The top decoration on the Christmas tree this year is an interview with Joey Leo, whose series will be familiar from almost all fashion magazines/blogs. I also had the pleasure of featuring his works in the 6th PNPPL magazine, and I’m delighted to be able to give you a little more insight into his amusement in this post.
Could we start with some background information about you? Where you grow up, where you based, how did you get interested in photography?
I grew up in Piraeus which is a port city in the Attica region of Greece. Being near water and having that ‘sea air’ as an everyday wake up call , really makes everything better and still does.
From a really young age I was all about crafts and arts. I’d sing every single day trying to harmonize with every sound I hear , I’d play the piano for hours ( still do ) , I’d draw portraits and fictional characters and even created my own book once, which I finally completed around my first year in middle school.
Till that point I had my photography moments too, I’d create scenes and compositions and then I’d capture them, but between high school and college this whole photography thing hit me real good. First I had my ‘model’ moments. I wanted to be in front of the camera and try to learn how my face and body would react in different scenarios and I thought ‘Huh , how cool is to be able to have different versions of me ? But still being , me‘!
Well, it only lasted 2 years till I finally realized that behind the lens was where I wanted to be! And that’s the start of it 🙂 Plus, I found out my grandpa was the first one to have a darkroom in his local area back in the days…sooo , it all made sense I guess.
Did you always know photography was your ultimate go-to outlet of expression?
I think that was partially covered in the first question, hah! Nope, I didn’t always know photography will be it, because I had a natural pull in learning and trying multiple ways of expression. Yes, photography seems my go-to the last 10 years but not the ultimate one as I can’t limit myself only into one.
Following your career, your photos seem to have been featured everywhere that matters. Outside of photography, what is it that drives you to get better and better and more and more?
Myself actually! I feel lucky that I’m able to connect with Joey in other levels and different aspects! Me & all the other younger MES is what constantly drives myself to get better and better , more and more!
For being such strong and often intimate images, how is the relationship with your subjects built?
That’s a great question , and not in a way ‘Oh that’s a creative one’ but because I get asked a lot about how comes my most intimate and strong pictures feel so calm, relaxed … fragile ( as I like to say ).
It starts with who you are and where you’re coming from. I feel blessed that I can create and then deliver a safe bubble ( my bubble ) to everyone that happens to be around me. It takes me a few minutes to build a short and then a long term trusted bond on every set because it comes naturally. In my mind, I’m not THE photographer you are not THE model or whatever. I look everyone as equal in a sense. If I have to deal with frenzy production people or if I have to deal with just one person, it’s the same for me. I know who Joey is and I just wanna have a good time in my workspace!
That’s how I roll. So the relationship with my subject builds as if we planned a day at the park, had a goofy dance in the middle of a stroll and we decided to create something out of it.
What do you enjoy more: being given complete freedom on a photo shoot, or having to shoot on a given theme/topic?
Ummmm …the first one, duh! I got my back! But that doesn’t mean I don’t like the other way around equally.
Your work ranges over a wide spectrum, but is there a subject you prefer to photograph? What would an imaginary ideal shoot look like?
That’s so precise and generic at the same time! I mean, I don’t think I can address a particular set up that would make it ideal, for now at least. There are so many scenarios I would love to create and capture.
But I can tell for sure that if there’s a mix of some sort of fantasy, imaginary bits and a subtle youthful intimacy in the air … count me in.
Your photos are full of life, and even the serious series are not made up of sad faces. Is your photography also a kind of imprint of yourself?
Hell to the yeah! Ofc my work is some kind of imprint of myself and again I could go back to question No.4 to some extent. I’m a bucket full of emotions that need to be released in one way or another. So I absolutely agree that the energy and the vibrations being delivered through my work is most of the time a reflection of me in that particular period of time, if not in general.
Sticking to the sad pictures. I see a lot of non-professional photographers who are able to shoot a series with only the saddest possible look, missing any life or life-like moments in the images. What advice would you give to those who think that a blank stare of melancholy makes a series “good”?
It seems one of those tips like ‘ Commercial client means ‘ All fun and giggles , smiley face like it’s the happiest day of your life ( NOT ) versus High-end client means ‘ Grumpy , there’s nothing left … just drop dread and go get the job ‘. There’s a reason behind all of it but that’s a whole other chapter to discuss. I personally think, nothing makes it ‘’good’’ if there’s NO purpose to serve. Every emotion being captured has its own strong impact. So you find me kinda in the middle on this one! I don’t stand by ‘’blank ,sad stare‘’ equals ‘’strong or good’’ picture neither a picture full of life can be the best picture ever. It only comes down to your own vision and energy which you as the creator will deliver through whatever you want to capture. Plus, I think social trends play an important factor as well ….like the trend of ‘Drop dead face‘ selfie – ‘No emotion face‘ selfie – ‘Blank stare‘ selfie or whatever the hell it’s called that seemed to be sooooo ‘attractive’! I must say I’ve been through that ride and I think I can tell what’s behind it. It’s the mystery that creates , it attracts you to some level because it makes you feel uncomfortable in a good way. What’s the deal ? That’s my interpretation anyways (Said in a total blank stare).
What’s your plan to celebrate New Years Eve?
Good times with my friends and family always does it! I don’t care where or how! So I’m looking forward to see how this New Years Eve will be … I just said how so I guess I do care how 🙂
What do you do when you got time for yourself?
Pampering myself or writing new ideas or recording harmonies and pretending I’m on a stage full of empty seats cause that’s the reality or just enjoying drinks and walks with my friends. Many simple things can make Joey happy 🙂
Please finish the sentences:
Deeply in love with … the upgraded version of me
The best way to sleep is … a cuddle and a soft touch on my nose
My dream is … ( Joey went to sleep )
Photographs by Joey Leo @_joeyleo_
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