Under My Skin, photography
-Foteini, we'd love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today, both personally and as an artist.
I never really thought of photography as my path—at least not in the beginning. Everything changed when my parents gifted me a camera as a graduation present. That simple gesture sparked something in me. When I moved to Ioannina to study Early Childhood Education, I began experimenting with self-portraiture, inspired by photographers I admired on Flickr. It felt natural—like I had finally found a language that resonated with who I was.
After my studies, I continued creating self-portraits, gradually refining my aesthetic and voice. As my work evolved, so did the opportunities. Brands started approaching me for conceptual campaigns, and I began collaborating with well-known artists to create their portraits. At the same time, my self-portraits began gaining recognition in exhibitions and international photography competitions, even earning awards in some of the most prestigious global contests.
Clipped Wings, photography
-You’re both behind and in front of the camera, showing up fully, flaws and all, and totally owning it. Has turning the camera on yourself changed how you see or understand your identity?
Absolutely. Creating self-portraits is much more than an artistic practice—it's a mirror into the soul. The process has allowed me to explore and confront parts of myself I might have otherwise ignored. Through the lens, I’ve found the courage to look deeper, to sit with discomfort, and to celebrate my own complexity. Over time, this practice has helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person. It’s a constant dialogue between who I am and who I’m becoming.
Jester, photography
-Many of your images feel cinematic and dreamlike. How do you approach storytelling in your self-portraits? Do you follow a concept, or let intuition lead?
Most of the time, I follow a structured approach—I’ve developed a set of steps that help me transform a vague idea into a fully realized concept. These are the same principles I share in the Conceptual Photography Workshops I lead. They help me stay focused and ensure that the final image captures the emotion or narrative I’m aiming for.
That said, there are moments when inspiration strikes unexpectedly—a fleeting feeling or the mood of a place—and I surrender to that spontaneity. Some of my most meaningful portraits have emerged from those intuitive, unplanned moments. (The anatomy of grief)
The Anatomy of Grief, photography
-How do you balance the technical side of self-portraiture (framing, focus, etc.) while staying connected to the emotion of the moment?
For me, creating self-portraits is a bit like making a film—I’m both the director and the actor. First, I focus on the technical aspects: the light, the composition, the framing. Once everything is in place and I’ve established the scene, I can let go of that role and fully step into character. In those moments, I allow myself to feel everything. Sometimes I get so immersed in the emotion of the moment that I completely forget the camera is even there.
Am I Losing My Mind?, photography
-What's the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
We live in a digital era, so visibility means everything. The best way to support me is to share my work—whether that’s posting it in a story on Instagram or writing about how it made you feel. Word of mouth is powerful. Every time someone resonates with one of my images and chooses to talk about it, it creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what I could do alone.
Statement
I’m a (self)portrait artist born in Athens, Greece, with a background in Early Childhood Education from the University of Ioannina. At the age of 20, I discovered my true passion for photography—a medium that allows me to explore fantasy, surrealism, and the depths of human emotion.
Since then, my work has been recognized in several international photography competitions and exhibited across Europe and the USA. My creative journey has always been rooted in a deep love for storytelling, which continues to shape my artistic voice and vision. I find inspiration in everything from classical paintings to contemporary cinema, drawing from a wide spectrum of visual and emotional influences.
Through self-portraiture, I navigate the complexities of identity and emotion, using surreal and dreamlike imagery to confront both personal and collective themes. My work often reflects on pressing social issues, aiming not just to evoke an emotional response but also to spark dialogue and reflection. I see art as a space where alternate realities can be imagined—and where deeper truths can be uncovered.
Sortie de la Réalité, photography
Bio
The Yellow Wallpaper, photography
Foteini Zaglara is a 1995 born (self)-portrait artist from Athens, Greece. She has studied at the University of Ioannina, in the department of Early Childhood Education. Her work delves into fantasy and surrealism, using photography as a medium to weave intricate stories and deeply explore the realm of emotions. She investigates themes of identity, global and social issues through her self-portraiture. She has distinguished herself in many international photography competitions, and her work has been exhibited in Europe and USA.