Chios & Oinousses — Maritime Education
Chios and Oinousses are islands where the land seems to breathe with the sea and shaped by the lives devoted to it. Here, the horizon is not distant it is a direction. As a corporate photographer based in Athens, Greece, I moved through this maritime long term educational event following an invisible thread. A living network of maritime training, where each stage of learning flows into the next like a tide in motion. Created for Kathimerini’s Topoi Mas, this photographic tribute turns its gaze toward the human landscape of the shipping world—where discipline takes form, knowledge becomes practice, and the sea shapes those who choose it.
In Chios, I photographed the Merchant Marine Academy of Engineering (AEN Chios), a core institution in Greece’s maritime education system. Here, seafarers train in a highly technical environment, working directly with machinery, tools, and large-scale mechanical systems. Alongside this, I documented vocational schools such as EPAL Vrontados, EPAL Kardamyla—and TEENS and Maria’s Home of Maria Tsakos foundation, spaces that host educational events and daily training activities for students preparing to enter maritime professions. I also spent time in student housing, where young people from across Greece begin shaping their future within the global shipping sector.
Each of these environments carries its own visual identity. What connects them is a clear direction toward careers in maritime and shipping industries, where many students arrive seeking opportunity and a structured professional path.
The project continues to Oinousses, a place where this educational ecosystem becomes even more concentrated. There, I photographed the Merchant Marine Academy for Deck Officers (AEN Oinousses), along with the maritime EPAL and the student boarding house. The island operates almost entirely around maritime education. It is a living environment shaped by the rhythm of seafarers life, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. What stood out immediately was the intensity of this setting. Daily life unfolds within a tight radius: cadets move between dormitories, classrooms, and training facilities in a continuous cycle. This proximity creates a strong sense of community, while reinforcing the discipline required in the maritime profession. As highlighted in the article, this routine prepares students for the structured, enclosed environment of life at sea—an essential aspect of working in shipping.
Photographically, Oinousses became the core of the project. I focused on repetition, structure, and presence—corridors, uniforms, gestures, and small details that reveal how individuals evolve through training. There is a quiet concentration in the way cadets interact, already adapting to the expectations of a maritime career.
A phrase often heard locally—“from sheep to ship”—captures the transformation of the island’s identity. Within the academy, this transformation is ongoing. Students from diverse backgrounds gradually integrate into a system that reflects the precision and demands of the global maritime and shipping industry.
Across all locations, my focus remained on how space shapes behavior. These are environments built on discipline, repetition, and responsibility—qualities essential not only in education but also in corporate and maritime contexts. The images reflect this approach: structured, observational, and grounded in real moments.
This work is part of my broader practice as a photographer based in Athens, Greece, specializing in corporate and maritime photography projects. It explores how identity is formed within working environments—especially those connected to the sea, where tradition meets modern industry.
In Chios and Oinousses, everything is interconnected: people, places, and purpose. The sea may not always be visible—but within the world of shipping, maritime training and cadet life, it is always present.
The research and main text made by the editor Giannis Papadimitriou.
An Image of Quiet Resurrection
When I first captured this photograph, I wasn’t thinking about publication, let alone seeing it featured in Kathimerini. It was simply a moment—one of those fleeting instances where light, place, and feeling align almost without permission. Yet, within the context of the article “Easter Brought an Inner Resurrection,” the image found a deeper voice.
The photograph, originally published in the Myrmidones book and in landscapes collection, carries with it a quiet narrative: a pilgrimage not just across landscape, but inward. The scene, an elderly couple moving toward a small rural church of Agios Charalampos in Palaia Chora of Aegina, echoes a timeless rhythm of faith and continuity. Their presence feels almost symbolic, embodying a lived spirituality that is neither dramatic nor performative, but deeply rooted in everyday gestures.
This image is also part of a broader exploration within my artistic practice—an ongoing series that reflects on faith, not as doctrine, but as lived experience. Through my work, I return often to questions of belief, ritual, and the subtle ways spirituality manifests in ordinary life. I’m drawn to moments where the sacred quietly intersects with the everyday: a gesture, a pause, a shared silence. These fragments, though small, hold a profound emotional and symbolic weight.
What struck me most, seeing the image reframed within this article, was how it resonated with the idea of “inner resurrection.” Not the loud celebration often associated with Easter, but the subtle transformation that unfolds in silence. The kind that happens in shared glances, in slow steps, in the weight of memory carried gently forward.
Photography, at its best, does not explain—it reveals. In this case, the image became part of a broader conversation about sacredness, touch, and human connection. It aligned with reflections on how the spiritual is often encountered not in grand declarations, but in moments of attention and care.
To see my work included in this narrative is both humbling and affirming. It reminds me that images live multiple lives: first as personal encounters, then as shared experiences. And sometimes, unexpectedly, they become part of something larger—a collective reflection on what it means to pause, to feel, and perhaps, to begin again.
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.
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.
Hellenic Naval Academy for Kappa Magazine
I was commissioned for a photojournalistic cover story for Kappa Magazine of Kathimerini, with the privilege to spend a day at the Hellenic Naval Academy in Piraeus, Greece, capturing intimate portraits of cadets training to become officers in the Hellenic Navy. In this exclusive photo journey, the academy emerges as a powerful intersection between Athens, navy discipline, and the youthful spirit of Greece. As the article notes, you can spot “nineteen‑year‑old freshmen laughing and letting a childish carefree spirit show” . In the brief pauses between drills and lessons, these moments reveal the human side of life at the academy.
Operating for 180 years, the academy is truly “the nursery of officers for our Navy” kathimerini.gr. Here, cadets follow a strictly timed schedule—morning drills, academic lessons, athletic breaks, and at-sea training aboard vessels like the General Support Ship Prometheus. According to the article: “cadets face real conditions at sea and are called to solve problems as they happen, under supervision” . As a portrait photographer, capturing these cadets in action meant finding the balance between formality and spontaneity. My goal was to frame them not only as disciplined officers-in-training, but as young adults with dreams, humor, and resilience. From their naval uniforms to their shared laughter, every shot expresses a unique story.
Words by Vasilis Nedos
Photo editor: Ioanna Chronopoulou
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.
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
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".
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.
