Photographer Hector Nikolakis

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

—Except my self? Tough question!
Kidding aside, I really love the work of many of my colleagues here in Thessaloniki. I always look for inspiration in other photographers...

—Are you photogenic?

—Not so much! Except when people are taking pictures of me while working...
These are the ones that i always love.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—By chance! It was not always my number one choice to be a wedding photographer. I was a computer geek for many years. A good friend of mine introduced me to the world of photography in my 20s. After that i never looked back! Photography became my number one priority!

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

—For the technical staff i would say Light and Composition. But the real important component for me is the people in front of the lens and there emotions...

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes my wife (who is also a photographer) and i really love travelling all over Greece and Europe. Usually we travel for weddings from June to September allover Greece.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—The food at the reception! :)
The fact that we work with people in there most important day (so far) in there life... We love to work with people and being part of there wedding day. Its very important for as to help them create there visual legacy...

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Ankle bob with the cellphone camera or the ipad! He is present in all weddings (like jesus christ) and he manages to enter the composition in the most appropriate moments...

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

—The special thing is that through photography you are going to touch the life of a couple...

—How do you handle criticism?

—I love constructive criticism thats why i always take part at photographic competitions all over the world! Just to hear the comments of the judges.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes ofcourse! The trend now is the really white images with the pal colors. I love color so in my work you will find plenty of natural color. I usually don't follow the trends. I always try to create my own style that some people are going to love and some others are going to hate!

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

—There are only two criteria:
1. They should fall in love with your work instantly!
2. When they meet you they have to really want you as a guest to there wedding and not just as a photographer!

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Don't make your special day about the photos! Just relax and have fun! In the process you are going to get some amazing pictures to have for the rest of your lives!

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—A wedding photographer should have a keen eye for the little stories that tells the whole story of your wedding day.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—People! I am a people photographer! I always love to interact with people and finding out everything about them. After that you can take a meaningful portrait of them.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—My wife! We try to always shoot together! Together in life, together in photography

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

—I would be Sean Penn in the role of Sean O'Connell from the movie "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". One of my favourite movies.
Because in my travels i like to observe the world around me with my eyes and then if i get the chance take my camera and capture the magic in front of me.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—I am always inspired by people that succeeds in life and work. That balance is very important for me...

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

—Success for me is to do what you love for living!

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Liked by my customers and respected by my colleagues.

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

—A toothbrush, a second pare of shoes, cloths that i don't feel comfortable in (always style over confort) ooo and a camera with the nifty 50mm for portraits or the 35mm if i want some landscape photos.

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

—A lot of things! I really like buying camera gear... In the end i usually use 50% of the staff that i own...

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Though seminars and workshops from people that i admire and respect about there job.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—I would say Fer Juaristi. I love his style A LOT!

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

—That to be a better photographer you don't need a tone of gear! You just need to work on your self and people.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Your story... Nothing less, nothing more...

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

—What kind of time travel are we talking about? Fixed Timeline, Dynamic Timeline or Multiverse?

—What about life on other planets?

—There IS life on other planets! What about it?

—Who are your heroes?

—I would say Batman. Working for the good of his city from the shadows! Taking the hard decisions even if it hurts him.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—I really love watching movies, watching documentaries, walking paths in forests ooo and some times i take pictures!

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

—Angry me! I am good at keeping my angry self to my self!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—I am very happy about my work, i am never completely satisfied!

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

—No!

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes very easily. Thats why we are friends with most of our couples...

—Where would you like to live?

—On an island, in a house next to the sea!

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

—Wax my manly chest... A lot of pain... Was it worth it? No...

—The best thing in life is:

—Having children! There are no words to describe the feeling of creating life...

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Traffic lights! I love roundabouts...

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

—Train your self constantly. If you thing you are there, you are not! Keep getting better!

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

—Hello!! Can you please take my with you? Do not dissect me! I just want to see your home world!

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

—Of course a cheesy 80s or 90s movie!