SOTIRIOS ZERVOPOULOS INTERVIEW

Sotirios is a visionary fine art photographer whose work transcends traditional portraiture, delving into the realms of darkness, beauty, and raw emotion. With a signature aesthetic that merges theatrical storytelling with haunting elegance, he crafts images that are both evocative and deeply symbolic. His photography is more than just visual artistry—it’s an exploration of loss, passion, and the human experience. In this interview, he offers an intimate look into his creative process, revealing the inspirations, techniques, and philosophies that shape his striking body of work.

What drew you to the dark aesthetic in fine art photography, and how would you define your style?

I always had an affection for fine art. Ever since I remember myself with a camera, I remember trying to imitate a style that resembles dark aesthetics and fine art. But eventually, this aesthetic came naturally. I guess, it has to do with the experiences that each creative has. And mine, drew me here.

How do you balance the elements of darkness and beauty in your fashion and portrait work?

I always try to include theatrical elements in my photography and try to imagine the outcome of each project beforehand. I see myself more as a storyteller than a photographer. But each story needs a certain balance. It is like writing an essay. You do not have to use too many words or jargon. You just need to find the right words and you need to fight it so you can get it right. So, in each photo, if I use too many different elements or include too many props, then the outcome will feel overwhelming. I guess, you must know when to stop adding something in each project.

Your images often have a haunting style. Where do you draw inspiration from—films, literature, or personal experiences?

Most of the times I am getting inspired by personal experiences. Recently, I lost a person that heavily influenced my art. I guess my projects are something like their legacy. The way I see it, is that I created a world in my art. But this world, since it stems from loss, it is covered in darkness, and it is stained in crimson hues (that is a personal taste). There is a haunting element in this world, and I try to show it in my projects. One way to see it, is maybe how I deal with this loss, which made me discover different parts of myself.

How do you approach lighting and composition to create the dramatic mood in your work?

I have a small home-studio, and this is where I do most of my projects. I use two strobe lights and a reflector. This is more than enough to get this aesthetic. Now, when it comes composition, I try to include theatrical elements that usually symbolize something for me. Most of the times it is something personal, but art is universal. So, the viewer, is welcome to interpret what he sees based on their own experiences and feelings. For example, a red rose might represent the past. The loss I mentioned earlier, while a blue rose might represent the future. The viewer though, might perceive them as something else. Maybe just two beautiful flowers or a statement, like there is beauty even in this darkness I try to show with my work.

When working with models, how do you guide them to embody the emotions and themes you envision?

It is very important for me to have a story behind every project. That is the reason why I spend a lot of time trying to shape this story before I organize the photoshoot. Then, before the photoshoot, I sit with the model and tell them this story so they can be part of it. I am asking them which emotions I would like them to show (e.g. grief, loss or frustration). Then, during the photoshoot I let them improvise so they be part of the role and add their touch to the project. You see, I always believed that photography is like a tango. It takes two to dance.

What role does symbolism play in your fine art and fashion photography? Are there recurring motifs in your work?

Symbolism is very important for me. Every single prop and element I add in my art symbolizes something for me and I cannot imagine myself without them. For example, I use crimson hues in most of my photos. Sometimes they are not immediately visible. Other times, they are, like a red veil or rose. Red is a powerful colour, even though it symbolizes loss for me. So now you know. Every time you see red hues in my photos you understand what it means.

How do you incorporate post-processing and editing techniques to enhance the dark and ethereal quality of your images?

Editing is very important, and it is inextricably linked with photography in my opinion. You can take a dull and “boring” photo and create art with proper editing. I spend quite the time in editing and post-processing to see this outcome and try to take care of minor details that most people might not even notice. But they are there. Even the slightest shadow plays its role.

What are some of the biggest challenges of working in dark fine art photography, and how have you overcome them?

I guess the biggest challenge is finding the right collaborators and understand how to play with lighting. Once you figure that out then the rest are easy. Well, except the story. You also need to work on that before each project. After these things then the sky is the limit.

How do you see the intersection of dark aesthetics and mainstream fashion and beauty photography?

That’s an interesting question. I strongly believe that both can coexist even in the same project. But as I mentioned earlier. You just need to find the right balance of both. Then, the outcome, can be splendid.

What advice would you give to photographers looking to develop a signature dark aesthetic while maintaining commercial appeal?

There is only one advice I can give. Invest time and experiment a lot. And finally, find a muse and let her change you art.

Sotirios’ ability to weave narrative and emotion into his fine art and fashion photography sets him apart as a true storyteller behind the lens. His dedication to symbolism, composition, and the interplay of light and shadow results in images that linger in the mind long after they are seen. As he continues to push the boundaries of dark aesthetics while embracing new artistic challenges, his work serves as a powerful reminder that beauty can be found even in the deepest shadows.

Photo: @sozerv

MUA: @my_colorful_life_mua

Model: @lilianrose_vongoeren

Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni Interview

Photo: @mrs.misc.art Model: @im.zulieka

Interview in Darkly Magazine

From an early fascination with a childhood camera to becoming an accomplished visual storyteller, Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni has always been captivated by the art of capturing life’s intricacies. Her journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of creative expression, reveals a deep passion not only for photography but for crafting unique moments that resonate beyond the frame. As a "craft queen" with a love for various forms of art—from poetry to painting—Mehgan seamlessly blends her diverse talents to bring authentic and emotionally charged stories to life. In this insightful interview, she shares how her artistic evolution continues to shape her voice, the power of storytelling, and the importance of pushing creative boundaries in an ever-evolving industry.

Interview with Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni

What initially sparked your interest in photography, and how has that passion evolved over time?

"I've always been a creative person and got my first camera at age 10. I instantly fell in love with photography, but my creative spark has never died. I am a self-proclaimed 'craft queen' and dabble in many arts besides photography (poetry, crafting, painting, etc). Art allows me to express myself in a way that words cannot."

How do you approach developing a unique style or voice in your photography?

"I think developing your own style or voice in photography can be difficult. Photography is a competitive space; there are tons of photographers, and developing a signature look or style to your photography that stands out from what other creatives are doing is always a challenge. My style has evolved over time, but my 'voice' in photography is always trying to develop a relationship with my client, create a safe and comfortable space for them to create alongside me, and do my best to tell their story or convey emotions through images."

Can you share a particularly memorable photoshoot experience and what made it stand out?

"I think some of the most memorable photoshoot experiences I've had were with friends of mine. I have several friends that I've done shoots for fun, engagement photos, wedding photos, and maternity. The trust involved in allowing me to document such special moments in their lives warms my heart. It makes art worth it for me. They trusted me and gave me creative freedom with their memories, and for that I am truly grateful."

What role does storytelling play in your work, and how do you create narratives through your photos?

"Storytelling plays a large role in my work and I always do my best to capture the essence of the individual I'm working with. Many photographers try to limit the amount of shots they take and will only shoot a specific pose. Though it often creates extra work for me, I don't just shoot specific poses, but I shoot the moments in between. Some of the most beautiful images I've captured are candid moments that reflect raw emotion. That is life; life isn't perfectly posed. It's raw, and real, and those are my favorite stories to tell."

Who or what are some of your biggest influences in photography and beyond?

"Some of my biggest influences in photography is music. I often get inspired by songs or lyrics that help me create concepts for my art. I also find inspiration in every photographer and creative that I meet. Everyone has something to offer whether it's a different style or perspective. We all can learn from each other, regardless of how new or seasoned we are.

"How do you stay inspired and creative, especially during periods of creative block?

"Staying inspired during creative blocks can be hard, but I try to listen to music, browse Pinterest, read or write poetry, or engage in other types of crafts. I will also sometimes pick a concept or style I've been wanting to practice or learn and force myself to give it a try. Sometimes taking the initiative, even when you're feeling uninspired, is enough to kick start creativity."

What’s your process like when preparing for a new shoot, from concept to execution?

"Despite the fact I've been shooting for a long time, I always leave myself a little time to feel nervous before a photo shoot. I care deeply about my work, about the execution of my ideas, and about the model experience when working with me, so I always have to take some time to center myself to ensure I'm bringing the best version of myself to a photo session. I often storyboard out concepts, and spend a lot of time seeking a model, a location to shoot, and visualizing the end result. After executing the shoot, I leave time to reflect on the process, what could I have done differently or better, and of course leave some time for gratitude that I get to do something that I love so much."

How do you see the role of technology in photography evolving, and are there any specific tools or techniques you favor?

"As someone who has been shooting for close to 20 years, there have been some amazing advancements in technology. I can only see those continuing to improve. A lot of people are not fans of AI, but I personally really enjoy generative AI within Photoshop and Lightroom when it comes to removing unwanted objects from photos. Generative AI is not perfect, and sometimes you definitely get some funky generative fills, but overall I find it extremely helpful and to be a huge time saver. It used to be extremely difficult 10-15 years ago to remove a complex object from a photo, and it used to require advanced skills in Photoshop. I look forward to seeing what new technology emerges over the next couple decades."

What advice would you give aspiring photographers looking to make their mark in the industry?

"The advice that I have for new photographers is to do things that scare you. Go outside your comfort zone, push the limits, and be creative. I also highly recommend learning the technical sides of your camera, learning various lighting techniques, and learning how to edit. These are all very valuable skills that a lot of photographers take for granted. I, myself, was late to the game on a lot of the technicalities of photography. I am still learning, as it is an ever-evolving industry, but the best things you can do is have as many tools in your toolbelt as possible. Experiment and find what works best for you."

Do you have any upcoming projects or goals that you’re excited to explore?

"I have a few concept shoots that I am working on, and would like to do a couple of image series with those concepts. I'm very excited and look forward to further developing the ideas. I think some of these concepts will push me creatively and technically, and I will always take any opportunity to grow as a photographer."

Conclusion:

As Mehgan embarks on new projects and embraces the creative challenges ahead, her work continues to inspire and uplift, offering a refreshing perspective on the role of authenticity in art. Her commitment to telling stories through candid, heartfelt imagery stands as a testament to her enduring passion and dedication to her craft. With each new shoot, Mehgan captures the essence of life—unfiltered and beautifully raw—inviting us to see beyond the surface and feel the emotions woven into each frame. Her advice to aspiring photographers is a reminder of the endless potential in pushing one's creative limits, echoing her belief that true artistry lies in fearlessly exploring and embracing the unknown.