Dimitris Makrygiannakis (born 1979) is an award-winning street photographer currently based in Stockholm, Sweden.
He got seriously interested in photography about three and a half years ago. Ever since then the internet has been a great source of education and inspiration for him.
“Artist Profile” – Dimitris Makrygiannakis
Dimitris Makrygiannakis, why did you become a photographer? And why street photography?
To be able to look back after many years and see (hopefully) that my memories are art and not touristic photos.
Street, because it is unpredictable and I love this.
What does photography mean to you?
It is one of the best things that happened in my life.
How would you describe your photographic language and creative process? How do you plan and execute a project? Both technically and conceptually?
I prefer let others talk about my photographic language, but I guess I like surrealism a lot.
I don’t plan projects, I go in the streets and shoot whatever I find interesting.
I guess that in my sub-conscience though there are some ”themes” which my conscious will discover when I will start making sets out of my photos, which I haven’t really done yet.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
Many photographers, I don’t think there is one, or two, or three names I could mention.
What’s your favorite inspirational quote about photography?
I don’t think I have a favorite quote.
What’s in your bag when you leave the house to shoot street photography?
I leave the house with my camera, my flash (the last 1 year), extra batteries for the camera and the flash, a bottle of water and some cookies or other sweets to get this brain working during my shooting hours.
On my ears always music, usually electronic (Nicolas Jaar dominates my track list).
What’s your favorite website about street photography?
I don’t think I have a favorite website.
What book about photography would you recommend?
“Towards a Philosophy of Photography” by Vilem Flusser, because it made me understand what is the role of a photographer in this society that tries to brainwash us.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to get started with street photography?
Study photography, study photography, study photography.
Not only street photography. But don’t forget to educate yourself in more ways, too.
Have no stress when shooting in the streets, just enjoy the small moments.
Images from Dimitris Makrygiannakis
More about Dimitris Makrygiannakis
For more information about Dimitris Makrygiannakis and his street Photographs visit his website and Flickr page.
Listen to the podcast-interview with Dimitris: “Remembering Life Through Photography”
Podcast
Check out my photography podcast – conversations with inspiring street photographers from around the globe sharing their secrets for creating amazing images. It’s mostly in German, but here are some episodes in English:
Valerie Jardin: “Street Photography – Creative Vision Behind The Lens”
Dmitry Stepanenko: “Heavy Color” Street Photography
Jason Koxvold: “Knives” – Left Behind In Rural America”
Dyanne Wilson: Chasing The Northern Lights In Yellowknife
Luc Kordas: Loneliness In New York
