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Rangefinder
Magazine Profile: Giorgio Karayiannis by Robyn
Hills Passion” is a word that seems to find its way into the conversation every couple of minutes when you’re talking with Giorgio Karayiannis.
Giorgio’s level of enthusiasm and energy is enough in itself to be inspirational, so spending time with him becomes an uplifting experience. A keen teller of jokes, he has the ability to entertain and put everyone at ease. No doubt this is a huge benefit to his photographic style, either for a client commissioning an advertising shoot or for a local family’s portrait. Giorgio’s portrait work encompasses a wide variety of clientele: corporations, families, advertising, fashion and editorial work. Approaching each job with fresh ideas, Giorgio aims to push himself to produce at least four exhibition-standard shots per session or series of images. He applies these rules to his personal, as well as his commissioned works.
One series he has completed recently is on leaders of religion—including a Greek priest, a rabbi, a minister, etc. Giorgio wants to push his own personal boundaries as well, giving him reasons to contact people with whom he may not normally meet, stretching his personal horizons. Following this set of images, Giorgio is now exploring the idea of producing a book about open-minded faith. He hopes his imagery, by acknowledging all faiths and all gods and bringing them together, will help eliminate some of the prejudices in the world. Another series that Giorgio enjoyed working on was the “Punk” series. Giorgio went out of his usual comfort zone to find outrageous people with off-beat self-presentation styles and document them.
An image that has rapidly become symbolic of Giorgio’s work is a superb black and white of a cancer patient (page 26). It was taken during her treatment process, which caused total hair loss. It scored very high in the Australian Professional Photography Awards and went on to be printed on the covers of two prestigious Australian photography magazines. It was part of this portfolio that won him the Australian Editorial Photographer of the Year award in 2001. There has been immense interest in the purchase of the image for use as an icon for cancer research. Giorgio is rapt that he has been able to bring something so positive from what was a very negative and trying time for his client. He is also happy to report that his client is in remission and thoroughly enjoying the publicity.
Previously employed by Ilford International, Giorgio travelled the world developing products, discussing photographers’ needs and teaching about the product line, conducting numerous technical lectures.
“ Photographers often lose sight of why they started in photography in the first place—for their love of the art. I want them to get back their focus (a Giorgio-pun intended) and take their passion to new heights,” Giorgio enthuses. He wants you to set goals as a photographer beyond what you thought you could have ever achieved. Having a home-based business has provided the best of both worlds for Giorgio—his work and his family are all close together. Not having a main street frontage has not been a deterrent for business, as word-of-mouth referrals are a big part of his ongoing clientele. Not shy, Giorgio gets on the phone to corporations that he thinks should have him working for them and suggests they visit his web site when they’re next looking for a photographer.
“ I still adore traditional silver-halide fiber-base papers but also find it refreshing and appropriate to use some of the new products like metallic surfaces,” says Giorgio. Inspiration for him comes from art, music and travel. He loves discovering new opportunities, photography books and watching movies, and he eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience new situations.
He has a long “to do” list—publishing books, lecturing, photographing overseas, taking groups on Greek Island photography tours, TV commercials, documentaries and more.
Telling me his favorite color is blue gives us a glimpse of the Giorgio that’s inside. He describes blue as “deep and soothing, strong, but not overpowering.” This statement complements well Giorgio’s flow of enthusiasm and constant supply of jokes. The smile is contagious. Giorgio’s web site is currently “under reconstruction,” but
in the future you can view Giorgio’s work on his web site at www.giorgioimages.com.au.
You can contact Giorgio by email at giorgio@giorgioimages.com.au/.
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Self-described as a lifestyle photographer,
Giorgio works from Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about everything
he does in his life—creating
images, talking to people, motivating others to achieve more than they
previously thought possible, his family, travelling and doing his part
to change the world.
Ideas for themes can begin with a client asking for
an image. When Giorgio sees the results, he then sets himself the task
of finding
three more
subjects within the same theme and photographs them. 
Ask Giorgio
what makes life worth living, and he’ll tell you: “Experience.
It’s all about the unknown and what lies ahead. Sharing it with
good friends and having fabulous food—that’s the Greek in
my blood!”
On viewing Giorgio’s work, you will notice a graphic
intensity with strong design elements. He is a fan of black and white
for most
of his people work, while using color for his landscapes to show vibrancy.
Giorgio approaches photography by photographing for himself first. Then
if his work pleases someone else, too, that’s a bonus.
In the
last couple of years, now working for himself, Giorgio has taken up the
challenge of doing some presentations to professional photographers.
His aim is to motivate and inspire others. Sometimes photographers have
come to him after one of his talks and thanked him because they had lost
their drive and passion for photography. He enthusiastically tells them
to get back to basics, inspiring them to go out and change their lives. 
He is proactive in maintaining a professional image
at all times and used a professional to design his web site. “I’m
best off doing what I’m good at—creating images—and
leaving the Web details to someone who excels in their field,” explains
Giorgio. He is excited about the number of international visitors he
gets to his web site. He gets a wide variety of feedback from these visitors,
and has the opportunity to make many contacts worldwide.
Ask about his
opinion on the digital versus film debate, and he simply answers that
he uses whichever technology gives him the best results
for the image he’s producing at the time. “The feeling, emotion
and message the image evokes is the primary impetus, not the medium it
is printed on—although the choice of paper does play a significant
role in interpretation of an image. 
Giorgio is planning
his first exhibition later this year, with the show’s
entry fee being donated to charity. The people-based theme will feature
all things that are beautiful, while having Giorgio’s trademark
graphic design dynamics.
“
I’m constantly re-evaluating my values to look at what’s
important to me, making sure I keep my warm, loving personality carefree
and energized,” says Giorgio. “I think our kids are the biggest
part of our lives as they are our future.”