Assignments: Character Studies

A portfolio of editorial, corporate, and lifestyle portraits capturing the authentic essence of diverse personalities across gastronomy, design, and cinema.

While featuring prominent figures like Michelin-starred chefs Arnaud Bignon and Rudolf van Nunen, actor Georges Corraface, and designer Sissy Feida, the project extends to artisans, entrepreneurs, and everyday professionals.

Each study—whether for a high-profile magazine or a personal branding session—balances artistic truth with strategic identity. It is a challenging fusion of character and profession, tailored for social content, corporate storytelling, and the unique narrative of every individual.

Cinematic environmental portrait of Chef Rudolf van Nunen in a sophisticated restaurant setting. The image features large warm-toned lanterns in the foreground, framing the chef as he works with precision. High-end culinary photography by Stavros Kos
An intimate look at the couple behind Irodion Capelle in Rotterdam. This portrait captures the essence of hospitality and the personal connection of the owners with their culinary heritage. Part of the Gastronomy Series by Stavros Kostakis.
A vibrant character study of Ivan Ottaviani, the charismatic figure behind the legendary Sale e Pepe in Kolonaki, Athens. Captured for EY ZHN Magazine, this portrait balances a playful mood with a sophisticated, warm lighting aesthetic. It showcases
A formal yet character-driven portrait of Nikos Barbounis, Municipal Counselor. The lighting emphasizes the presence and the professional profile of the subject. Part of the Character Studies series by Stavros Kostakis.
Cinematic, black and white portrait of actor George Chorafas, posing naturally against a large window. High-end editorial photography by Stavros Kostakis.
A behind-the-scenes portrait of acclaimed Chef Pavlos Kiriakis alongside his talented pastry chef. This image captures the essence of contemporary Greek fine dining—clean, professional, and focused. Part of the culinary visual curation series by Stav
Close-up editorial portrait of smiling Chef Rudolf van Nunen in his professional white jacket and signature bow tie. A warm and authentic character study by Stavros Kostakis, capturing the personality and expertise of a world-class chef.
Elegant environmental portrait of interior designer Sissy Feida in a modern, luxury interior setting. The image showcases a sophisticated blend of architectural design and personal branding photography by Stavros Kostakis, featuring contemporary wall
Vibrant color corporate portrait of Marita Simoneti (Aria Fine Catering) against a bold purple background. This professional headshot by Stavros Kostakis captures an approachable and confident executive presence, ideal for modern business branding
Modern color corporate portrait of Danny Schoorel in Rotterdam, wearing a stylish flat cap. A professional and approachable executive headshot by Stavros Kostakis, focusing on personal branding and creative business identity with a clean blue backgro
Alvertos Arouch Epikouros | Close-up portrait of Alvertos Arouch (Epikouros), the prominent Greek food critic and author, smoking a cigar in deep thought. Contemporary photography by Stavros Kostakis.
Vibrant color corporate portrait of Jose Behond in Rotterdam. A warm and professional personal branding headshot by Stavros Kostakis, featuring natural skin tones and a confident, approachable expression for modern business profiles.
Stratos Drakoulis | Intense black and white character portrait of Stratos Drakoulis holding a large, textured meat cleaver. The lighting is dramatic and high-contrast, highlighting his stern expression and the sharp details of the blade. A powerful f
Elegant black and white studio portrait of a young woman with curly hair, featuring dramatic low-key lighting. This fine art character study by Stavros Kostakis emphasizes natural beauty, expressive emotion, and the artistic interplay of light and sh
andid black and white character portrait of Antonia Katsaros in a white dress, playfully posing in a doorway with her dog. The image captures a sense of motion and genuine joy in a minimalist home setting. A lifestyle fine art study by Stavros Kostak
Jeremy Hussa mixologist | Fine art steampunk portrait of mixologist Jeremy Hussa. The subject is wearing a top hat, industrial goggles, and leather gear, posing with a focused expression against a dark mesh background. High-detail character study by
Maria Sanida | Cinematic black and white portrait of a young woman with wind-blown hair, captured in a raw and authentic moment. The photograph emphasizes natural beauty and emotional depth through soft lighting and a documentary aesthetic. A fine ar
Panagiotis Giannakos Aria Fine Catering | Corporate portrait of Panagiotis Giannakos, CEO of Aria Fine Catering, smiling and holding a small lamb and a shepherd's crook in a rustic farm setting. Photography by Stavros Kostakis.
An intimate character study of George Chorafas, captured during an editorial session at a classic restaurant setting. This image explores the quiet, introspective side of the internationally acclaimed actor. Part of the "Character Studies" series by
Professional black and white corporate headshot of Lisa Olierook in Rotterdam. The portrait features dramatic, high-contrast lighting that highlights professional confidence and authentic personality. Captured by Stavros Kostakis for executive brandi
A spontaneous yet profound portrait of the famous French geologist Yves Herody at the Manousakis Winery in Crete. Despite being captured with a compact Canon G5 during a sudden call to action, the image perfectly depicts the "divine symphony of earth
A cross-cultural character study from 2009. Captured at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, this portrait of a French wine ambassador is rendered with a lighting technique reminiscent of English aristocratic portraiture. The balance between the subject's warm
Anastos Kalliris | Authentic environmental portrait of Anastos Kalliris of Mingus Team, captured in a candid moment at an atmospheric bar in Athens. A character study by Stavros Kostakis that blends industrial aesthetics with warm, genuine personalit
An elderly man and a young woman are standing close together outdoors, smiling and looking downward. The elderly man has a bald head with white hair on the sides, and the young woman has long, dark hair with a hair clip. They are surrounded by trees
Full editorial portrait of Antonia Katsarou, embodying contemporary elegance and poise. The soft, directional lighting highlights her sophisticated presence and the clean lines of her attire. An atmospheric character study by Stavros Kostakis that fo
Cinematic black and white environmental portrait of Marita Simoneti, captured through office blinds for a documentary aesthetic. A creative corporate character study by Stavros Kostakis that emphasizes professional atmosphere and modern office storyt
Greek contemporary artist Poka-Yio standing beneath his massive chocolate Steyr vehicle sculpture. Dramatic low-angle portrait capturing the scale of the art installation. Photography by Stavros Kostakis.
Black and white portrait of Marina Koriolanou-Lykourezou standing against an ornate carved wooden door, with a strong expression and crossed arms. Photography by Stavros Kostakis.
A soulful, intimate portrait of Melina Kana. One of the most influential voices in modern Greek music, captured in a moment that reflects her artistic depth and the authenticity of her performances. Part of the "Contemporary Visual Curation" series b
Authentic color portrait of Chef Alain Parodi in his restaurant, Veritable. The chef is captured in a candid, expressive moment behind a table filled with artisanal cheeses. High-end gastronomy photography by Stavros Kostakis focusing on the passion
Minimalist editorial portrait of chefs Miltos Parikos and Giannis Karathanasos against a clear blue sky. A contemporary gastronomy photography study by Stavros Kostakis, emphasizing professional stature and the clean aesthetics of modern Greek culina
Sophisticated color portrait of Chef Giannis Liokas in a contemporary restaurant interior. Captured by Stavros Kostakis, the image features a warm, textured background and a thoughtful, candid expression, highlighting professional personality and mod
Dynamic black and white environmental portrait of Chef Alain Parodi working in the kitchen of Veritable. This character study by Stavros Kostakis captures the energy and focus of a professional chef in action, using dramatic lighting to emphasize the
A heartwarming, professional portrait of Chef Rudolf Van Nunen. Known for his extensive experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, both internationally and in Greece (like InterContinental Athens), Rudolf's personality is captured here by Stavros K
Elegant professional portrait of 2-star Michelin Chef Arnaud Bignon in a refined, classic setting. A high-end gastronomy character study by Stavros Kostakis that emphasizes culinary excellence, authority, and sophisticated branding for luxury hospita
The relentless energy of high-end gastronomy. This dynamic, high-angle black and white portrait of Sotiris Evagelou in motion inside the iconic revolving doors of Grande Bretagne breaks the mold of traditional executive portraits. It's a study in mov
Formal editorial portrait of Executive Chef Sotiris Evagelou posing on the grand marble staircase of Hotel Grande Bretagne. Traditional hospitality style by Stavros Kostakis.
Close-up portrait of Chef Manos Makrygiannakis of Philema restaurant in Brussels. He is leaning on a wooden table with wine bottles in the background. Photography by Stavros Kostakis.