Photographer George Liopetas

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Míkonos, Greece? :)

—I can name you numerous of photographers that i really, really admire their work and have photographed in Mykonos.

—Are you photogenic?

—This is a very difficult question.
For us photographers, being on the opposite side of the lense can be difficult sometimes... You can say that i prefer shooting!

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—My parents, Nick and Dina, have been owning their own photography shop since 1989. I shot my very first wedding when i was 13 or 14. And when i was even smaller i used to help them in anyway. So you can say that i shoot weddings since i can remember myself.

—Do you love traveling?

—I love travelling! As a matter of fact, one of the reasons i started shooting weddings was my 'every night dream' during highschool. Travelling and meeting new people and cultures during. Isn't this a cool dream? Working and travelling at the same time.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—What makes me love shooting weddings is that i keep on witnessing so much love. As a romantic soul, i always loved hearing romantic stories. Right now, i can capture feelings and timeless images, that will make my couples remember their special day forever.
I love thinking that i can make a moment divine.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Sometimes, big events can be exhausting. But as i said above, I love meeting new people and socializing. So even in a small two minute break, I will be able to have fun, in my very own way.
Also, you cannot believe how cool my second shooters can be, so, even in the hardest of the situations, i love each and every wedding.

—What will be the future of photography?

—I always loved thinking and acting for NOW.
I do my best for every single wedding, but certainly, i cannot imagine how or what wedding photography will be like in the future.
Maybe drones will be switched to airplanes and cameras will be even smaller.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—I think that wedding photography is a very difficult photography genre as you have to shoot something that is happenning. And of course i am talking about the ceremony and reception time. If the photographer is not well experienced, he may lose images-moments that should not be lost...

—How do you handle criticism?

—I always accept criticism if it is well intenioned. I want to become better and better.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—The first thing that future newlyweds should pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer is certainly their photography style.
It is very important to choose a photographer that his art delivers what they want and not a photographer to become what they want.

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

—Emotion. The Α and Ω to in image.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I would love to shoot Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain if they 're alive.
Not a specific reason, i just admired their brains.

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

—Certainly superman.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My inspiration comes from everyday life. Every little act or even a smile can inspire. I love descrebing myself as an observer of life and light lover.

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

—Success comes always at the end of them poem. And as a lover of life, i am not in a hurry for the end.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I think everyone is flattered when liked but who doen't want to be respected.

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

—My Burton backpack, my 35mm Minolta Srt-101, a notebook to write down about what i experience, my ipod and of course my Rayban Wayfarer.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I love studying from the past, especialy from the older portrait photographers and the poets.
My black and white are inspired by the motion of Helmut Newton, the contrast and shape of Martin Chambi and the uniqueness of Diane Arbus.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—The love for keeping love alive.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—I think they did a great job!
Let's hope, when the time comes and be a dad, i will be as great as my parents.

—What about life on other planets?

—Of course, there is.
Favourite song.
Blink-182 – Aliens Exist

—Who are your heroes?

—For ever and ever, my mom and dad. Nick and Dina, superman and superwoman.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Of course. I love meeting new people, learn their story and share mine, too.

—Where would you like to live?

—As a photographer, for the next five years i would love to live in New York.
Then i would love to continue living in Florence. I love Italy and especially Tuscany for the greenery and architecture.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course i do. Wedding is not the end of the world.
I think wedding is the party of the beginning of your new life with your beloved soulmate.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—I love dogs. Especially pugs.

—The best thing in life is:

—Good coffee, tattoos, my friends and family, my beautiful girlfriend Chara.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Maybe the politicians...

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

—Follow your heart and attend as many workshops as you can afford.

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

—That i am one of them and i would really apreciate a good ride on their spacecraft!

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

—Maybe something like FRIENDS.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Love my girl even more and be a better person.