Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Spiros Poros is a talented photographer and model known for his striking visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and composition, he captures the essence of his subjects, blending artistry with emotion. His work spans various genres, showcasing both his modeling prowess and his innovative photographic techniques, making him a prominent figure in contemporary photography.
Can you share a memorable experience from your travels that significantly impacted your perspective as a model and a photographer?
As a model, one of the trips that will remain etched in my memory was my journey to India. I remember it was for a campaign for a French clothing brand. After finishing the work, I shaved my head and stayed for another month, visiting mystical places and taking photographs.
As a photographer, without a doubt, it was my trip to Argentina, where I was invited by an NGO that dealt with environmental work and also the fight against child poverty. I stayed there for a year, and I believe that the time I spent there and the work I was part of marked me as a person forever.
How has your upbringing and family background influenced your artistic vision and career choices?
My grandfather was a well-known playwright in his time, and he helped promote many Greek actors, such as the Nezer sisters, Nikos Rizos and many others. It was natural for me to be influenced by the dominant images around me.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of balancing your work as a model with your passion for photography?
My “apprenticeship” in modeling was very useful in helping me better understand the psychology of the person being photographed and gain a complete perspective on the work. I used my career as a model entirely to fulfill my goal of becoming a photographer.
Looking back on your career, what are some key milestones that you believe have shaped you into the artist you are today?
I started as a fashion photographer, and after many years, when that genre no longer fulfilled me, I began photographing with a different perspective, influenced by my experiences around the world. I was particularly shaped by my view of the imbalances that are so evidently disturbed globally and the inequalities, always trying to find beauty in difficulty and highlighting raw emotion, detached from economic deprivation and other external factors.
Can you describe a project or collaboration of which you are particularly proud and explain why it stands out to you?
The photoshoot of Jennifer Lopez at the Parthenon is the project that makes me very proud. It was a historic moment, as I photographed the biggest star in the world at the most sacred site in Greece. A historical event that is unlikely to be repeated.
How do you find inspiration for your photography while traveling to different cultures and environments?
My photography is clearly influenced by my perspective as a citizen of the world. I combine not only the local influences of the place where I am photographing but also elements from other cultures and different locations.
What role does family play in your life today, and how do they support your career in the creative industry?
Family plays the role it truly holds. It is not a point of reference for me and has no relation to my fulfillment as a person and as an artist. It is an emotional part that concerns the individuals who interact with me.
As someone who has experienced various parts of the world, what cultural influences have you incorporated into your work?
My photography is defined by simplicity and lyricism, with a more cinematic perspective. This is why I also direct various projects.
What future projects or goals do you have in mind that you are excited to pursue in the coming years? How do you envision the evolution of your career over the next decade?
My next goal is to create an institute of photography and philosophy, something I call “Photosophy,” which has already been implemented in Argentina and New Zealand. I am also creating a magazine that will have more refined content as well as beauty editorials.
You were a candidate for the PASOK political party in the last round of elections. What is politics for you?
We are all political beings, as Aristotle said. As a socialist, though not from within the party system, I joined the movement that contains the word “socialism” in its name because I believe in protecting vulnerable social groups and reducing inequalities.
