Photographers in Athens: wedding photography

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best wedding photographer in Athens? :)

—Everywhere one looks in Greece there are hundreds of creatives who excel in what they do. I could hardly pinpoint one as the best photographer in Greece, it is always a matter of perspective and vision. Each of us has something unique to offer couples. In that sense, everyone can be the best.

—What things that common people don't usually see can a wedding photographer notice?

—A wedding photographer is an observer way before he starts shooting. Hence their ability to collect details that may seem of less but are of major importance, like the coordination of colors in a specific location, the amount of light and its reflection from the windows. For instance, a couple may wish to have their portraits somewhere but the light may not favor them so their images come out too harsh. Every couple will probably wish to have their couple portraits during the fabled "golden hour" but this particular time during the day is not the same in every location around the world. In Scandinavia for instance, it lasts for good 3 hours, in Greece however, it is way shorter and the colors are too red and fiery. A well-versed photographer will proceed to scout and advise their couple on locations, light and provide good insight on where they can set up their reception so that light favors their images instead of making them look too rough.

—Are there any trends in wedding photography?

—Certainly! There are trends in wedding photography, as there are trends in fashion, food, politics. Sometimes you'll find the next big thing is just a fad but there have been many a time when the next big thing is actually ... pretty big. This I suppose is how humanity evolves. Each artist has a unique creative vision, one that trends may affect, hopefully for the best.

—Is there life after marriage?

—In Greece, we have one common word for "wedding" and "marriage". Suffice to say that a wedding is a union, not uniformity. A partner is a sharer, one who dreams with you and schemes with you, your best friend, your advocate. They love you for the person you were before you met and the person you've become after. It's your sheer obligation to them and to yourself to keep on growing. I've photographed couples who have been together all their lives and find something magical about their marriage, assuring me that the journey they've shared together was the best thing that has happened to them despite the odds or the difficulties. Plus you get to crack family jokes.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—An image is valued towards what emotions and memories it carries. But if we were to define an image technically wise I'd have to say the vision of a photographer and the way they choose to portray someone or something. This signature imprint impossible to find on anyone else's photo. Like with love an image is valued by personality, regardless of the medium.

—How do you handle criticism?

—Criticism is constructive. What others see in one's work and how well the creative accepts it can make or ruin a man. But even in the most strict form criticism makes us better than we could hope to be. I embrace it and constantly strive to improve or open up to the new. Without it, we would still be carving images in rocks.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—I would have to say the absolute symbol of the 21st century (as well as before that) is: universally, women. Women who dare, women in charge, mothers, daughters, fighters, in all domains of life, regardless of position or status, If it wasn't for them we wouldn't expect to see the 22nd century.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I'm inspired by how beautiful people look when they laugh, when they don't act but are naturally themselves. I love to see these moments people share with the ones that make them feel safe and loved. There is no bigger thing than laughter and love.

—What is special in wedding photography?

—How every couple and family is different, but how familiar the feelings and situations feel regardless of who we are. I love it when someone looks at my images and feel that sense of familiarity with the people in them, even if they have never met them. That's what is special about wedding photography. It captures what's universal in a unique way each time.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Not trusting my instinct. When you are young and not that confident yet trusting your inner voice is something you may neglect. Turns out instinct is everything as one pursues their goals. Knowledge and education are also huge.

—What should be the criteria for a bride and a groom to choose their wedding photographer?

—It may sound like a cliche, but I will have to say: connection. When you feel that an artist's work speaks to your heart, that their imagery makes you feel tingly inside and then you get to meet the person and their personality makes you feel safe, that's when you know it the search is over.

—Are you fond of travelling?

—I love traveling and discovering bits of this world hidden in the smallest corners. Each time I travel outside my country or in it, it's like redefining the world as it was. Traveling feeds the soul and the creator.

—How did you get into wedding photography?

—I was always drawn to the human connection. What fascinated me was the idea of putting all that is best in them in a single image or a collection of images for that matter. I document weddings because I love working with people who radiate happiness and want a part of that bliss bottled up.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Light is important in photography as a medium. Perspective too, what one sees happening inside the frame. Point of view, however, is unique to every person, so to me, a great photograph means an image with.. soul!

—What will be the future of wedding photography?

—As long as there is human connection, families, love, there will be wedding photography. Trends may come and go but memories and how our grand moments felt will never cease to invite us to want a portion of them as tangible as there can be.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I aim to constantly educate myself. I attend workshops to fuel my vision and above all, I do my best to listen. Learning to listen and taking notes rather than speaking takes education to a whole new level.

—Can you give a few tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out?

—Advice is a big word. But I would suggest that you seek your signature style, your creative vision, what inspires you the most and shoot from within. That is the best way to produce something grand.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Needless to say, I carry my photography gear wherever I go. What I've learned is one doesn't put the camera back in its case unless the plane has lifted off. Other than that I'm a light packer.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I will simply respect the limitations my couples, their families and their faiths may have. Other than there are no taboos in photography, as there are no taboos in free thinking.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a wedding photographer?

—Several artists and creatives have inspired me, I could name a few but naming them wouldn't do justice to what is about to influence my photography soon as this interview is over.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—There are no rules during a wedding shoot. But I will have to say that a photographer should not compromise a couple's safety just to shoot one incredible image.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—There is nothing I do not cherish about being a wedding photographer. I embrace everything as it comes and can't imagine myself doing something different.

—Are you photogenic?

—I have never met a person who doesn't photograph well, there's so much magic in people's personalities that always shine through their photos.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Success is doing what you love most, being loved for who you are and getting to spend some quality time with the ones you care about.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—I enjoy collaborations of all forms. It's so refreshing to see another person's perspective and getting influenced by their works.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Getting to meet amazing couples who are madly in love, connecting and investing in these relationships is my icing on the cake.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—I'd probably be the guy holding the camera during the shooting of a movie rather than the actor or the persona in front of it.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—By far the moment when my children were born. I don't think there is a greater mystery or joy than witnessing new life.

—Do you take nothing but wedding photos?

—I mostly document weddings, but I love shooting engagements, couple portraits, baptisms, milestones and anniversaries.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift that is why we call it "the present".

—Do you make friends easily?

—I'm straightforward and I love making new friends. Connecting is always easy when you've got nothing to hide.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Hardly, as a photographer always gets to employ every medium and no gear can render itself useless.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—Change is a big word when it comes to the self. But I definitely wish to reinvent myself every day.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—There are no silly things as long as one knows everything comes with a price and a lot of wisdom.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Hate is such a powerful world. I do not hate, sometimes I dislike people who lack good manners.

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—I document stories of love, generations, bonds, friendships. It can't get any better than that.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—That my life may end before I get the chance to watch my children grow and prosper.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Each time I capture an image of a person it is exactly who I want to photograph.

—What about life on other planets?

—If we are not alone in the universe future photographers have a lot to explore.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—We owe everyone respect, regardless of our agreement or disagreement with them.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love all animals. If a couple's pet is a tiger I'll just try not to upset it.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When a couple looks at their images and tells me "this is so us".

—Where would you like to live?

—I live in Greece, that is where I arrived in life and my all-time choice.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I'd rather have time enough in this life to achieve both.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would have probably eaten that cherry glazed doughnut.

—The best thing in life is:

—To love, be loved and be able to laugh about it!

—Who are your heroes?

—My parents, my children, my wife, women.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—I believe men are the weaker sex.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—I need to redecorate soon enough.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I take my daughter snowboarding.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Eat that cherry-glazed doughnut!

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—Location, location, location.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—You can ask my wife.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—My shower concerts.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Negativity

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Selfie?

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—Life

—What would you like to alter in the world?

—n/a