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.
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.
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.
Johanna Korantzopoulou
Johanna Korantzopoulou is a yoga instructor whose practice embodies the perfect balance of strength, grace, and inner power. Through this photography series of yoga portraits, my artistic goal was to go beyond documenting physical poses — I wanted to visually express the quiet force, resilience, and feminine energy that define Johanna’s presence on and off the mat.
I believe that yoga photography must capture not just movement, but emotion. Johanna moved with a seamless flow, demonstrating how each posture is not merely a shape, but a living expression of breath, intention, and self-awareness. With each image, I sought to translate the subtle connection between body, mind, and spirit into an artistic narrative that celebrates the transformative power of yoga.
A central element of this project was highlighting woman power in yoga — the way feminine strength expresses itself through both softness and intensity, through vulnerability and discipline. Johanna’s energy in front of the camera is magnetic: strong yet fluid and confident. This duality is something I strive to bring out in all this yoga photography work, crafting portraits that honor not only physical form but also personal journey and inner resilience.
The setting we chose was intentionally minimal, allowing natural light and movement to shape the atmosphere. Every detail — from the curve of the hands to the extension of the spine — was composed to reflect the artistry inherent in yoga practice. As a photographer, I am always drawn to projects where I can merge technical precision with emotional depth, and this collaboration with Johanna offered exactly that.
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.
Everyday Rituals
Everyday Rituals is a visual exploration of the quiet poetry that unfolds in the most unassuming corners of daily life. Through this series, the lens pauses on fleeting moments where food and human presence meet — gestures, textures, and light become part of an unspoken ritual, repeated day after day, yet never truly the same.
The title whispers about these intimate routines: the breaking of bread, the slicing of fruit, the delicate arrangement of a plate. These are not grand gestures but rather small, essential acts that shape the rhythm of our lives. The context of the photographs — stripped of noise and steeped in stillness — allows the viewer to sense the reverence hidden in these habits.
This series does not simply document — it observes. The mood invites contemplation on the relationship between food and identity, between preparation and anticipation, between the physical and the emotional nourishment that everyday rituals offer. Here, food photography becomes more than a visual record; it transforms into a quiet homage to the tactile and sensory moments that often pass unnoticed.
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.
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.
