Behind the Lens: Portraits for 2nd Nature by Pieris Architects
I had the privilege of capturing portraits that accompanied the publication of 2nd Nature, the latest exhibition by Pieris Architects in Athens. This exhibition, dedicated to the architectural works of the Pieris team, explored the theme of nature’s integration into urban spaces. While the portraits themselves were not part of the exhibition, they played a crucial role in bringing the team’s vision to life through the accompanying publications.
The vision for the portraits was to blend elements of the Pieris Architects’ building designs, their team, and nature. This approach was inspired by the exhibition's theme, which explores the relationship between architecture and the natural world. The portraits aimed to visually embody this synergy, combining the precision and formality of architecture with the organic beauty of the natural surroundings. The idea was to create a connection between the people who shape these spaces, the buildings themselves, and the nature that often plays a supporting role in their designs. The photoshoot took place at the Athens Conservatoire, an architectural gem in the heart of the city. The space provided a striking backdrop, with its contemporary design and sleek lines. The contrast between the building's bold architectural features and the surrounding greenery made it the perfect setting for a shoot that sought to combine the built environment with natural elements.
Combining Three Elements
One of the key challenges during the Pieris portrait photoshoot in Athens was combining three distinct elements: the building of the Athens Conservatoire, elements of nature, and a group of three people. Each of these components needed to be integrated in a way that felt harmonious and visually striking. The challenge lay in positioning the team of architects in a way that allowed the building and the natural surroundings to play a supporting yet prominent role in the frame. We had to carefully balance the architecture’s strong presence with the softer, more fluid elements of nature, while also making sure the team was at the forefront of the portrait.
Complementing the Exhibition’s Theme
The portraits complement the 2nd Nature exhibition by visually emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature. The exhibition itself focuses on how Pieris Architects’ designs harmonize with their surroundings, drawing from natural forms and principles. The portraits reflect this ethos by weaving together the human element, the architectural space, and the organic influence of nature. Each photograph tells a story of collaboration—how the architects, the buildings, and the environment work together to create a more thoughtful, sustainable urban experience.
Man of Stone
Man of Stone is a photographic project - tribute to humanity's enduring relationship with nature, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. This connection, initially driven by the need for survival, evolved through imagination and creativity. Stone and wood served as the primary materials for crafting tools, building shelters, and creating structures that supported sustainable living for thousands of years.
In modern times, reconnecting with nature is equally vital—not just for physical survival but for mental and spiritual well-being. By embracing this awareness, individuals can rediscover the forms and textures of nature, sparking imagination and enhancing their perception of the world. When imagination leads to action, life can transform through new choices and sustainable ways of living.
The Artists
The photographs represent a creative dialogue between photographer Dimitris Vlaikos and sculptor Panayiotis Marinis. Marinis, a master craftsman and the last traditional sculptor of his kind, carves ancient tools as objects of art. Using only natural materials sourced near his home, he applies the same methods and techniques employed by his ancestors 30,000 years ago. His work is a living testament to history, bridging the past and present.
In addition to still-life photographs of Marinis's tools, the collaboration took Vlaikos and Marinis to the hills of their shared homeland, Aegina Island. There, they explored and documented the enduring stone footprints left by their ancestors—a profound connection between history and the land.
Greek shipping Gastronomy For Gastronomos Magazine Cover
A cover of an tribute to the hidden heart of Greek shipping: its gastronomy for Gastronomos Magazine of Kathimerini News.
An entire tribute to the hidden heart of Greek shipping: its gastronomy. Through the eyes and stories of veteran and active ship cooks, we glimpse the joy, resilience, and camaraderie forged in the ship's kitchens. These cooks, from the legendary ocean liners to the ocean-going 'trucks' of Greek shipping, reveal how the well-being of every crew member starts from the stomach. Photographed at the historic Liberty floating museum, this homage connects us to the most legendary vessel of Greece’s post-war commercial fleet and to the generations whose strength lay in each meal shared at sea.
Story inspired by the chief editor Angelos Rentoulas
Text By Vivi Konstantinidou
Assist Antonis Kavouris
Bread-Making Art: Food Photography at Betty’s Bakery Athens for Gastronomos
Meet Elisavet Koulouri, the inspiring force behind Betty’s Bakery in Athens. Gastronomos magazine feature her in it pages as the She’s a new-generation baker who’s poured her passion into mastering the art of handmade sourdough bread. With a background in communication and marketing, and an impressive career trajectory that included positions at the European Union, Elisavet took a bold turn. She left behind a corporate future to dedicate herself to something simple yet profound: bread—a craft that food photography beautifully captures, revealing the artistry in every loaf.
At Betty’s Bakery, each loaf tells its own story, and food photography allows us to share the details of this process visually. Elisavet is one of the first in Athens to specialize in handmade sourdough, crafting each batch with 100% organic flour, rose salt, and water—and a whole lot of care. The process takes over 100 hours, nurturing the microorganisms in ideal temperature and humidity conditions to achieve the perfect pH balance. The result is bread that’s dense, full-bodied, and packed with the natural aroma of stone-ground flour, complemented by a crispy crust that delights chefs, food critics, and customers alike. Capturing these textures and flavors through photography emphasizes the quality and dedication behind every loaf.
Sustainability is at the heart of Betty’s Bakery. Every product has a clear origin: from the organic flour to the Greek extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and spices, each ingredient is sourced from top Greek producers. She even goes a step further by having her bread delivered throughout Athens by bicycle, minimizing environmental impact—a moment of delivery worth capturing through food photography for its unique character.
Following the rhythms of nature, Elisavet’s creations change with the seasons. You’ll find bread infused with lavender and honey in the spring and thyme or thrombi in the summer, making each loaf not only a celebration of flavor but a reflection of Greek terroir—perfectly suited to the expressive art of food photography.
Delta Fermentations
Delta Restaurant’s fermentation with the chef George Papazacharias and his team - focused dishes present a captivating story of transformation. Each photo from this recent shoot for Gastronomos Magazine captures an intimate, almost scientific precision, reflecting the meticulous care that goes into the art of fermentation. The dishes, carefully plated and shot up-close, bring out the intricate textures that fermentation yields, each detail highlighting how ingredients evolve visually and flavor-wise through this age-old process.
In crafting these images, natural, soft lighting was chosen to maintain an organic feel, reinforcing the purity behind Delta’s culinary methods. This lighting draws attention to the natural colors and subtleties of the fermented elements, emphasizing their authenticity and the restaurant’s commitment to a clean, ingredient-focused approach. The compositions maintain a minimalist aesthetic, allowing each component of the dish to speak for itself. The simplicity here is impactful; it aligns seamlessly with Delta's vision, letting the nuances of each flavor and ingredient shine through.
Through the close-up shots of ingredients and finished dishes, the artisanal craftsmanship of Delta’s chefs is evident. Their skill lies not only in the cooking but also in their mastery of fermentation techniques, which reveal deeper, more complex flavors in each ingredient. These food photographs honor the careful process and artistry behind Delta’s work, bringing viewers closer to the delicate balance of tradition and innovation in modern Greek cuisine.
The food photography of Delta fermentations reflect this cultural continuity, where timeless methods meet fresh interpretations, celebrating Greece’s culinary heritage while embracing a new vision.
Article by Nikoleta Makrionitou
Stainless Steel Griddle Production for Gastronomos
Behind the Scenes: Capturing the Craftsmanship of Greek Steel Cooking Utensils for Gastronomos Magazine
I recently had the privilege of collaborating with Gastronomos magazine to document the intricate process behind creating one of the most essential tools in traditional Greek cooking—the Stainless Steel Griddle. This classic piece of cookware holds a special place in Greek gastronomy, and my goal was to capture the artistry and craftsmanship that go into its making in Athens.
The photoshoot spanned three historic machinery workshops in Athens, each with its own unique expertise. At Machinery Workshop Pascalidis, I observed master artisans shaping the raw materials with precision and care. Over at Machinery Workshop Kotzamanoglou, the focus shifted to the delicate balance between traditional methods and modern machinery, where every piece is crafted to perfection. Finally, at Machinery Workshop Sfiga, the final touches were added, showcasing the skill and attention to detail that make these steel utensils stand out.
The experience provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of Greek steel cooking utensils, revealing the dedication and craftsmanship behind these everyday kitchen tools. A big thank you to Gastronomos Magazine for the opportunity to be part of this unique project.
"What is the history of the stainless steel griddle and what is its role in Greek life? What pan do we choose for our roasts? copper, ceramic, aluminum, enamel or cast iron? Where will we cook our old copper utensils and where will we order new ones? What is tin and why is it the ideal pie stainless steel griddle? In the September issue, Gastronomos examines the subject of "Tapsi" from all sides, customary, cultural and culinary, and collects 60 incredible recipes for the best baked family and holiday meals.
Each place and its stainless steel griddle
We have collected the best recipes of the stainless steel griddle, from every corner of Greece, from the Caspian lamb of Lemnos and the continental chicken with rice, to the exuberant pasha macarouna, the kleftiko of Roumeli and the Kalamatian pork poula.
Filled, turlou or juvetsi?
Do we bake juveccia with couscous, noodles, macaroni or with classic barley? We learn what juvetsi is, why they call it that and what is its ideal vessel. We stuff peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, flowers and onions and present the most beautiful stuffings of Greek cuisine.
We travel back in time to find out where he got his hat from, what his name means and we recommend incredible turlous with fish, pulses, octopus.
The nicest Sundays need a roasting stainless steel griddle.
Is it Sunday dinner without chicken in the oven with potatoes? Without a honeyed moussaka, pastiche or without a leg of lamb with seared skin? If you think about it, our best Sunday meals are baked in the oven!
Pan Sweets: Dips in Syrup
Doughs and syrupy sheets, honeyed sweet pies and milky desserts, all in the pan and all delicious and aromatic.
And as always: Recipe of the Month – We return refreshed and rested and set the daily table with the best and freshest September products.
The September "Gastronomos" is released on Sunday, September 8, with "Kathimerini".
Boston University College of Fine Arts
The Intersection of Photography and Sculpture: Capturing Sculptor Robert Bodem
Personal Reflection: The Art of Capturing a Sculptor
As a photographer, the opportunity to capture a sculptor like Robert Bodem offers a unique challenge and a beautiful intersection of two art forms. Just as Robert shapes clay to create form, I use light, shadow, and composition to shape an image. The parallels between our crafts were undeniable during the photoshoot. Sculptors and photographers alike work with space, form, and texture, relying on an instinctive understanding of how to turn raw material—whether physical or visual—into something profound.
There’s a delicate dance between the subject and the camera when photographing an artist, especially one whose entire being is rooted in the physical creation of art. With Robert, I sought to emphasize the hands, the expressions, and the pauses between moments—those fleeting gestures that seem to embody his sculptural philosophy.
Robert Bodem’s Philosophy: Drawing in Space
Robert Bodem’s work is deeply rooted in the concept of “drawing in space,” a philosophy that transcends traditional sculpture. As he shared in his interview for the College of Fine Arts magazine, Robert sees sculpture as a way to create dynamic, living forms, often suspended between stillness and movement. His sculptures are not just static objects but explorations of form, designed to engage the viewer from every angle.
In his words, “Sculpture is about the negative space as much as it is about the object itself.” This thoughtful balance is central to his art, where the spaces between forms are just as vital as the material used to create them. The interview explores his journey as an artist, from his rigorous training to his teaching at the Florence Academy of Art, where he helps others discover their potential in capturing the human form in space.
Photographing Robert Bodem for Boston University’s College of Fine Arts magazine was not only a personal artistic journey but also a meaningful collaboration with an institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. The opportunity to work with the College of Fine Arts allowed me to contribute to an environment where creativity is cultivated and celebrated.
Capturing Robert’s portrait and sculpture work was more than just a photoshoot —it was about telling a story that would resonate with young, aspiring artists. Through these images, I hope to inspire students to push their creative boundaries, to see art in the spaces between forms, and to understand that every gesture, like every stroke of the sculptor’s hand, holds the potential for profound expression. I believe these portraits will serve as a reminder that creativity knows no limits and that art, whether through photography or sculpture, has the power to inspire and transform.
For a deeper dive into Robert’s journey and the photoshoot, you can view the full interview and images in the latest issue of the Boston University College of Fine Arts magazine cover.
The New Acropolis Museum for Greece is Athens
I am thrilled to share a recent photography project featured in the latest issue of Greece is Athens. This special tribute takes you on a unique journey beneath the New Acropolis Museum, where history and modern architecture converge in a breathtaking display of Athens' ancient past. As part of the museum's latest exhibition, Stories of Daily Life in the Neighborhood of Ancient Athens, I had the opportunity to capture the perspective of visitors as they walk through the ancient ruins that lie beneath the museum. These images reflect the awe-inspiring experience of standing on glass floors, peering down at the remnants of an ancient civilization, and feeling connected to the history that has shaped modern Athens.
The cover of Greece is Athens, Summer 2024, featuring my photography as a central design element. It’s an honor to see my work not only displayed within the context of this exhibition but also used as a key element in the creative design of the magazine’s cover. I hope these images inspire you to explore the rich history that lies just beneath the surface of Athens, where the past continues to shape our present.
"Here in the capital of Greece Athens, our museum experiences just seem to get better and better. In late June, the Acropolis Museum inaugurated an entire new exhibition level, this time beneath the main museum, in association with its already-open archaeological site. Together, the fascinating cityscape of an exposed ancient neighborhood and the rich array of ordinary household objects, workshop remnants, commercial goods and stunning statuary displayed along- side it comprise an impressive addition to an institution already well deserving of its world-class standing. What we have here is essentially a completely new museum beneath the existing exhibition galleries. And once again, the Acropolis Museum new sub-floor spaces, like those above, are experiential for the visitor. Just as we "ascend the Acropolis" when we make our way upwards through the Acropolis Museum's Acropolis Slopes and Archaic Galleries, ultimately reaching the Parthenon's sculptural decorations at the top, so today can we "descend below ground" as we explore the archaeological excavation dug into the earth below the museum, with its stone walls, narrow streets, bath complexes, courtyards and collection of historical treasures that, now more than ever before, bring daily life in ancient Athens into sharp focus."
Words by editor John Leonard
Cover design by Dimitris Tsoublekas
108 - GREECE IS Athens summer 2024 bublished by Kathimerini news.
"We're by your side" Bureau Veritas
In a visually compelling ad campaign, Bureau Veritas Paris has chosen the Hellenic shipyards in Athens as the backdrop for their latest project. As a commercial photographer, the opportunity to collaborate on this campaign under the guiding motto "We Are By Your Side" was both exhilarating and inspiring.
The shipyards, a symbol of resilience and industry, provided the perfect setting to emphasize Bureau Veritas' commitment to their clients. The location, steeped in history and industrial grandeur, beautifully complemented the essence of the brand—a leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. The towering cranes, vast docks, and intricate machinery of shipyards offered a dramatic and authentic environment that spoke volumes about the brand’s dedication to quality and reliability.
The photoshoot aimed to capture the essence of partnership and trust that Bureau Veritas embodies. Each shot was meticulously planned to highlight the synergy between the brand and its clients. The imagery showcased professionals from various industries working alongside Bureau Veritas experts, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and assurance the company provides. The use of natural light and the shipyard's textured, industrial backdrop added depth and authenticity to the images, reinforcing the message of steadfast support and partnership.
Throughout the day, the team focused on creating a narrative that was both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The campaign images are designed to convey a sense of unwavering support, capturing moments where Bureau Veritas professionals stand shoulder to shoulder with their clients, ensuring safety, compliance, and excellence.
The "We Are By Your Side" campaign not only highlights Bureau Veritas Paris’ technical expertise but also underscores their role as a trusted ally in the industrial sector. The evocative visuals from the Skaramaga shipyards encapsulate the brand's promise of reliability and dedication, reinforcing their position as a global leader committed to guiding their clients towards success.
Many thanks to Bureau Veritas team from Paris, Nick Brown and Eleni Letoni from Athens for their support. Special Thanks to Panayiotis Andriopoulos for his assist.
Gastronomos cover June 2024
Cover photo for the new issue of Gastronomos Magazine
In this issue of Gastroonomos magazine, the editors, seek out the best cool escapes in Athens and put together a survival guide that will make summer in the city fun and enjoyable. Scattered all over Athens, crossed the coastline of Attica, swam at beaches, went on trips to parks and forests, went out for food and drinks in Athenian courtyards and rooftops, cooked the best food and appetizers for summer gatherings at home and envisioned a wonderful summer that is not squeezed into the few days of vacation in August.
- We eat on rooftops with a view, shady pedestrian streets and green courtyards!
Small culinary and aesthetic oases in Athens and its surroundings, to escape from the sea of cement, to enjoy great food, peace and coolness. We have found the best spots in Athens that combine good food and a nice environment, where the pulse of the city beats.
- Where are we going to eat after swim?
32 addresses for taverns with good food on our favorite beaches of Attica. Fresh fish, appetizers, meat, but also fine dining by the sea, for every taste and every wallet.
- Green Breaths! Where will I find some shade in the city?
We take the mountains, parks and groves of Attica, in known and unknown places of urban and peri-urban greenery, inside and outside the Basin, organized and "wild", for hiking, cycling and picnics with friends and children, for relaxation and relief from the city heat.
- Summer means hot
At Taverna ton Filon in Kolonos, we cook emblematic oils with a fresh look, from stuffed peppers with extra oily sauce, to pasta, legume salads, turlou, minced meat and gigantes, all cooked with generous doses of olive oil. On Sundays, we cook our favorite summer foods and set a table under the shade of the awning or arbor.
- Picnic snacks and beer snacks
In the green oases of the city and its surroundings, we spread checkered tablecloths and bring from home easy and satisfying snacks, from the timeless meatballs, to tarts and dip for our breadsticks, and we invite the company for leisurely hours in oases of peace and soothing coolness. And on nice evenings, friends gather on the balcony or the roof for beer and the necessary accompanying appetizers.
- 18 delicious adventures around Athens
Urban summer fairs and feasts, fresh, prime summer fruit straight from the tree, cheeses from the hands of the cheesemaker, rare heirloom varieties from passionate growers, visitable food farms for young and old, farm stands with fresh-picked vegetables, oysters at producer prices and fish from the boat. Attica in 18 culinary stops in the most unexpected places!
- Summer cinemas: An ode to global Greek originality and all the suggestions in Athens for cinephile nights smelling of jasmine, in summer cinemas that serve from homemade sour cream and handmade cheese pie, to delicious finger food and cool cocktails. And if you have an appetite and taste, we recommend amazing homemade sandwiches to take with you to the cinema, with summer ingredients in imaginative combinations.
- The Athens we love: Cool and easy summer cocktails on the balcony from our favorite Athens bartenders, the places in the city for deliciously iced, good coffee and bars for evening strolls for the drink that will end our Athenian days in a relaxed way.
- And also: Cool refrigerator sweets with creams, chocolates, jellies and ice cream, reminiscent of the motherly treats of our childhood but renewed and with a guilt-free freshness. And, of course, the June Recipe, with suggestions for every day of the month, simple, easy and quick, with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Gastronomos June is released on Sunday, June 9 with Kathimerini.
Cover girl: Marina Petridou
Director of Culinary Publications: Angelos Rentoulas
Editor-in-Chief: Christina Tzialla
Art Director: Akrivi Kakkava
Photography & Features Producer: Nasia Diamantidis
