Light & Honey - The World of B LOUIS
On the island of Aegina, where thyme grows wild under the intense Greek sun and the scent of Mediterranean herbs travels through the hills with the wind, a young couple has chosen to follow a demanding but deeply rewarding path: the creation of exceptional organic honey. Their brand, B LOUIS, is still relatively young, yet it has already earned recognition in the world of Greek gastronomy. Their honey has been honored at the Great Taste Awards and selected as a finalist in the honey tasting of Gastronomos magazine—an important distinction in a country where honey production has deep historical roots.
B LOUIS represents a new generation of Greek producers who combine respect for traditional beekeeping with a contemporary vision of quality, sustainability, and careful branding. Their honey is certified organic, produced with great attention to environmental balance and the natural rhythms of the island ecosystem. The bees forage among thyme and other aromatic Mediterranean herbs that grow naturally on the slopes of Aegina, giving the honey its distinctive character.
Aegina’s landscape plays a central role in the story. The island’s dry terrain, rocky hills, and scattered vegetation form a unique environment where aromatic herbs flourish under the strong Aegean sunlight.
My recent commercial photography project with BLOUIS was designed to capture not only the product but also the entire world that surrounds it. The intention was to create a visual narrative that moves beyond conventional product photography and instead explores the relationship between landscape, people, and craft. The photography reflects this deep connection between product and place. Blends three main elements: space, portrait, and action. Wide environmental photographs introduce the geography of Aegina: open hillsides covered with herbs, dusty paths leading through the vegetation, and distant views of the sea shimmering on the horizon. These landscapes are not simply decorative settings. They are essential ingredients in the story of the honey itself. Within these landscapes, the young beekeepers appear as natural participants in their environment. The portrait photographs aim to capture moments of quiet concentration and dedication. We see them inspecting the hives, preparing the smoker, or carefully examining frames filled with honeycomb. These portraits are intentionally simple and honest, reflecting the calm patience required by beekeeping.
Stella and Leonidas, the couple behind BLOUIS, represents a new generation of producers emerging in Greece today. Young, passionate, and deeply connected to the land, they combine traditional beekeeping knowledge with modern awareness of sustainability and quality. Their work is guided by respect for biodiversity and organic production practices, ensuring that both bees and environment remain healthy.
Despite its small-scale and artisanal nature, Blouis honey has already begun to travel beyond the island. Part of the production reaches gourmet shops in Athens, where it is appreciated by chefs and food enthusiasts who seek authentic Greek ingredients. Another part is exported to Germany, introducing international audiences to the unique flavors of Aegina’s thyme honey.
Through their online presence, including their active pages on Instagram and Facebook, the producers also share glimpses of their daily work with a broader audience.
In this context, the photography project aims to position Blouis not simply as a food product but as a premium artisanal brand deeply rooted in place. The visual approach avoids heavy staging or artificial setups. Instead, the images rely on real moments, natural gestures, and the genuine atmosphere of the landscape.
At the same time, the commercial campaign photographs highlight the human dimension behind the honey. In a world where many food products become anonymous commodities, BLOUIS reminds us that exceptional taste often begins with personal commitment. The images reveal the quiet determination of two young producers investing time, care, and energy into their craft.
Dinning with History at the Royal Suit of Grande Bretagne Athens
The story of Grande Bretagne is a story of precision, ritual, and enduring elegance at the heart of Athens, Greece. It opens in the Royal Suite, where every detail of a formal dinner is arranged with almost ceremonial care: chairs aligned by eye, cutlery measured by fingers, and historic golden sets placed with exacting symmetry. This obsessive attention to detail is not mere formality, but a reflection of a deeper philosophy—one that defines the hotel’s identity as a symbol of luxury and refinement. This carefully staged scene also formed the concept of a special photoshoot designed for the anniversary edition of GB Magazine, celebrating 150 years of the hotel’s legacy, with images created for the magazine editorial and communication use.
Behind the scenes, a full team moves into action: florists, stewards, assistants, and wine experts prepare the setting using hand-painted Limoges porcelain, silverware, and rare bottles transferred to a private cellar. At the center of this orchestration stands Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis, whose arrival with his team marks the transition from preparation to creation. The image of the chefs in white aprons and tall hats feels almost timeless—perfect material for food photography and a striking group chef photo that connects past and present and a visual language ideally suited to communicate the Grande Bretagne’s heritage in both magazine print and social media.
The menu itself is rooted in historical research. Inspired by a rare cookbook from the 1950s by Georgios Dimostheniadis, the team reconstructs dishes that once represented the height of cosmopolitan dining. These recipes—ranging from refined soups and delicate fish dishes to elaborate lobster preparations—demonstrate how cuisine at the Grande Bretagne has always balanced technique, seasonality, and visual beauty. The philosophy is clear: food should look as exquisite as it tastes, blurring the line between gastronomy and art.
This recreated seven-course dinner is more than a meal, it is a statement about continuity. It highlights how the hotel has contributed to the evolution of Greek gastronomy over more than a century, while staying faithful to European culinary traditions. From the late 19th century onward, the Grande Bretagne earned its reputation as a benchmark of luxury, attracting royalty, diplomats, and elite society. French cuisine once dominated its menus, but over time Greek ingredients and dishes claimed their place, reflecting broader changes in taste and identity.
The narrative also traces how the hotel’s prestige shaped supply networks, supported Greek producers, and set standards for service and presentation. Even details such as uniforms, languages spoken by staff, and the choreography of service reveal a world where hospitality is treated as a craft. Celebrations, gala evenings, and long festive dinners became part of the social fabric of Athens, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a cultural landmark in Greece.
Today, that legacy continues. From the Winter Garden’s brunch and Afternoon Tea to the GB Roof Garden’s contemporary cuisine, the spirit of innovation remains alive. Under the guidance of Asterios Koustoudis, the kitchen still focuses on seasonal ingredients, refined technique, and strong visual identity—making every plate a potential subject for food photography and every service a continuation of a long historical tradition.
In essence, the Grande Bretagne is not just a hotel, but a living archive of taste, ceremony, and craftsmanship—where the Royal Suite,, the formal dinner, and the pursuit of luxury come together in a visual and culinary narrative created for the 150-year anniversary of the hotel, and expressed through imagery used both editorially and for the hotel’s advertising, deeply rooted in Athens, Greece, and still evolving today.
Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis
Article, research and interviews and by the food editor Nena Demetriou.
Head Sommelier Evangelos Psofidis
Hellenic Army Academy Evelpidon for Kappa Magazine
For this documentary photography assignment for the Greek magazine "Kappa" of Kathimerini News, I spent a full day inside the Hellenic Military Academy "Scholi Evelpidon" in Vari, Athens, on the occasion of its anniversary founded on December 21, 1828. The visit offered a rare opportunity to look beyond the institution’s formal image and vissually explore how one of Greece’s oldest military schools is redefining itself for the future.
What becomes clear almost immediately is that today’s Evelpidon is no longer an isolated, inward-looking military environment. According to the Academy’s Commandant, Major General Anastasios Polychronos, openness and international engagement are now central pillars of its philosophy. Cadets participate in international exchange programs, including Erasmus initiatives and visits to European and NATO institutions, allowing them to train alongside peers from abroad and develop a shared professional mindset within a global framework.
The Academy now operates as both a military and academic institution. Its modern campus—spanning approximately 68,000 square meters—resembles a contemporary university more than a traditional barracks. Lecture halls, laboratories, and research facilities support a demanding curriculum that ranges from humanities and engineering to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Most of the Cadets that taking the decision to get in to Evelpidon is driven by personal motivation rather than career certainty alone. Some others by their family tradition in military career. Cadets describe the experience transformative, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond military service. Female cadets emphasize that while expectations are high, opportunities are equal, and progress is based on merit rather than gender—reflecting the Academy’s evolving culture.
One of the most striking aspects of the Academy today is its multicultural character. Students from Greece and countries such as Armenia, Tunisia, and various African nations train and study together. International cadets highlighting Greece’s history and culture as key reasons they chose Evelpidon. The Academy becomes a meeting point of different backgrounds united by shared discipline and ambition. Physical training remains a core component of daily life. From obstacle courses and climbing exercises to long-distance running. Cadets training has evolved as well. Programs are now designed using scientific methods with personalized exercise routines and nutritional planning tailored to each individual’s needs and performance.
Between history and innovation, national tradition and international outlook, discipline and education. The Hellenic Military Academy stands as an institution that honors its past while actively shaping the officers of tomorrow.
A summary from the original article and cover story printed and published in 21 Dec 2025 written by George Robollas.
Klez Brandar's Single Cover
From the very first frame, Klez's presence felt cinematic. A guy that could be transformed in any character. The light and locations I chose took inspiration from his energy—strong, dramatic, but with tender vulnerability. In some shots, he stands in sharp contrast to the city’s architectural textures, while in others, softer tones soften his expression. This duality mirrors the tension in his artistic persona: the actor’s readiness to perform, and the musician’s openness to feel.
Each portrait also acts as a visual echo of his sound. Klez’s music is thoughtful and layered. I interpreted that by using lighting and framing that give depth—sometimes isolating him against negative space, other times embedding him in the urban fabric. The result feels like a series of stills from a short film about his life and art.
Given Klez Brandar's versatility, these images work on multiple levels. They’re powerful enough to serve as album artwork or Spotify single covers, but also intimate enough to stand as actor headshots.
As an portrait photographer, I always look for that synergy, when the subject’s inner world and the visual environment connect and told a story. One of sound and space, of performance and presence, a visual refrain of his artistry.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7m33Eyso7doMUFjdD8AiYC
Culture Waks in Athens for Greece is
On a photography assignment in Athens for Greece Is magazine, I embarked on a culture walk in Athens that transcended the usual tourist route. My camera traced hidden alleys, bold street art, and architectural dialogues between ancient and contemporary — a visual narrative of a city in constant evolution. The resulting reportaz ties together art, memory, and modern identity, through a lens both curious and observant.
Starting from the pulse of Syntagma and the National Gardens, the walk led me through neighborhoods where walls speak louder than guides. Graffiti, murals, fragments of modern sculpture — all part of Athens’ living canvas. In this journey I was particularly drawn to EMST, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, whose curatorial vision anchors Athens’ dialogue with international art discourses. The museum, housed in the former FIX brewery, hosts a permanent collection of 172 works by 78 Greek and international artists, including Costas Varotsos, whose glass “Varotsos Runner” sculpture punctuates the cityscape with spectral motion.
My lens captured how Varotsos’s The Runner (Δρομέας) seems to sprint through urban time — a fitting symbol for a city always in flux. At one point, I paused in front of its fractured glass plates, letting light refract into visions of Athens’ past and possible futures.
Among the highlights was a striking work by Athens-based artist INO, whose large-scale graffiti injects social commentary and a bold visual identity into the city’s urban fabric
Throughout the walk, I also reflected on how the journalistic and cultural ecosystems intersect. My images will accompany the Greece Is story, contributing to its immersive quality, while I aim to engage larger audiences—readers of Kathimerini will recognize the city’s ongoing conversation with culture and reportage.
Will Dubai save the pistachio trees?
Two weeks ago, I was invited to photograph a feature story for Kathimerini that touched me deeply—not just as a photographer, but as someone who has spent years working with Greek landscapes and specially in Aegina Island which is my homeland.
Written by Alexia Kalaitzi, the article explores a question: “Will Dubai save Aegina’s pistachios?”
“Getting off the ship at the port of Aegina, one of the first images you see is the queues of visitors forming in front of the kiosks selling the famous Aegina pistachios. The frenzy with Dubai chocolate – a chocolate bar with a filling made of kadayif/kataifi and pistachio – has not left the Saronic island, which has given its name to the most famous variety of pistachio in Greece, unaffected.”
“You have to love the pistachio tree, the other person will not love them as much as you do. He will not be as interested,” said Eleni Kypraiou. The 88-year-old moved permanently to Aegina in 2006, just after completing her career in journalism, and since then she has been dedicated and passionate about her pistachio estate”. I photographed in one of the most emotional moments of the assignment—arms wrapped around a tree she’s tended for decades.” said grower Eleni Kypraiou, who I photographed in one of the most emotional moments of the assignment—arms wrapped around a tree she’s tended for decades.
Nikos Kounadis, supervisor of the Aegina Agricultural Cooperative of Pistachio Producers, was in an empty cold storage room when he told me, “We have nothing left for this year.” He explained that milder winters in recent years—with decreased rainfall and fewer cold days, but more warm and sunny days—have caused the buds of the trees to fall prematurely.
“However, climatic conditions are not the only issue,” said Kostas Peppas, president of the cooperative. He shared that it has been years since a new pistachio tree was planted on the island. “In Aegina, pistachio trees no longer grow – houses do,” the 81-year-old noted, adding that not only is there no longer any room to plant new trees, but existing ones are also being uprooted to build holiday homes, many of which are rented out as Airbnbs.
According to the cooperative’s estimate, since 1980—when the last assessment was made—approximately 30,000 trees have been lost, corresponding to 247 acres of land.
In one of the last images from the story, a building’s concrete frame rises from within a pistachio grove. Construction driven by tourism has led to a significant decline in pistachio trees on Aegina.
Maria Papadopoulou
This photoshoot with Maria Papadopoulou took place at the modern offices of Ant1 Group in Athens. The project was created for ACCA’s AB Magazine, accompanying an inspiring feature about women in business and leadership. Maria Papadopoulou’s story, published under the title Leaning In, highlights her role in the media and finance world, and the valuable perspective she brings to both fields.
Authentic and professional portraits of a woman in her natural working environment. The Ant1 Group offices offered a bright and structured backdrop that reflected both modern business culture and the personal strength of the subject. Through careful use of natural light and thoughtful composition, the portraits aimed to balance a sense of authority with a human, approachable tone — the same balance that defines women leaders like Maria.
Photographing women in business roles is always an opportunity to create portrait photography that moves beyond the surface. In this commercial woman photoshoot, the focus was on Maria’s presence and personality as much as on her professional identity. Every detail — from the background to the lighting and her expression — was chosen to highlight her role as a decision-maker in a competitive and evolving industry.
You can see the full feature article and read more about her professional journey in AB Magazine’s February 2025 issue here.
This woman corporate photoshoot was designed to capture not only the face of modern leadership but also the essence of women shaping the future of business.
Clean Monday
Clean Monday in Aegina: A Seafood Feast at Skotadis for Gastronomos Magazine.
At Skotadis ouzeri in Aegina, alongside chef Periklis Koskinas, we welcomed Koulouma with exceptional seafood meze that capture the essence of the sea.
The day began at Aegina’s historic fish market, where fishermen and vendors showcased their daily catch. The market, in operation for over a century, is a hub of fresh seafood. Among the stalls, clams, mussels, octopus, shrimp, and squid glistened on ice, a testament to the island’s rich fishing grounds. Giorgos Lykouris, the owner of Skotadis, guided us through the market, emphasizing the importance of freshness and responsible fishing. “We only take the fish of the day,” he explained.
With baskets full, we walked the short distance to Skotadis, a legendary ouzeri by the sea. Established in 1945 as a café for fishermen, it evolved into an ouzeri in the 1980s, gaining fame under Lykouris’ ownership. Its menu respects tradition while embracing subtle modern influences, offering dishes best paired with ouzo and aged tsipouro from Lykouris’ extensive collection.
In the kitchen, Koskinas, along with Marios Korovesis and Skotadis’ head chef Sotiris Lampadarios, prepared an array of seafood delicacies. Juicy octopus, fried mussels, cuttlefish with spinach, and taramosalata—all crafted with fresh ingredients and a deep respect for seasonality.
As a photographer, capturing this experience was about more than just food photography. It was about telling a story through images—documenting the vibrant textures of fresh seafood at the market, the hands of the fishermen and cooks at work, the lively conversations over a shared meal, and the stunning coastal landscape that framed it all. Through this series of photographs, I wanted to preserve the essence of Aegina’s culinary tradition, the warmth of its people, and the way food connects us to place and memory.
As the dishes were plated, we gathered at a seaside table, clinking glasses of ouzo and tsipouro in celebration of Koulouma and the simple joy of sharing great food.
Chief Editor Aggelos Redoulas
Text by Nikoleta Makrionitou
Assist Adonis Kavouris
Photo editor Nasia Diamantidi
Summer Wine Memories
Summer Vacation Wine List is a visual storytelling project for Oinochoos Magazine of Kathimerini News that blends the flavors of fine wine with the essence of summer and the poetry of memories. Picture a serene Greek island, where sun-drenched days stretch lazily into golden evenings.
At the heart of this narrative is a vibrant, free-spirited woman in her early 30s, savoring the simplicity of a summer escape. Her love for wine is more than a taste—it’s a connection to the moments that shape her journey. A chilled white wine mirrors the crisp morning light as she strolls barefoot along the shoreline. A bold red accompanies the laughter of an intimate sunset gathering. Each sip becomes a chapter, every title a memory, blending emotions and flavors into a sensory tapestry of sun, sea, and time well spent.
This project invites the viewer into her story, where wine is not just a drink but a companion to life’s most cherished experiences—an aromatic bridge between taste and memory, weaving summer’s essence into moments that linger long after the season fades.
From the magazine’s intro
“What does it take to create the ultimate wine list for the summer? A team consisting of sommeliers, master sommeliers, oenologists and journalists, taste and recommend a mix of 50 Greek producers. High quality wines from different varieties, winemaking styles. Wines with unique characteristics. We wrote short stories about them for the summer”.
Special Thanks to all the contributors
Chief editor Nena Dimitriou
Set Design & styling Rosa Karac
Girl Eirini Galani
Assist Antonis Kavouris
Production & Location Nasia Diamantidis
And all the friends and family members from Aegina Island that opened their homes and hearts to us. Athina Pikioni & Aris Sorris, Anthe Loizos, Kaiti Giannouli, Panagiotis Marinis.
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.
