Panagiotis Koffas did not begin his journey as a photographer — he studied mechanical engineering and worked in the field until the age of 28. Photography entered his life at 26, initially as a personal escape, a quiet space for expression during a difficult period. But this creative pause quickly grew into a passion. And passion became profession.
Imagination as a Starting Point
What captivated him from the beginning was the power of imagination — the idea that a thought, a mental image, could take shape through the lens. “The satisfaction I feel when something I imagined becomes an image is immense,” he says. “It’s almost addictive.”
Falling in Love with Artificial Light
Technically refined and genuinely in love with artificial light, Panagiotis shapes images with a distinctive style: bold, multilayered lighting, complex color relationships, and a meticulous attention to detail.
Yet, as he explains, he lets each project guide him. “Photography is always unpredictable — and that’s the beauty of it. Every person, every space brings a new energy and a new story.”
Romanticism as a Way of Life
What he strives to communicate through his photographs is romanticism. Not necessarily the romantic kind, but something deeper — tied to dreams, desires, and the beauty that often goes unnoticed. “I want my images to make the viewer pause, to feel something. To look at the world again with a sense of romanticism.”
Music as Ritual
During editing, he always works with a steady musical companion: Guru and the Jazzmatazz series. This music isn’t just a soundtrack — it’s part of the ritual, part of the mental focus. When it comes to inspiration, however, he keeps his ears wide open: from classic rock and metal to hip hop. “Music is images,” he says. “I always imagined what the music video for every song I listened to would look like.”
Cinema and Everyday Inspiration
Cinema is a fundamental point of reference. Often, a single film can spark ideas for entire photoshoots — its lighting, composition, rhythm — everything influences him deeply. But inspiration doesn’t stop there. “A good meal, a conversation, a shadow on the wall — anything can inspire you, as long as you’re open.”
The Influences That Shaped Him
Among the creators who have influenced him, Helmut Newton stands out for his striking aesthetic and unapologetic dynamism. Guru, of course, remains the musical foundation of his world. Within his close circle, he mentions Insane51, the graffiti artist who pushed him to take photography seriously, and Giorgos Serepas, a book-content creator with a deep love for Thomas Pynchon.
Finally, he highlights David Lynch, whose dark, atmospheric cinematic lens has left a lasting imprint on the way he sees — and shapes — light.
You can follow him on Instagram to see more of his work or visit his website directly.
