It was just another day for Melbourne based portrait photographer Joanne Flessas.
She was in her St Kilda Road studio when her 87-year-old father Konstantinos Flessas dropped by for a visit.
He never visits her studio and was in the area for a doctor’s appointment.
Seeing him sit down, legs crossed reading the newspaper brought back many memories for Joanne, and she just knew she had to capture the moment.
“He has always been seen with a Neos Kosmos newspaper in hand for as long as I can remember,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“I was fortunate to spontaneously capture a perfect image of him in my Melbourne photo studio, engrossed in his Greek news, a moment that will forever be etched in my memory.
“He’s 87, so I’m like, when am I ever going to get a chance to take this photo of my dad again? So, let me take it.”
Konstantinos made the courageous journey from Kalamata, Greece to Australia, being the sole member of his family to do so.
Together with his wife Vasiliki, he raised a family of six and ensured they had shelter and sustenance.
Working night shifts as an electrician for the railways, he was a resilient individual who prioritised the well-being of his family both in Melbourne and back in Greece.
This recent impromptu photo of her father inspired Joanne to reflect on the depth and complexity of his life, highlighting the intricacies that make up each individual’s story.
“A picture paints a thousand words,” she said.
“In capturing the essence of our elders, I strive to honour their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs.
“Each photograph tells a unique story, shedding light on the shades of grey that make up a person’s legacy.”
Despite her busy schedule, Joanne remains committed to showcasing more subjects from this age demographic, ensuring that their stories are remembered and celebrated.
She wants to ensure more people get these ‘legacy photos’ so that their memories are not lost as the generations go by.
Particularly later in life, as they stop getting photos taken and the only photos some families have are from weddings and special occasions.
“I think we can forget about our parents a lot and forget that they’re people too,” Joanne said.
“Dad had a smile on his face when he walked out of the studio and it was really nice. It made me feel good.
“He knew what I was doing, but he never really understood it. He saw me doing it, having a light put on him. It’s kind of made him feel special, like he was seen.”
