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.”
“The pistachio tree is like a small child. It constantly needs attention, care, and a lot of water,” 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.
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.
"We're by your side" Bureau Veritas
In a visually compelling ad campaign, Bureau Veritas Paris has chosen the Hellenic shipyards in Athens as the backdrop for their latest project. As a commercial photographer, the opportunity to collaborate on this campaign under the guiding motto "We Are By Your Side" was both exhilarating and inspiring.
The shipyards, a symbol of resilience and industry, provided the perfect setting to emphasize Bureau Veritas' commitment to their clients. The location, steeped in history and industrial grandeur, beautifully complemented the essence of the brand—a leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. The towering cranes, vast docks, and intricate machinery of shipyards offered a dramatic and authentic environment that spoke volumes about the brand’s dedication to quality and reliability.
The photoshoot aimed to capture the essence of partnership and trust that Bureau Veritas embodies. Each shot was meticulously planned to highlight the synergy between the brand and its clients. The imagery showcased professionals from various industries working alongside Bureau Veritas experts, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and assurance the company provides. The use of natural light and the shipyard's textured, industrial backdrop added depth and authenticity to the images, reinforcing the message of steadfast support and partnership.
Throughout the day, the team focused on creating a narrative that was both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The campaign images are designed to convey a sense of unwavering support, capturing moments where Bureau Veritas professionals stand shoulder to shoulder with their clients, ensuring safety, compliance, and excellence.
The "We Are By Your Side" campaign not only highlights Bureau Veritas Paris’ technical expertise but also underscores their role as a trusted ally in the industrial sector. The evocative visuals from the Skaramaga shipyards encapsulate the brand's promise of reliability and dedication, reinforcing their position as a global leader committed to guiding their clients towards success.
Many thanks to Bureau Veritas team from Paris, Nick Brown and the team from Bureau Veritas Greece for their support. Special Thanks to Panayiotis Andriopoulos for his assist.
Stavros Psilakis
Recently had the pleasure of photographing Stavros Psilakis, an economist and performer who seamlessly blends intellect with artistry. Capturing his dual persona in a single headshot image was a creative challenge—merging the precision of his profession with the expressive depth of his performance.
Dimitris Papanikolaou
Dimitrios Papanikolaou is a Greek professional basketball player and a professional basketball coach. He spent most of his career playing at the shooting guard and small forward positions, although he also played at the power forward position late in his career.
He is the only Greek basketball player who has won the triple crown (Euroleague, championship and cup) twice, with different teams: in 1997 with Olympiakos and in 2007 with Panathinaikos.
Headshot photography portrait for the cover of Dimitris Papanikoalou book with the Title 11:11 ALL UNIQUE, ALL EQUAL.
“Mr. Papanikolaou, we are sorry, we do not accept “these children” in our school.
Mr. Papanikolaou, if you take your daughter from the volleyball team, she will not have a career.
Dimitris, they made fun of her on Tik Tok, calling her autistic.
Dimitri, again turned speechless and sad.
Dimitris, the other children went for a walk and told her that they would not go out so as not to take her with them. Don’t find out she was lied to.
One night my cell phone lit up for a notification. The time was 11:11, a number my wife and I saw almost every day, on the phone, on receipts, on signs, on license plates, etc., from Aria’s diagnosis onward.
This time I would pay more attention to them. What do you want to tell me and you keep appearing in front of me? I screenshotted them. I focused on the numbers on the screen. Taking one off changed the total, each number was unique. Then I zoomed in. All numbers were equal. In height, in thickness. “All unique, all equal. All unique, all equal!” I exclaimed.
I’m not winning anymore with complaints and individual battles, I’m shrinking. I will gain by creating and spreading light. I will activate the good guys who are outnumbered, and the “bad guys” will retreat.
But I still have a serious problem to solve. My wife won’t let me talk publicly about the child because she’s afraid it will be stigmatized. That’s okay, I have all the stuff from sports and I know how good teams and their leaders work. I will take responsibility, put myself forward and speak for myself”.
Thomas Skouteris
Headshot portrait photography for the international law professor Thomas Skouteris . When it comes to academics, we often think of professors as serious and aloof individuals buried in books and research. But every now and then, a professor comes along who defies those stereotypes, combining a sharp intellectual curiosity with a genuinely warm and approachable personality.
Overall Thomas Skouteris is a brilliant mind and a joyful fellow.
Thomas Skouteris is a Greek/Dutch jurist specialized in international law and related fields. He is an associate professor (tenured) at the Department of Law and director of the Ibrahim Shihata Memorial LLM Program in International and Comparative Law. Before joining AUC in 2008, Skouteris taught at Leiden University (2000-2008) and the Central European University (2013-2014) and worked as a research fellow at the T.M.C. Asser Institute in the Hague. He was also a senior fellow at the European Law Research Centre at Harvard Law School.
Delta Restaurant Team
The creative team of Michelin Stars Delta Restaurant, Thanos Feskos, Giorgos Papazaxarias and Jana Cechova was featured in the November issue of "Gastronomos" magazine "100 favorite suggestions for 24 hours". This post is not about food photography. Is a creative portraiture process dedicated to the people that give the best of their shelves every day to explore, to experiment, to satisfy their creative nature and their guests, tasting new gastronomic experiences. Special thanks to the three members of the team and gastronomos magazine, for giving us the chance to share our time creatively through the medium of portrait photography.
