Artist statement
Cicada songs fill the air, accompanied by a warm breeze from the sea. I am fortunate to call the sun-drenched island of Cyprus my home — an exquisite island that ranks as the third largest in the Mediterranean sea, neighboring mainland Greece.
My academic journey led me to explore the marvellous world of Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and at Harvard. I also have a degree in Education and studies in Physics and Philosophy. Between my studies and my current career I created two high-tech startups and co-founded a marketing firm.
My present life revolves around capturing the essence of extraordinary couples in some of the world's most remarkable locations. I dedicate each year exclusively to 10 to 15 special couples. Driven by an unwavering sense of romance, my mission is to transform my couples' stories into unique works of art.
In the quieter months you will often find me exploring the island's coastline with my wife, Alexia, our two children, Demetra and Alkiviades, and Lady, our four-legged companion. Also, another passion fills my soul — I am a devoted classical pianist.
My philosophy
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 about the boundless potential of humanity. May it be infused with introspection, mindfulness, and empathy: the kind of photography that celebrates a wedding as an enduring symbol of humanity's capacity for connection, kindness, and joy, and reveals humanity's potential to be extraordinary and kind.
I am wholeheartedly committed to providing my couples with an inclusive experience, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or beliefs. I promise to cherish and protect the sacred space we create, one that embraces you wholly, and I pledge to be the unwavering voice that rises in defense of all that makes you beautifully unique. Inclusivity Pledge
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
An adventure in pursuit of meaning
2005
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!
2018
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!
2023
My brand becomes highly recognised by colleagues, publications and couples for its emphasis on impeccable service and vision. As of 2021 I have a keen focus on education for wedding creatives, teaching approximately 5 workshops a year. My vision is to inspire wedding artists to use their art as a platform for good.
It's a girl!
It's a boy!
2013
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?")
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The Look
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