The wind untied my hands
Photographer: Elena Christou
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
My photography journey began later in life, when I bought my first camera at around 47. At first, I photographed everything - nature, streets, details - but quickly realized that people in the frame fascinated me most. I wanted portraits that make viewers pause, linger, and feel like they've stumbled upon a secret. My vision grew from countless hours studying photographers' work and films. Peter Lindbergh inspired me with his way of seeing women without gloss or artifice, turning that truth into stories. I absorbed a love for cinematic imagery, natural light, and those moments when the subject stops posing and simply exists in the frame. That sense of beauty was always there; it just needed the camera to take shape.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
I'm not sure this counts as "classic collaboration," but I have an ongoing project with a dog shelter owner. I photograph their dogs to help find them homes, aiming to make each one irresistible. We joke that after my shoots, they're adopted faster than hot pastries - because in the images they're no longer "just shelter dogs" but real characters. I also have a planned collaboration with another female photographer on an idea we're eager to bring to life. I believe it will surprise even us.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
A few years ago, I was invited to photograph a corporate event. I agreed - I needed the income and thought I shouldn't refuse work. Seeing the crowd, I panicked and almost left. Someone said, "Elena, have a drink," and I did, for courage. I ended up shooting a great event, and when they invited me again, I worked confidently without "liquid bravery." Interestingly, about 60% of the images were individual portraits - I still gravitated toward faces. This taught me I can adapt and create in any setting, but confirmed my true focus: individual portraits, couples, or small families.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
Over time, I have found my place in women's portraiture, especially for women 45+. At 57, I understand mature women - their pain, joy, love, disappointments, and everything they go through in life. I know how important it is at this stage to love, accept, and listen to yourself. Thanks to my nature, I connect easily with people - this lightness, sincerity, humor, and genuine desire to make someone feel happy all shape my work. I often hear: "I usually feel nervous in front of a camera, but with you I feel completely free." If someone leaves with a smile and a spark in their eyes, I know I've done my job. There's no gloss in my images - only naturalness, attention to detail, and the inner freedom that comes with life experience.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
I want to grow in my niche of women's portraiture 45+, so clients come to me specifically for my approach and experience. I'd love to create a book of portraits of different women - an archive of beauty and strength at this age. I'm also curious to try collaborations or new formats of shoots. These ideas are still forming, but I know they could bring something fresh to my work.
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I photograph women 45+ — free in spirit, real in emotion, and not afraid to show up as they are. My muse is 47 — and proud of it 🖤
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Photographer: Elena Christou
Model: Elya Amyreh