Maximilian Riedel for Oinochoos

It’s not every day that you get to photograph a visionary whose family name has become synonymous with wine culture. In my lenses is Max Riedel, CEO of RIEDEL—the legendary Austrian glassware company, a moment where tradition, innovation, and personality meet in a frame.

The assignment was for Oinochoos, the wine magazine of Kathimerini. The interview focused on Max Riedel’s philosophy and what defines success in a competitive industry. His quote—”Success is defined by how many people copy you”—became a striking centerpiece, and I wanted the portraits to match that level of clarity and confidence.

The portrait photoshoot took place in Athens, in a setting that reflected both Riedel’s precision and his charismatic presence. I focused on creating portraits that balanced formality with a sense of spontaneity. The light was sculpted to echo the transparency and finesse of the glassware his family is famous for. Subtle reflections and quiet contrasts helped build a visual rhythm, echoing the elegance that RIEDEL brings to wine tasting.

The words of the interview are written by the chief editor Nena Dimitriou.