Fotini Zaglara is an emerging Greek photographer with a distinctive eye for the art of self-portraiture.
Born in 1995, she lives and works in Athens. With distinctions in international competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards, the Julia Margaret Cameron Award, and the Florence Biennale, her work has been showcased in exhibitions and museums worldwide. In 2024, she was included in the list of 30 Women Photographers Under 30.
“My relationship with photography began when I moved to Ioannina for my studies. I found myself in a new city, knowing no one. Αnd since I’ve always been quite introverted, I needed a way to express myself.
My parents had given me a camera as a gift, and that’s how I started experimenting. I discovered Flickr and noticed that many photographers were creating self-portraits. That inspired me to start photographing myself — not simply as a technical exercise, but as a way to tell stories.
I would shoot either at home or in various locations across Epirus, a true paradise filled with breathtaking landscapes.”
“My inspiration comes from many different sources. I read books, watch films, visit museums and exhibitions, listen to music, and study the work of other artists. I also observe the people around me — and what happens within me. I try to stay constantly connected to these influences, feeding my imagination and allowing new ideas to emerge.”
Do you have a favorite color that stands out in your work?
“In my photography, red has recently become the dominant color. I’ve become a bit obsessed with it and try to incorporate it into my color palettes whenever I can. It carries such intensity and emotional power — it absolutely fascinates me.”
What kind of music accompanies you during the creative process?
“The music I listen to depends on my mood and the stage I’m in. For example, when I’m planning a photoshoot, I might listen to Ólafur Arnalds, while during the actual shoot, the energy shifts and I often go for something completely different — like The Weeknd.”
What is your favorite film, and which directors inspire you?
“Cinema is a huge source of inspiration for me, and I try to watch at least four films a week. One of my favorite films is Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma. When I first watched it, I was so moved that I replayed the last 15 minutes three times!”
“I absolutely love Wim Wenders, not only for his films but also for the way he approaches his documentaries. And David Lynch is a major influence — the worlds he creates are truly unique, and Twin Peaks holds a very special place in my heart.”
Fotini Zaglara continues to explore the art of photography, using it as a means of storytelling and emotional discovery. Her works travel across exhibitions worldwide, inspiring and inviting viewers into a world where imagination and reality meet through her lens.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay updated on her latest exhibitions, or visit foteinizaglara.com to discover more of her work.
