Vassilis Pitoulis

Vassilis is a Greek art photographer known for his portraits and nudes in Mediterranean locations. We talked about what makes a good picture, about light and how he develops his ideas.

Thomas Berlin: Vassilis, I am happy that we can do the interview. Could you please introduce yourself in a few words?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Sure, I believe I’m a sociable, active and curious man, with a strong creative and artistic side that I try to implement into my photography.

Thomas Berlin: How would you describe your style in general to a person being not aware of your work?

Vassilis Pitoulis: I’d say it's: Free, sophisticated, eclectic, playful and certainly provocative.

Thomas Berlin: Your pictures show women as protagonists who probably most people find beautiful, sexy and strong. Could you tell me more about your photographic intentions?

Vassilis Pitoulis: I wouldn’t call it intention, I don’t think there is such thing in my photography. Maybe there is a search... Searching for what? Definitely beauty, but not only in my models and their body language, also the beauty of the light, the angle, the composition I choose, the environment and atmosphere the models are in . There is also a search of the unusual, of the contradictions, the surprise, the provocation. In one concept: a search and research of the emotions.

Thomas Berlin: In addition to the visible perception of beauty and sensuality, do you have a general message that you would like to convey with your work?

Vassilis Pitoulis: No. Or maybe yes... Be free!!

Thomas Berlin: How do you create the idea of a shoot or an image? Do you work more intuitive or do you plan your work?

Vassilis Pitoulis: I plan to a certain extent, where I’m travelling to, the model I’m working with, maybe a possible wardrobe at times (no pun intended). Other than that I try to give space for things to come naturally, I am happy to improvise and take things as they come. I like to turn a very casual moment of the day into something that will transcend through an image.

Thomas Berlin: How much preparation or conception is required in the run-up to a shoot?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Here too, it depends. There are shoots that do require days of organisation, permits, tests, traveling, makeup, etc.. with a concrete concept in mind, wanting my photos to be telling a specific story. Something that begins in my imagination. Even in these cases i give space to improvisation, i let the models feel comfortable and powerful within the environment. I let myself be surprised by the life around me. I think this is my favourite way to shoot

Thomas Berlin: How can I imagine a shoot with you, i.e. how do you choose the location, how long does a shoot, take, what is the interaction with the model like?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Choosing a location sometimes happens through everyday conversations with friends or family, other times there are places i have brewing in the back of my mind. Regarding the interaction with the model, it is never the same. The style and personality of each model sets the pace. It is like a dialogue that evolves between the model and the camera, we move, we talk, we try and we play. When something feels right we stay a bit longer. The shoot will go on while the energy is high and as long as the magic is happening. Never any pressure, mostly just having fun. If its not working that is also fine, i’m always ready to move on

Thomas Berlin: How do you find the people who come in front of your camera and what are their motives for participating in your pictures?

Vassilis Pitoulis: I usually receive offers for collaboration. Models today are directly connected with professional photographers through the social media, they know our work and often they take the initiative of the first contact.

Thomas Berlin: What is a good picture? When are you happy with your work?

Vassilis Pitoulis: A good photograph is one that catches the eye, excites emotion and, hopefully, leaves a strong imprint in the viewer's visual memory. It has taken a few years, But I now instinctively know when I have taken a good one, or two, maybe more..? The shutter goes off and I get that feeling. I suppose it has to do with my own retina and a pleasurable sensation I feel when I capture an image that appeals to me.

Thomas Berlin: Do you photograph subjects other than beautiful young women?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Sure I do. Always depends on the moment, but I have done some street photography, certainly I enjoy it.

Thomas Berlin: As far as I know, many images were taken in a Mediterranean setting with sunlight. Can you explain how you deal with light?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Sure, sunlight in general is going to do its thing, so I certainly don't try and control it, I can’t remember the last time a set up lights for a shoot. Probably never. The challenge of working with the sharp light that we have here in the Mediterranean has become part of the aesthetic and something I enjoy. Technically speaking I will occasionally use a negative fill, maybe a soft bounce.

Thomas Berlin: Let's get to the technical side of your art: Which camera and which two lenses are you using mostly?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Fuji GFX 100 Lenses 63mm and 23mm.

Thomas Berlin: What does your workflow look like after the shoot?

Vassilis Pitoulis: A glass of wine and maybe 10 minutes retouching.

Thomas Berlin: What do you want to achieve as a photographer in the next few years?

Vassilis Pitoulis: To continue doing what i’m doing. I hope my work will continue to reach the public. I will be planning my own exhibitions around the world. I am already already working in a new printed book.

Thomas Berlin: Let's get to yourself. How did you get into photography?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Since very young I enjoyed taking photos of my friends and I would keep the prints in an album, still not knowing that it could have any meaning into my own professional future. Later on, as a student in the early 80’s I lived in Paris. Culture, art and beauty where everywhere! I loved being close to fashion, giving me the opportunity to work with some models. It still took many years until I could finally put photography in the first place of my priorities.

Thomas Berlin: Is photography your main professional activity?

Vassilis Pitoulis: Yes, it is my main activity.

Thomas Berlin: What do you like to do privately when you are not taking photos?

Vassilis Pitoulis: I love sailing. I also enjoy spending time with my good friends and my family, maybe with a glass of wine, hopefully with a good dinner and lots of laughter.

Thomas Berlin: Vassilis, thank you for the interview.

Vassilis can be reached on Instagram. You feedback is welcome here.