Todd Wright There: The Greek Ruins at Paestum, Italy

The Greek ruins at Paestum, south of Naples, think they're still alive, and their spirit comes alive in these photos. I shot picture after picture hoping to capture just the right pose from this 2,700-year-old Italian super-model. She didn't disappoint.

The pictures of the ruins are a study in light. It's almost difficult to see that the same structures are depicted in the first as in the last, their colors are so diverse as the clouds of the day pass over head and the sun goes down. I know there are a lot of pictures, but the light in the last few is really the best.

The first few are from the museum there. It's well worth a visit, but see the ruins first because they close much earlier.

The train stops right outside the gates. Due to the connections, it's probably an overnight trip from Naples, and a day trip from Sorrento or elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast. You can also drive it rather uneventfully in about an hour and a half.

For more information on Paestum, check out Wikipedia.

See also this educational series about Paestum.

This and the next few are from The Tomb of the Diver. See Wikipedia for more details.

The diver.

In the museum.

Museum again.

Temple of Athena.

I was trying to get a shot of the mountains but these old buildings were in the way. That's the Temple of Athena.

Temple of Athena.

A view from inside the city. When I was in Copenhagen not to long ago I saw a painting in the national gallery there that

was pretty much this view.

Ah, here's a better view of those mountains. That's the second Temple of Hera.

This is the first Temple of Hera.

Second Temple of Hera.

Temple of Athena.

Another view of the Temple of Athena.

Amphitheater.

Second Temple of Hera.

I love this one. It's almost like a watercolor. Another view of the second Temple of Hera. This one was taken at sunset (with the help of a little color boost).

My friend went even further toward watercolor with Photoshop.

First and second temple of Hera.

Here is a lovely restaurant on the back side of Paestum. I've heard it's good but it was closed when we were there

probably because it's the off season.

Do you prefer au natural?

Or dolled up in Photoshop?

How would you like to live here? No, seriously. It's for sale. It's right across from the ancient city. Shot with telephoto lens down a long driveway.