“A Summer in Greece” captures history and beauty of local photographer’s homeland

Inspired by a 19-day family trip to Greece, Northport resident and local photographer Iris Zaverdas De Vita is sharing a proud piece of her heritage in the exhibit A Summer in Greece, on display throughout the month of August at the Northport Public Library.

As a Greek-American, the visit was especially meaningful to De Vita, who explored Athens, Patras, Mykonos, Santorini and several charming villages in 2014, capturing the country’s natural beauty through her lens. While in Patras, she visited her parents’ childhood homes: her father’s tucked in the mountains and her mother’s near the sea. 

“Greece is like a dream, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history. These vivid experiences have deeply influenced my artistic vision,” De Vita told the Journal. 

A Summer in Greece features vibrant photos of sun-soaked beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and the landscapes that left a lasting impression on her. Each image reflects the peaceful magic, deep history and beauty of Greece that continues to inspire her work today.

Born and raised in Queens, De Vita summered in Wading River. She was surrounded by a family deeply rooted in the arts, including photographers, filmmakers and artists. This early exposure ignited her passion for the entertainment industry, leading her to pursue a career in television and film. A more recent resident of Huntington and Greenlawn, De Vita moved to Northport Village in November 2023. “I love living here,” she told the Journal. “It has been my dream to live in Northport since I started to look in the area 25 years ago.” 

Since 2010, De Vita has worked as a freelance photographer, specializing in capturing portraits at local beaches and parks. She enjoys photographing landscapes, nature and wildlife, with Long Island’s diverse scenery providing endless inspiration for her work, she said. 

De Vita also runs her own business, Golden Iris, offering both photography and public relations services. She has an extensive background in public relations, promotions, writing and production within the film and television industry and is an active member of St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Greenlawn. She has volunteered her photography services for the church and Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington.

“Through my photographs, I aim to capture the essence of the places I love and the people I cherish,” she said. 

De Vita’s A Summer in Greece runs from August 1 through August 30 at the Northport Public Library, located at 151 Laurel Avenue. Summer library hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.