We were lucky to catch up with George Thomas Foskaris recently and have shared our conversation below.

George Thomas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My life as a photographer started in January 2010. My father gave me his 35mm camera that he had used to take pictures of his family in the 80s. At that time, I was a touring musician – a drummer – and I felt the need to document my life, travels, and the new faces I would meet.

Almost immediately, taking pictures developed into something that I felt so genuinely connected to. As someone who loves people and loves this world, and as an optimist, capturing life through the camera lens was a way for me to share how I viewed my life, and how I admired the people and things around me.

After a couple of years of shooting, I had taken pictures all over the country; but one thing was evident – my pictures were typically of people – portraits of friends, and my family. It was 2012 and I decided to study photography academically as I wanted to understand how to develop and print pictures. At that time, I really wanted to learn more about my voice as an artist, general photographic history, composition, the art-form, and the technical elements that go into it all.

By the end of 2016, I was seasoned in printmaking, and processing film, had built a darkroom in my home, and began my work as a professional photographer.

As an artist that offers a service, I would say that I have a wonderful foundation to base my ability off of, but I am still learning, surely. There is so much to explore in the photographic world, from technical elements with lighting and motion, and the way to connect with people to create sincere portraits, to presenting my work online and finally reaching larger audiences.

Knowing what I know now, I think I could have sped up my learning process by identifying and showcasing my artistic contribution to the industry earlier and by taking advantage of the tools provided by social media.

At this point in modern society, many people carry a camera in there pocket, and I am sure that everyone is capable of taking breath-taking images. I have never been one to judge how an image was made, or where it came from. The process in which is almost irrelevant to me and not worth touting. I think the work should speak for itself, always. I think the most essential skills for someone in my line of work is mixed between connection, confidence, and voice. You must be able to connect enough with an audience, or a person, and confident enough to believe that you have something to offer them that is uniquely your vision.

I would say that the biggest obstacles that stood in the way of learning more about the craft come in a variety of forms; some inward and some outward. From one side, I think it’s critical to stay inspired, you must also learn to mitigate self-doubt and maintain a wider view of purpose, and from the other side, you must learn where, when, and how to find opportunities to grow and evolve, and to work.

George Thomas, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a photographer who specializes in weddings, elopements, portraits, and documentaries. I am classically trained in film and digital photography and I have a deep insight into both the aesthetic and service elements needed to be a good photographer. I believe that I stand out from others in the industry because of my knowledge, my vision, technical competence, years of experience, and overall philosophy.

I am most proud of myself for staying motivated to pursue this type of work. It provides me with an avenue to create the life that I want, as a husband and as a father; one that has no bounds.

I have a graduate degree in Physics, but I cannot shake the idea that this is what I was meant to do… that because this is the career path I am choosing then there must be a reason for it. I am grateful for everyday that I get to meet and work with amazing people and alongside other artists, and I am thankful for this life.

I think my work speaks to people who are interested in capturing memories of their lives in an artistic and genuine way. It is for people who value portraiture, composition, timelessness, and who care to work with someone that values their contribution to this world. I find beauty in relationships and admire how humbling and special it is to fall, and be, in love.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A friend of mine shared with me the book by Eugene Herrigel called Zen in the Art of Archery and I found that it had a profound application to so many things in life. I think there was an underlying principle in the author’s philosophy that I was able to glean from the book. It certainly applies to my view of photography.

Someone with my background has spent years understanding what a photograph is. From the physical makeup of the film and digitization for viewing, to the feeling a good photograph can evoke, a photograph is an artifact that is capable of eliciting some our sincerest emotions and memories. I have often felt tuned-in, or in some state of harmony, when I am working as a photographer, as if the time I spend with my clients is kismet. Yet, beyond the feeling I have when I am working, knowing too much about cameras and/or the art-form can also become stifling without proper foresight. It can make someone work so critically, that they may forget the simplicity and effortlessness in taking a picture (or as they say in the book, “loosing the [arrow] shot”. Elegance and emotion can be accurately portrayed without complication. In the same way we can appreciate the simple beauty of a flower, or of a spring bloom. I have had to learn how to apply my skillset while remaining loose and not overcomplicating things. I believe that the photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson, describes something similar in his own wonderful way as “The Decisive Moment.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think the particular goal or mission driving my creative journey is to offer my images and services to a larger audience. I would love to continue to develop into a world-class photographer and continue to create art for people around the world. I have hopes that doing so will allow me to maintain a sustainable life for my family for many years to come. I am driven to continue working with people and brands and I strive to help them obtain images that embody their spirit and ingenuity in a meaningful way. In time, I would like to continue to share and refine my philosophy and creative skillset in a way that creates legacy for clients that are looking for a photographer with a strong voice and character in their work. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to share my work and life with others; I hope to always stay inspired in life and look for the beauty in our world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.georgethomaspictures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgethomas.pictures/

Image Credits

Picture of me: Andi Artigue