about
& artist statement
I'm delighted to have you here! Please let me tell you a few words about myself.
Many people find it odd that I am a brain scientist by training (I guess it is a little bit odd - so far I haven't come across another full-time photographer who was trained in neuroscience!) I was privileged to study this at Cambridge University in the UK, and at Harvard University in the US.
I think I was mesmerised the very first time I took a picture. It was on an beautiful Olympus Trip35, when I was about seven, and I still have that camera. There is a rather beautiful story about how I rediscovered photography after many years (you can ask me when we meet in person), but for now, I can tell you that I love photography enough to say that "photography has saved my life".
Many things inspire my work. Firstly, I like to adapt to each couple's personality, so in a sense, my couples inspire me above anything else. I have been fascinated (and still am) with pre-raphaelite painting and this influenced my earlier works. Richard Avedon and the other great fashion photographers have been a great influence. I like to bring several things together - like, starting a gallery as a quiet affair that climaxes into a 60s high-fashion afterparty scene. I believe mastery means having rich enough vocabulary to narrate all those diverse stories that are presented on a wedding day in the most interesting way.
During the winter months I am fortunate to call the sun-drenched European island of Cyprus my home, where I live with with my wife, Alexia, our two children, Demetra and Alkiviades, and Lady, our four-legged companion. There, you will often find us exploring the coastline, kayaking, and horse-riding. Also, another passion fills my soul — I am a devoted classical pianist.
as seen on TV & print
Photographs, much more than frozen moments, are visual philosophy; they are a catalyst for introspection, empathy, and connection.
I am deeply inspired by Roland Barthes, an eminent aesthetic philosopher, who eloquently described the kind of special photograph that has "punctum": a piercing detail that awakens the soul, and sparks an intense emotional response. Indeed, in a sea of smiles, stolen glances, and teardrops of joy within the whirlwind of a wedding day, my mission is to curate a wedding gallery full of punctum.
I am not here to copy poses from Pinterest or Instagram. I would never mould you into someone you are not for "beauty"'s sake. I respectfully understand that your wedding is not just about "looking nice" for my portfolio. Instead, I want to see you (really see you) and represent you for who you are. Photography, after all, above everything, is an act of empathy.
Indeed, the foundation of my photography revolves around the motto:
Love, Legacy, Style™
Love, because there is nothing more significant than human connection. Legacy, because every love story is a remarkable and one-of-a-kind work of art. Style, because it's all about capturing the essence of you, your individuality, your personal flair.
I believe true beauty lies in the fleeting moments of vulnerability, tenderness, and shared humanity. It is my conviction that a photograph with punctum will transcend the visual realm, engage all your senses, and reconnect you to the multitude of emotions experienced in that very moment. Ultimately, it has the power to reveal how remarkable of a couple you are.
I do not limit my artistic expression to fitting neatly within the confines of "fashion photography," "fine- art photography," or "photojournalism". Firstly, because I am acutely aware that a photograph is never an impartial "snapshot". Secondly, because I do not wish to photograph for the sake of surface aesthetics or fleeting trends. Instead, I inhabit a space in-between that is often called "Editorial Photography". An editorial photographer is not a narrator, but a storyteller: I wield the camera not as a tool for "collecting snapshots", but as an instrument of understanding. The foremost question in my mind is, "Who does my couple aspire to become?"
My art direction is subtle, quick, and on-point. While I will be spending most of the day with you, I will not dilute your heartfelt experience, or detract from the present moment. Gentle adjustments to your stance and locations will be all that is needed. Art direction is supposed to help you naturally unfold your best self before my lens, because there is real poetry in you.
Ultimately, I hope that my photography may transcend the limits of personal art, and that it may resonate with our collective sensibilities, the kind of photography that celebrates our capacity for connection, kindness, and joy, and reveals humanity's potential to be extraordinary and kind.
Artist statement
An adventure in pursuit of meaning
Cambridge 2005
Harvard 2007
Over the clouds as I am awarded a full scholarship for a PhD in Neuroscience at Harvard. I decided to leave Harvard in pursuit of my entrepreneurial career and in...
2009
2011
2013
I co-founded the digital division of a multimillion marketing firm, focusing primarily on marketing green technology companies.
In parallel, I teach refugee children who escaped wartime in the Middle East. The sense of purpose inherent in AKG Photography is largely thanks to this humbling experience.
2014
Just Married!
Our daughter, Demetra, is born!
2021
AKG Destination & Editorial Photography is born
Our intimate wedding with the love of my life, my muse, Alexia, on a mountain in our home island of Cyprus! We had our honeymoon in magical Chang Mai in Thailand!
Our son, Alkiviades, is born!
2015
Few things in my life have had such a profound impact on me as studying in Cambridge! Being surrounded by legendary figures from the past and present... On Sunday mornings, the church bells ring... The King's College Evensongs... Punting to Grantchester! Cambridge will always have a special place in my heart!
2010
We adopt our gorgeous Lady. She is a Nova Scotia Retriever rescue & I love her to bits!
2013
2013
My wife, Alexia (who was an ACCA auditor up to this point) switches her career to photography and creates what is today one of the largest family photography studios in Cyprus. Participating in the photography process with her inspired me to pursue photography as a career just a few years after her!
... I launched my first high-tech startup which was quickly bought by an international company. I stayed with the company and got to learn from some of the best marketers, entrepreneurs and creatives, including my mentor Allen LeWinter, one of the producers of the sensational franchise "Barney the Dinosaur".
One of the highlights of my high-tech career was leading the design concept of a prototype phone for Nokia!
Love Legacy Style
It's a girl!
It's a boy!
2013
Within just five years, the AKG brand has rapidly ascended to prominence in the wedding industry, earning widespread recognition as a leading photographer in Europe. Esteemed by peers and couples alike and acclaimed by publications, the brand's hallmark is its unwavering commitment to impeccable service and a visionary meaning-driven and personal approach.
2023
The AKG brand is deeply engaged in the realm of global photography education. I had the privilege of addressing global audiences at more than five international speaker engagements in 2021, followed by tens more in the years after that. My educational efforts allow me to share my perspective on how wedding photography can transcend mere documentation and become a profoundly artistic medium with powerful communicative potential.
2018
TM
with the mission to connect couples and colleague artists with the deeper meaning of a wedding event as an important human cultural phenomenon.
now
Two decades into my adulthood journey, photography has infused profound meaning into my life. Gratitude abounds for the remarkable couples, my students, and all the fellow creatives who have made this journey extraordinary.
THANK YOU!
Will you will join me in the adventure?
Alexia Themistocleous
Alexia was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and also lived in London for many years, where she had a career in finance. She is our team's second master photographer. She also leads one of the premier portrait studios for women's portraiture, and newborn photography.
Her photography is deeply insightful and personal, revealing the character and spirit of her subjects like no other photographer I know. She also has an extraordinary gift for connecting with her subjects and putting them at ease.
Alexia and I have been married since 2011 and have two beautiful young children, a boy and a girl!
Alexia is our team's second Master Photographer. Together, we create a rare fusion of editorial, photojournalistic, and fashion photography.
Master photographer
Globetrotter
PARTNER
The AKG Method
01
A wedding transcends the boundaries of a mere dinner and party. It symbolizes your grand debut, your moment to shine in the world. I refuse to conform to the trends of superficial consumerism or imitate poses borrowed from Pinterest or Instagram. My goal is never to transform you into someone you're not, all in the name of "borrowed beauty". My mission is to tease out the threads of your unique story through photography that true to your individuality as a couple.
A distinct editorial quality captured on analogue film (or film-emulated) for that painterly old-world appeal. My work has a an editorial edge, yet feels personal. Each couple's love story is treated as a deserving work of art.
The Vision
The Process
My process begins well before the wedding. I collaborate with both you and your wedding planner, and the more we talk about your wishes and share ideas, the more I am able to capture the event in its entirety. As a result of this approach, I can be a soothing presence and your confidant on your wedding day.
A loosely styled approach, where I make my subject appear their best while being unobtrusively present in the moment. My art direction is subtle, quick, and on-point and is supposed to help you naturally unfold your best self before my lens. My wedding galleries, therefore, balance candid moments with lifestyle editorial scenes, and my priority is that you have a wonderful time. True moments are more compelling than contrived emotion.
The term that best describes my approach is "Editorial Wedding Photography" (read: "What is Editorial Wedding Photography?")
04
03
The Look
02
With an editorial appeal, my photography is fashion-forward yet personal, and intimate. I care deeply for each couple's love story as a worthy and unique piece of art.
The Approach
Your ability to capture the essence of each moment, the candid emotions, and the beauty of the surroundings is truly remarkable. Every image tells a story, and we feel like we are reliving the joy and love of our wedding day through your lens. We’ve had numerous compliments from our friends and family about the photos, and many have specifically mentioned how comfortable and at ease they felt in front of your camera. Your professionalism and friendly demeanor made the entire photography process a pleasure for everyone involved. We are truly grateful for your talent, dedication, and the wonderful energy you brought to our celebration.
— Siyu & Teng
Truly grateful for your talent, dedication, and wonderful energy
— Siyu & Teng - La Foce, Italy
“Amazing, wonderful, magnificent!”
Those are just a few words to describe Andreas and his wonderful wife Alexia, who provided us with such a wonderful experience from start to finish, and guided us every step of the way. From the beginning, we felt they really made an effort to get to know us as a couple and what feel our destination wedding would have. Andreas’ portfolio speaks for itself, but trust me he will make every couple feel unique and he will go the extra mile to get to know you and make you feel special. Don’t book your wedding date until you have booked Andreas – you need him for your wedding!
— Danae & Nicolas
Don’t book your wedding date until you have booked Andreas!
— Danae & Nicolas - Tinos, Cyclades
Andreas is a true artist and immense talent. We couldn’t imagine having anyone else alongside us on our wedding day. His photographs are truly art and speak for themselves, but what really impressed us was his character. He is the kindest, most genuine, brilliant but humble person, and how much he cares about his clients is evident from the very first email. He always made us feel like we were the only clients he had, and he was invested and enthusiastic about getting to know us. We felt fully comfortable in trusting him to execute our vision. He delivered a gallery that is more breathtaking than we could have imagined, and we will cherish the images forever.
We recommend him a million times over!
— Bianca & Tim
We recommend him a million times over!
— Bianca & Tim - Santorini, Cyclades
