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.
Panagiotis Marinis
I am sharing portrait photography of a very close friend and a lovely human being, the greek sculptor Panagiotis Marinis. Panagiotis is an example of folk art sculptor that frees the form of his works through his instinct and his connection with nature.
Panagiotis Marinis was born in 1955 in Aegina, where he lives and works until today, remaining a lover of nature and folklore and using stone as the main raw material of his work. His involvement in sculpture began in 1981 with the main stimulus being his works and meetings with Christos Kapralos, as well as the work of Grigoris Maltese. His works can be found in private collections in Greece and abroad, at the entrance of the Aegina Town Hall (work in collaboration with the painter Giorgos Chatzimihalis), as well as in the Cypriot Consulate in New York. He maintains a permanent sculpture exhibition in his Agricultural Garden in Kypseli, Aegina. He has held solo exhibitions in Athens ("The Stone He Knew", Genesis Gallery, Athens 2016 curated by: Iris Kritikou) and in Aegina (Historical and Folklore Museum of Aegina, Markello Tower, Aegina) and has participated in many group exhibitions in Museums, archaeological sites, Foundations and private art spaces in Greece and abroad. His works belong to public and private collections in Greece and abroad.
Marios Schwab
"Marios Schawb is a creative director and a prominent representative of British fashion, having studied in Austria, Berlin and London, the renowned Greek-Austrian designer founded the brand of the same name in 2005. A year later, Marios Schwab received the British Designer of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards. One of the most important collaborations of his career was the one with the historical American fashion house Halston, which started in 2009 and lasted for two years. Among his most impressive collections was the famous Chiaroscuro collection for the summer of 2012. This season, Schwab is interested in a more sustainable, more responsible approach to fashion and production. Collaboration with Zeus + Dione offers him this opportunity. Their goal is to jointly highlight the value of proper management of valuable materials. Materials that characterize the work of the creator over time".
The portrait photoshoot took place at the Winter Garden of Grand Bretagne hotel for the Hotel Magazine.
Alix Dunn for ICAEW Magazine
Alix Dunn for ICAEW magazine. Her portrait photoshoot took place in Athens for her interview about Business and Data managment. Alix Dunn gives advises on technology and data for social impact. She is facilitate inclusive spaces across sectors for complex debate and ethical technology production and she is giving talks about the messy interactions between technology and organisations. Special Thanks to the magazine's crew, art director Wes Mitchell and of course Alix for the coopereation.
Stefania's Georgakakou Headshot Photoshoot
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Stefania Georgakakou, the CEO of the Central Marketing and Fishing Organisation in Greece. Her headshot portrait photography season took place in studio with two different looks and lighting conditions.
Anthony Howard Portrait Photoshoot in Athens
Anthony Howard portrait photoshoot in Athens for the Socratic Leader Academy project.
Client: Confidere Group Australia
Sakis Rouvas Photoshoot Backstage Video
Backstage Video from Sakis Rouvas photoshoot for the cover of Kappa Magazine of Kathimerini. Video captured by the talented Thanasis Patistas.
Many thanks to Sakis and Kathimerini for their trust. Location: Athens National Garden.