…Olga Martzoukou
Hello everybody, today I’m in Greece with Olga. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello Filippo and hi everybody!! I am 23-year-old portrait photographer located in Athens, Greece.
Did you study in any art school?
No, I studied biology - as a matter of fact, I still do! (laughs) As for photography, I’m completely self-taught.
Do you think your hometown and Greece are suitable places for creatives like you?
Well, I know the conditions in Greece are not the best; but they’re not the worst either. I for one try to focus on the art; all my emotions and ideas are expressed through my camera. I`m rarely distracted from the things I love doing, so any place is suitable.
When and how did you get passionate with photography?
I got introduced to photography at an early age, as it was my father’s hobby! I actually own his dusty old Zenit camera now. It gradually moved from interest to passion when I was given my first DSLR, almost 3 years ago. Initially I preferred landscape photography, but I have developed an increased interest in portrait photography during this past year.
What are your main visual influences? Do you have any favourite photographers?
I think every impression influences my work in some way or another. Movies, the work of other photographers - even music and videos! I also draw inspiration from comic books: the colors and complexity found there are amazing. I have a running list of influences that have in some way affected my photography, or the way I think about visual arts in general: Luis Royo, Todd McFarlane, Boris Vallejo, Frank Frazetta, Christopher Nolan, Tarsem Singh and Quentin Tarantino, to name a few. I also keep a great many photographers in high regard: Andreas Bitesnich, Guy Aroch, Alexey Brodovitch, Camilla Akrans, Nikos Vasilakis, Petrova Julian, Annie Leibovitz, Tatiana Kurnosova, Zhang Jingna.
What can you tell us about this work? How did it come up?
The whole “Red” series was actually based on two different concepts I had in mind for a while now. I’ve always wanted to use this specific lighting with a low-angle view and to be photographed in a long red dress. So, by the time I finished building up the set-up for the photoshoot, I knew exactly what the outcome should be. I had this idea of adding something in the foreground to give more depth to the photo. I used this long red piece of fabric I had, and it was only then I realized it could also serve as the bottom part of a dress! As you can see in the first photo of the series, all I used was two fabrics of the same type and color. That was the only way it could be done, since it would be difficult for me to operate the camera if the ends of my dress were attached to something! This photoshoot took about 5 hours, but it was definitely worth it!
What are you working on these days?
I am working on some personal projects, mostly self-portraits. I have already revealed the first two photos of the “Red” series - the rest are still in the making!
What about your plans for the future?
In the immediate future I have a great many photoshoots coming up; the next month will be extremely busy. As for the long-term, I want to make my own personal website.
Thank you! Is there anything else would you like to say to our readers?
Thanks very much for reading! Stay inspired, stay true!
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