Interview: Alexia Liakounakou, Photographer

Alexia Liakounakou is a photographer with a PhD in social anthropology. She was born in the USA and raised in Greece. She now lives in Greece.

Capturing ssence: the multifaceted world of Alexia Liakounakou’s photography

You can find Alexia Liakounakou here:

Website: alexia.visura.co
E-mail: alexialiakounakou@gmail.com
Instagram: @alexia.lia
Facebook: @AlexiiaLia

Hi Alexia, how long have you been working as a photographer now?

I was given my first analog camera at the age of 15, and I have been photographing ever since. I have recently been collecting old photographs as well, so I am also a collector and a curator of the Instagram page: @memoriesproject.gr.

What inspired you to become a photographer? What were your first steps?

I admired black-and-white photographs, and I began photographing nude pictures of my closest friends. I still cherish those photos today. They seem to have an originality and clarity that I don’t always see in my work today.

Are you a professional or an amateur photographer?

I would call myself a semi-professional because I have not been able to make a living from the kind of photography I do. I also photograph on a whim. It’s not a job, but an everyday passion for me. It’s also an escape. When I am anxious, tired, or bored, I find that photography is my best creative outlet and a means to make sense of the world.

I have sold a few photos through licensing (Getty), but that is not a steady or suitable income. I have also showcased my work on several websites and magazines and published a photobook in Greece. But these are usually not paid, sadly.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

I don’t have one favorite subject, but if I could shoot nudes all the time, I would. I also love shooting buildings.

: Photo credit: Alexia Liakounakou

What kit do you shoot with?

I recently switched from Nikon to Fujifilm. I now have a Fujifilm XT 100. It’s a very light model, and this helps me immensely because I can carry it around everywhere. I also shoot a lot with my iPhone.

How would you define your photographic style?

Artistic and sometimes ethnographic. I consider myself an observer of things, and I observe all the time.

Which editing software do you usually use?

Adobe Lightroom.

A professional photographer is also an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have many things in common. They read a lot. What about you? What are your favorite books?

I read literature. I do not consider myself a good entrepreneur! My favorite author at the moment is Roberto Bolaño. I also love Henry Miller. I also read and write anthropological works.