Interview with Foteini Zaglara | Delving into Fantasy & Surrealism as a Self-Portrait Artist

I'm Foteini Zaglara, a conceptual self-portrait photographer from Athens, Greece. My photography journey began during my studies in Early Childhood Education, where I discovered the power of self-portraiture as a medium for storytelling and exploring human emotions. Through surreal imagery, I aim to convey complex ideas about identity and societal issues while sparking conversations and provoking thought.

I studied Early Childhood Education at the University of Ioannina, Greece. While my formal education lies in this field, my exploration of photography has been self-taught.

My first self-portrait holds a vivid memory for me. It was taken during the summer holidays in my village, near the beach. I was captivated by the reflection of the surface of the sea and decided to incorporate it into my shot.

I use a Sony A7R IV and A7C Mark II, accompanied by lenses such as the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM and the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. Additionally, I have always my tripod with me, and I utilize my phone equipped with the Creators' app as a remote control for my self-portraits, enabling greater flexibility and control over my compositions.

The compliments that touch me the most are when viewers are moved by my self-portraits and feel inspired to create new stories or interpretations based on the imagery.

My storytelling is inspired by a myriad of influences drawn from everything around me. From the beauty of nature to the complexity of human emotions, from the stories of ancient myths to the realities of contemporary society, I find inspiration in the vast tapestry of life itself.

My imagination is sparked by the interplay of light and shadow, the nuances of color and texture, and the endless possibilities of the human experience. Ultimately, it is the exploration of these diverse elements that fuels my creativity and shapes my distinctive narrative style.

Surreal, empathy, and storytelling.

Thank you! Winning the MUSE Photography Awards is a tremendous honor for me. It's a fantastic validation of my hard work and creativity. This recognition fuels my passion for photography and encourages me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft.

The series I entered into the MUSE Photography Awards is titled "Je est une autre," which is an ongoing collection of self-portraits I've been working on since 2018. Each photograph in this series tells a unique story, revealing different aspects of my personality and subjective identity.

The inspiration behind this project stems from the intriguing phrase by Rimbaud, "Je est un autre" (I is another), which explores the idea of self-objectification and introspection. Through this series, I delve into the concept of placing oneself in the narrative and identity of another persona, or "persona," as a means of understanding oneself detached from personal biases and experiences.

What sets this project apart is the intense directorial element combined with creative props, makeup, and vintage clothing, which enhance the storytelling and dramatic perspective of the images. I chose to enter this project into the MUSE Photography Awards because it embodies my artistic vision and represents a significant exploration of identity, storytelling, and creativity through self-portraiture.

Winning the award has boosted my credibility, visibility, and confidence in my work, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations while motivating me to continue pushing creative boundaries in my career.

Rosie Hardy, Francesca Woodman, and Nan Goldin.

The best advice I received starting out was to embrace trial and error. One of my role models encouraged me to fearlessly experiment, knowing that mistakes are essential for growth in photography.

Embrace experimentation without fear. Photography is about exploration and learning from mistakes. Stay curious and passionate. Most importantly never stop pushing your creative boundaries.

I stay receptive by prioritizing curiosity, engaging with diverse perspectives, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.