegantly in a twilight atmosphere. The scene exudes tranquillity, steadiness and a touch of melancholy. Thanks to the use of colour and the composition of the sky, the style is realistic, with touches of fine art. The lighthouse is given an almost symbolic role here as a beacon, both literally and figuratively. (© Guy Lambrechts)

Tips for when your photo trip goes differently than planned

Let go of expectations. Expectations offer no guarantee – flexibility does. Let go of the idea of THE perfect photo.
Look with different eyes. Shift your focus: from significant to small, from landscape to detail, from far to near.
Limitations as a framework. Fewer options force you to look and work more creatively.
Slow down your pace. Take time to observe. The longer you are somewhere, the more you see.
Be gentle with yourself. Not every trip has to be spectacular to feel valuable or produce beautiful images.
Enjoy the process. Get out what’s in it, but without pressure. You don’t have to force anything.

More inspiration?

If you want more tips for travelling, go to my blog on travel photography

There is also my blog about timeless travel photography

In cities, you inevitably encounter a lot of architecture, so read my blog for info on architectural photography

Conclusion: Even the unexpected journey is worth it

No, they didn’t become iconic landscape photos. But they became images that have a lot of meaning for me. And perhaps that is the real purpose of photography: not to show what you wanted to see, but to capture what was there.

And next year? Next year, I may return to Crete with better light, more mobility, and renewed enthusiasm. But even if things turn out differently again, I know every trip tells a story that deserves to be captured.

Inspiration on the go. Whether photographing in your neighbourhood or travelling, take your camera as an ally. Not to perform, but to experience. Let the image imprint a moment of rest, wonder or processing. In this way, photography becomes a valuable companion on your inner journey.

Have you ever been on a photography trip that went completely differently from planned? What did you learn from it? Feel free to share your story in the comments – I’m curious!

Guy Lambrechts - The Landscape Photo Guy I am Guy Lambrechts, a Belgian landscape, nature and architecture photographer. Combining my desire to travel, being in nature and love for photography, I visit known and unknown destinations around our beautiful planet. I feel happy while out camping, hiking or simply strolling along my neighbourhood with my camera and gear at hand. I am inspired by the light, shapes and lines in the quiet beauty of the landscape or the complex cityscapes. Through my photographs, I like to convey serenity, elegance, mood, calmness and beauty. Rolling landscapes, desolate beaches, splashing streams, waterfalls, impressive trees and nature are therefore my favourite subjects.

Crete in a different light – When a travel photography trip turns out unexpectedly different