Short profile
Aris Sfakianos had an early inclination towards photography. His photographic path began in 2005 with astrophotography using a telescope and a compact camera, but went from there to landscape photography and finally to street photography. Today he lives in Cambridge, UK. Here he publishes new motifs daily on social media and runs a successful YouTube channel.
In the interview, you can learn more about his working methods, which photographers influence and inspire him, and why, at the time of our conversation, he was already looking forward to coming home completely soaked in the evening.
5 QUESTIONS TO ARIS SFAKIANOS
Can you tell us a little bit about how you became a photographer?
I had a tendency towards taking photos from young age. My photographic path started doing astrophotography using a telescope and a compact camera back in 2005 but later deviated to landscapes and from there to street photography. I have been actively doing street photography for the past 6-8 years now. I intensified my efforts to create images I enjoy as an anxiety relief method. You see, at the time I was in a very intense period during my PhD, and I needed a way to disconnect and relax. And that was street photography for me. Since then, it has stayed with me as a good old friend that you know that whatever happens you are going to feel better after meeting them.
Photo: Aris Sfakianos
Please share something about your images. What is your special interest? How do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.?
That is a very good question. Sometimes I just photograph anything I think it looks nice. However, the past few years I have developed an interest about the weather. I always keep in mind things like the rule of thirds and color theory but I enjoy it more when I figure out ways to break out from the rules the right way.
Photo: Aris Sfakianos
Where does this interest come from?
I love doing street photography in extreme conditions. From intense sunshine to thunderstorms, snow, and fog. I find it so interesting seeing places changing so much from one day to the next and how people’s reactions change with it. I believe that unique photos are made in unique conditions so whenever the weather approaches an extreme, I will be out there making photos.
Photo: Aris Sfakianos
How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you?
I can get inspired by anything around me. If I see something that looks interesting because of the light or because of the context of the scene, then I want to photograph it. However, when I want to get a really good flow of inspiration I dive into the photo books of classic street photographers like Saul Leiter, Fred Herzog, Ernst Haas, and others. Thinking that one day I might have a collection of photos like this and even publish my own work makes me really want to go out there and create photos.
What are your plans for the rest of the day?
The forecast says rain tonight so if it starts pouring down I will probably be out there, getting soaked and making photos.
