Featured iPhoneographer: George Alexandris
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 7:24PM | Star Rush 
George Alexandris says that almost anything goes, in terms of subjects he likes to capture. Although, he says particularly drawn to old things, abandoned places, traditional homes on his island home in Greece. “They offer great textures and story-telling.”
Tell us about yourself, George:
My name is George Alexandris. I was born in Montreal, Canada, to Greek parents and moved to Greece at the age of nine with my family. I have a brother, just two years younger than I am. I am 38. I live on the island of Kos, Dodecanese, in the southeast part of Greece.
My job for more than a decade was graphic design for print and illustration. I worked in advertising, publishing, newspapers and magazines and owned a small agency for a couple of years. I was also involved in 2D animation for a small period of time, for about a year and so. My current job is at our family-owned business and just pays the bills!
Since one could say, I'm a visual person, I like to create images one way or another, whether that is by hand, computer, camera or mixed techniques. Anything goes, as I don't really think but instead purely follow my instinct. Of course, there is that flash of inspiration, the moment we all have, a sort of planning too. Then the whole thing travels in a chaotic storm of ideas, until the final result makes its appearance. It is a nice and creative journey for me.
What does iPhoneography mean to you, George?
I purchased the iPhone purely with photography in mind. I saw some videos on YouTube, got curious, saw what other people were posting on the net and was impressed with the possibilities. My first iPhone was the 3GS, as the previous models were not very impressive camera-wise, although I've seen some pretty cool stuff made with them. Since I no longer use my working hours for creativity, I found that photography, or image creation, if you may, was a nice and pleasing way to tame the creative beast within.
For me, iPhoneography is my little secret hide-away place! The iPhone is extremely flexible, easy to use and carry, well connected to the cloud and paired with numerous photography apps, a unique camera, always handy and ready to use. Why keep going? Why stop?
The way many see it, iPhoneography (cellphone photography) is the new lo-fi, "lomo" kind of popular photography. We continuously see more and more creations and more and more people getting involved in this media. I believe we are currently entering a phase where this is making its first steps in the mainstream area, with more and more events around this new form of photography going on globally. As we speak, it is the camera with the most uploads in Flickr. From this, great images, from great artists, have been created.
Not far in the near future, iPhoneography is going to be on cd covers, magazines, videos, and so on. The hardware is going to get better, more powerful, reaching higher demands in producing quality imagery. The software is going to be more elegant and professional.
George, do you have favorite subjects to photograph?
Hmm.. Tricky! I photography whatever looks cool at the moment, whatever has the potential to become a great shot, something that gets my attention for some reason. Nothing specific really, I would say is my favorite. It could be anything. Feel free to check my Flickr page! I particularly love old stuff, abandoned places, old traditional houses etc, as they offer great textures and story-telling. But, honestly, anything goes!
Tell us about your creative or photographic style, George.
I try to not stay in one "place." I do a lot of experiments and sometimes try to recreate other people’s style that I like. As I said earlier, anything goes!
What’s important in the creative process? Well, exactly that. The creative process! One usually "feels" the shot before it even happens. We get this creative flow circulating which usually starts with observation or a sudden concept. Post editing (or apping) is a much loved part of the whole thing. Any camera is fine to use. The result is what matters, as it gives me this fulfilling satisfaction (until the next shot!). Also, I love it when just the right thing happens. I am at the right place at the right moment and capture something unique. It is a happy feeling!
I have discovered I need an iPad! Just kidding, but, yes, it would elevate the whole post production process! Seriously, I find that there is always room for progress. Common, but true!
George, do you have a favorite image or influences that inspire you?
Oh, wow? Tough one. Don't laugh, but what came to mind was Der Spiegel's cover about Greece's financial crisis which had the statue of Aphrodite doing the "one finger"! First, I found it to be a great photoshop job, really cool. And clever. But it also really pissed me off, the whole attitude and all. But to be honest, so many images have touched me in so many levels. It is in fact very difficult to answer this question with a single image.
From tradition to modern, people, arts, from underground to National Geographic, anything and anyone inspires me. There is a whole list of artists in various fields, older and newer, who's work I love and am a fan of, never ending!
What suggestions do you have for someone new to iPhoneography?
I would say, experiment, "copy", learn. Keep your senses open. Love it. Practice makes perfect.
What apps do you use most?
I use a lot! The ones I use most often must be Hipstamatic, Camera+, SwankoLab, Retouch, CinemaFX, PS, OldPhotoPro, AutoStitch, PerfectlyClear, Filterstorm, Noir, Lomora 2.
And there are more, like SynthCam that gives nice results, and a whole bunch of other apps. I do not have a pattern on how I combine apps. I guess, since I have a long Photoshop background, it helps in choosing which apps to use and in which way, in order to achieve the desired image I have visualized in my mind.
Where can we see your photos, George?
Thanks to iPhoneographer and co-organizer, Jill Gaupin, this year I participated in the "Light impressions," an iPhoneography event and exhibition in Florida’s Studio b Gallery. Also, I have had my work posted in the HydePark Photography, a webzine.
My plan is to keep shooting! I would like to get a bit more bold and daring, in order to get some really close street shots I see other people doing that I like. I miss some extra ordinary moments because of that.
You can see more of George's photographs here on Flickr.
George Alexandris in Interview
Reader Comments (5)
Glad to know how all this brings us closer toghether.
Deeply honored.
Everybody feel free to contact me, I would love to see your work and share the visual satisfaction with you.
Thank you for having me here, the greatest iPhone camera art blog, big-time!
Ευχαριστώ πολύ! :)
Daniel, Sweden
sweet pics!