Visual Chemistry

Spiros Poros unravels his photographic talent, which has won him his spurs as one of the best art/fashion photographers


Spiros Poros is an acclaimed Greek native photographer currently living in Cambridge, New Zealand. His unique style has attributed greatly to his notability in the United States and in Greece, not to mention Australia.

Spiros’ cinematographic photographs focus on conveying the protagonist’s mood or moods with a very unique and engaging aesthetic. He has worked for several glossy editions and his fashion and art editorial shoots have been published by magazines the likes of Vogue, In Style, Flaunt and Esquire around the world. Over time his photography has become recognisable for its distinct style that reflects his respect and thoughtfulness for the theme.

Spiros Poros’ ability to constantly evolve and revolutionise his technique has made him a favourite photographer of fashion houses and celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Keira Knightley, Cristopher Noth, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Megan Good, Michael Stipe, and supermodels like Alesandra Amposio, Kylie Bax, and more.

Photography was Spiros’ childhood dream. At first he had no money to buy the equipment, therefore he took advantage of his imposing good looks and worked as a model for two years. He did that in the US and in fact managed to make enough money to start working as a photographer.

“I pretty much discovered my passion for photography during my journey around the world; while taking snapshots of people in their cultural environment,” Spiros tells Neos Kosmos.

He describes his work as constantly fascinating, interesting and always revealing new worlds to his restless soul.

“You can never get bored with that,” he says.

Photography is his basic means to create and communicate, the most accurate and effective way for him to express himself.

“I chose the camera because I can communicate my inner thoughts, anxieties and emotions, as well as images of life,” Spiros explains.

“It’s like my subconscious is set free, and it’s a great journey each time. I’d dare to say that in a way you feel reborn!”

Several photographers and artists believe that it is possible to actually see more when one starts focusing on the minor details. For Spiros, minor details are fine only “when you have the ‘big screen’ clear ahead”.

“Details, however, always bring a special feature to the big screen, beneath which symbolism lies strongly. This is art,” he muses.
“What makes art classic? Something which does not depend on time.”

But is there always an intention before creating a mesmerising image such as his? One cannot but stand still for several minutes in front of his captivating momentary works of art and wonder what sort of premeditation lay behind the lens. If there was something specific that he intended to put across, or if it was the result of some spontaneous, coincidental even, magnificence he managed to capture.

“I believe my work allows me to input images that have been captured for years or just came up due to a vivid motive,” he says.

“There is always space for spontaneous catches, but they can never be enough if the project lacks inspiration, magic, inner power and faith.”

Every visual artist, just like any artist, aims to convey certain feelings to the audience that will come across in their images. The same drive instigates Spiros’ inspiration, though his goal cannot be confined to a single rendering.

“I only wish to depict the feelings that make people realise more than what I initially intended to project,” he tells.

“The images which could make the audience see further. The images that would make the viewer imagine.”

Spiros Poros has photographed numerous subjects, from Hollywood’s golden names to top models, renowned ballet dancers and random people from all walks of life across the globe. In his eyes, though, there is no perfect model, or should we say subject, to capture with his lens.

“For me it’s all about the instant chemistry and combined natures of the subject and photographer,” he explains.

“The right chemistry and communication, this mutual understanding does not only help the team create art, but it’s also what makes life look ideal. What makes moments feel perfect.”

He stresses that if his subjects – celebrities or not – didn’t have a big impact on him in the first place, he could never have photographed them. Therefore, it is impossible for him to choose just one.

On another note, one can’t help but notice his intense Greek aura and love for the country of his origin, yet he rarely works on Greek soil anymore. He has many times explained the reason that made him leave his country in the first place – big dreams and the need to explore the world he lives in. After a long time spent working and living in America, life brought him to Australia, before he finally settled in New Zealand.

He says his decision to move here was the result of “a different scope of life along with the need for a professional restart”.

“There isn’t a minute I don’t miss Greece. I miss my family and friends and I always get inspired by vivid images I carry from my country,” he admits.
“I believe that somehow my temperament fulfils my work strongly.”

In the ‘lucky country’ he discovered a more artistic side of himself, while in New Zealand he came closer to nature and embarked on several projects that depict his love for animals, and especially horses.

“They are independent and proud and they teach you integrity and dignity,” he adds.

Apart from being a famous and well-respected photographer, Spiros is father to three daughters and a son. In New Zealand he owned his own judo school while working as a lecturer at Diocesan. The last school he taught at was St Peters in Cambridge.

“I never get involved with activities I either don’t believe in or don’t trust will flourish.”

“Especially when it comes to education of all kinds, I feel quite blessed and good energised to share my experience and knowledge. Nothing matters when nothing’s shared. That’s family too.”

Spiros Poros is working on some new art exhibitions at the moment, featuring ballet dancers, along with his cutting-edge fashion editorials.

*Spiros has developed photography exhibitions and published display books including Tattoo and Bodies and Behaviours. His exhibition ‘Under Exposed – An Exclusive Photographic Exploration of Cuban Ballet and Boxing’ which was shown in New York, got rave reviews, as well as his last new exhibition entitled ‘Love and Strife=Cosmic Cycle’ in Auckland, New Zealand.