Alexia is a photographer and a PhD in Social Anthropology. She was born in the USA, and raised in Greece. She now lives in Greece.

You can find her here:

Website: alexia.visura.co

E-mail: alexialiakounakou@gmail.com

Instagram: @alexia.lia

Facebook: @AlexiiaLia

1. 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 recently have been collecting old photographs, as well, so I am also a collector and a curator of the Instagram page: @memoriesproject.gr

2. 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 a clarity which I don’t always see in my work today.

3. 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, 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 have also published a photobook in Greece. But these are usually not paid.. sadly.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. How would you define your photographic style?

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

7. Which editing software do you usually use?

Adobe Lightroom.

8. 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 to be a good entrepreneur! My favorite author at the moment is Roberto Bolaño. I also love Henry Miller. I also read and write anthropological works.

Photo credit: Alexia Liakounakou

9. What was the best advice you have ever received as a photographer? Do you have any advice for other photographers?

Do not try to be someone else. Be yourself, even if the work you do is not liked by others.

10. Top 3 mobile apps on your smartphone?

• Instagram
• Lightroom
• Filca

11. Your last vacation?

Laos and Thailand.

Alexia’s work:

Photo credit: Alexia Liakounakou

Photo credit: Alexia Liakounakou

Photo credit: Alexia Liakounakou