Both sides of the lens

By David Schout

Already an experienced photographer, George Poulakis had no real intention of completing a course at Photography Studies College (PSC) when he commenced it some five years ago.

And after a creatively fulfilling period at PSC, he took a break from study for a number of different commercial opportunities, with his advanced diploma of photography still unfinished.

But eventually, he says, he was “drawn back” and kicked off where he left off.

“I went off to the big bad world but loved it so much so came back to complete the course,” he explained to Southbank Local News.

“It’s such a great environment with inspiring people who are constantly bouncing ideas of each other. It’s actually tough to keep creatively motivated outside and keeping up the momentum.”

The photography freelancer will graduate in a month and – among a number of other roles in the industry – now does some teaching at PSC.

As a photographer of some 15 years, George has worked across a broad spectrum in the field.

From more commercial ventures in graduation and wedding shoots, all the way to fine art photography, he knows the industry well. He also knows the difficulty in switching between the two.

“Coming from a commercial background, everything needs to be perfect,” he said. “But as an artist, it’s a completely different world.”

Switching from the precise world of real estate photography, for example, to using blur in more creative expressions, was difficult.

“Letting go of that took some time, but I’m glad I embraced it and pleased to see where it’s taking me now.”

George specialises in self-portraiture; a space he feels he can express himself best. His work varies from the dark and brooding to the humorous and absurd.

“It kind of started out of necessity,” he explained. “I’m constantly up at 3-4am with my mind racing, and it sort of grew from that to begin looking at concepts of the self.”

The preference of working with and by himself eventually shone through.

“I’m quite a fun and energetic person, but then in the studio I’m quite introverted. I’ve worked with models before but it doesn’t feel as intimate as when it’s just me. I’m used to knowing how to work with myself.”

Alongside some teaching at PSC, he also runs private “iPhoneography” tutorials teaching people how to use their everyday devices to take stunning snaps.

The workshops show users how to get the most out of their smartphones, and reveals handy features that the average person isn’t aware of.

George said the idea began organically.

“When I travel, it’s too much effort to take all my equipment,” he said.

“Four or five years ago I travelled to Italy just with a phone and everyone was saying how good some of my images were. So I just started developing the course while on that trip. It developed itself, really. It’s basically about letting people know features on the phone that they don’t know of, and getting the most out of their camera. They’ve got all this this software on the phone at disposal.”

georgepoulakis.com.au