Three Faces, One Vision: Portrait Headshots for Magna Graecia
When I set out to capture the essence of the Magna Graecia team, I knew this was more than just a typical portrait photography. This was an opportunity for a portrait photographer to convey not only the individuality of each team member but also the shared vision and values that unite them as a company.
Tailored Poses, Timeless Aesthetics
Each portrait was carefully crafted to highlight the unique characteristics and roles of the three individuals. Through a thoughtful combination of camera angles, lenses, and lighting contrasts, I brought out their individuality while maintaining a high aesthetic tone.
Black-and-white photography became my canvas—ideal for showcasing the minimal formations of light unique to Greece and emphasizing aesthetic beauty inspired by ancient Greek ideals. This approach not only added depth to the portraits but also aligned perfectly with Magna Graecia’s commitment to precision and luxury.
This session reflects the best of corporate photography, blending visual storytelling with professional representation. The use of black-and-white allowed for a cohesive look, enhancing the headshot photography while maintaining individuality and consistency with Magna Graecia’s brand identity.
Achieving Balance: Individuality and Cohesion
The challenge was to balance the unique traits of each individual with a cohesive visual narrative. By utilizing Greece’s natural light, I enhanced the interplay of light and shadow, creating portraits that stand out on their own while seamlessly blending together as a collective.
The result? Three distinct headshots, three unique stories, and one unified message—a perfect representation of Magna Graecia’s core philosophy: excellence, professionalism, and a passion for delivering unparalleled service.
Magna Graecia: Redefining Excellence
Magna Graecia is not just about real estate; it’s about reshaping the industry through innovation, luxury, and a commitment to craftsmanship. Their mission is to create bespoke, high-end residential properties while setting new standards in construction, engineering, and client service.
From the leadership of Michael J. Mailis, whose expertise spans global luxury real estate and media, to the technical prowess of Nikos Papagiannakopoulos, and the visionary legacy of John M. Mailis, the Magna Graecia team embodies a rich blend of innovation, professionalism, and global insight.
The Story Behind the Faces
- Michael J. Mailis: Founder & CEO, a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in luxury real estate and investments, driven by a passion for blending aesthetic beauty with functional excellence.
- Nikos Papagiannakopoulos: Founding Partner & CTO, a mechanical engineer with unparalleled expertise in bridging technical precision with strategic business insight.
- John M. Mailis: Chairman, a pioneer in aviation and real estate who exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial leadership and global impact.
Final Thoughts
This corporate photography project was a true collaboration, one that required precision, artistry, and an understanding of Magna Graecia's ethos. Through these portraits, I aimed to tell the visual story of a company that honors the past while building the future—just as they do in every project they undertake.
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.
Athens’ Grande Bretagne & King George FNL Awards
In the portrait photography campaign for the Athenian hotels Grande Bretagne & King George photographs presents the awarded crew of the hotels that received four distinctions at this year’s FNL Best Restaurant Awards, recognizing their unique culinary offerings.
The FNL Best Restaurant Awards, now in its 6th edition in 2023, are determined by a committee consisting of FNL experts and distinguished gastronomy critics.
This annual gastronomy event is organized by FNL Guide, also known as The Food & Leisure Guide.
In the pictures with the Acropolis on the background, except the group portrait photo, also is included the awarded Asterios Koustoudis, the Executive Chef of Hotels Grande Bretagne & King George, was presented with the coveted Chef of the Year accolade. This award acknowledges his exceptional talent and significant contribution to Greece’s culinary scene.
Furthermore, Michalis Ladas, the maître of Tudor Hall restaurant, was honored as the Restaurant Manager of the Year. This special award recognizes Ladas for his remarkable contribution to Athens’ catering history and his illustrious 35-year career in renowned establishments.
Additionally, GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Tudor Hall Restaurant garnered FNL stars for their culinary excellence.
Under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Nikos Liokas, GB Roof Garden Restaurant received one star for its exceptional Modern International Cuisine.
Meanwhile, Tudor Hall Restaurant, led by Chef de Cuisine Nikos Leivadias, maintained its prestigious two stars in the International Fine Dining caAtegory for yet another year.
These honors exemplify the hotels’ dedication to promoting Greek gastronomy to a diverse, international audience and solidify their position as leaders in the catering sector.
Hotel Grande Bretagne & King George are owned by Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A, a subsidiary company of the Laskaridis Group.
They are managed by Marriott International, Inc., a global hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Marriott operates and franchises hotels worldwide, offering the highly acclaimed travel program, Marriott Bonvoy™, boasting 141 million members globally.
International Womens Day
From the International Womens Day campaign of Grand Bretagne Hotel. "Celebrating our lovely ladies, our heroes, our daily inspiration. Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all the strong, powerful women across the world. Keep shining!"
Dr. Nikos Vrachnis
Honored to work with personalities like Dr Nikos Vrachnis. The portrait photoshoot took place at his office in Athens. Nikolaos Vrachnis completed Ob/Gyn training in United Kingdom(UK), 2001. Received postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, Cardiff University, UK. Completed thesis, \”Inflammation and preterm labor\”, at Athens University Medical School, 2005. Currently works as Assistant Professor, \”Obstetrics-Gynecology and Fetal-Maternal Medicine\”, at same University. Has 35+ publications in peer-reviewed journals; wrote or edited 8 books and 20+ chapters in books; over 200 presentations at national and international meetings. Is in charge of Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics(ALSO) course, Greece, and member of ALSO(UK) and ALSO(USA) Advisory Faculties. Recently developed a hands-on Advanced Life Support in Gynecology(ALSG) course. President of Hellenic Society of Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergency and member of the board of Hellenic Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Portraits for for Gonimotita magazine .
Four Seasons Athens hotel staff
Every member of staff at the Four Seasons Astrir Palace Hotel Athens is committed to doing everything in their power to make you feel at home. Tender loving care in hospitality comes with a smile. The secret to good hospitality is... Not really a secret at all, I think. It’s about being able to respond to every guest’s different and changing needs. Nowadays, Four Seasons staff has the means to create a profile for every guest and to know what they like so that they can make sure they have it, but it’s also important that they respect every guest privacy.
Portrait photography for Four Seasons Magazine, Text by Nena Dimitriou.
Thanks to the Members:
Yorgos Vournazos Chief Concierge, Member of Les Clefs d’Or International
Vicky Zafeiri Hotel Assistant Manager
Rafaela Nikolouzou Public Relations Coordinator
Alexandros Makropoulos Executive Sous Chef
Ilir Rumbullaku Housekeeping
Apostolis Dimou Executive chef
Manon Kapfer Bar Manager
Georgia Sfika Assistant director of Reservations
Lilian Labropoulou Director of People and Culture
Mikael Lambotte Assistant director of rooms
Vyron Mavroudis Assistant Restaurant manager
Eva Sotirakopoulou Catering Executive
Nikodimos Koulits People & culture manager
Nikos Stampolidis
Portrait photography for Nikos Stampolidis Director-General of the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is included in the best museums in the world, while during its twelve-year operation has created new data in the country’s museum landscape. The selection of Prof. Nikos Stampolidis creates new perspectives and offers additional dynamics to a Museum that has attracted important international distinctions and (has gained) the preference of visitors from Greece and abroad. Nikos Stampolidis, an archaeologist with award-winning work, in addition to being a scholar with excellent training, is a man with a modern understanding of both archaeology and the connection between culture and society. It has the knowledge, the mood, and the vision so that the Acropolis Museum can dynamically continue its highly successful work, as well as expand and multiply its activities “.
Eleytheria Deco for Kappa Magazine
In this portrait photography I was pleased to meet and work with one of my favourite greek artists, the lighting designer Eleytheria Deco. I knew Eletheria's Deco work since 2004 when she awarded with EMI award for the light design of the Olympic Games ceremony "Athens 2004 Olympics".
Since then and due to our common interest, "light" ("phos", greek word for light and first synthetic work for photo-graphy) , I have been watching her works with great interest. She has an open field of design like theaters, festivals, museums, public spaces, events and architectural lighting projects. The special thing with her works is that sometimes it is like she has a signature and gives you a feeling that you can identify her aesthetic.
Her recent work was the light design of Acropolis. The new lighting will highlight nine points of the ancient monument: the Acropolis hill, the walls, the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Theater of Dionysus, the Stoa of Eumenes and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. As the Culture Ministry underlines, for the first time the choragic monument of Thrasyllos, the Asklepieion of Athens, the caves of Apollo and Aglauros, and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, will all be illuminated.
It was great pleasure of meeting and work with her for this portrait season for her interview in Kappa Magazine of Kathimerini newspaper. Her portraits published on 19-12-2020.
Foivos Papastratis
Portrait advertising Photography For the wine maker Foivos Papastratis and his wine series "F" advertising campaign.
Foivos Papastratis is one of the youngest winemakers in Greece. The grapes of muscat and asyrtiko come from 2 century family privately owned vineyards in Lilandio Field Chalkida. His clasic and timeless portraits with his limeted edition F wine bottles, will accompany the printed and web ads of 2021.
Tim Ananiadis for Kappa Magazine Cover
Tim Ananiadis, the general manager of the hotels Grand Bretagne and King George in Athens, shared his lessons of a brilliant career of four decades on three continents and became the cover story of the new issue of "Kappa" magazine of Kathimerini. Mr Ananiadis Portrait photography took place in Grand Bretagne's ballroom, reception and Winter Garden. The Published photos follows.
Text: George Tsiros
Photo editor: Ioanna Chronopoulou
