We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Votsis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alexandra, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I couldn’t see myself doing anything else! Of course, there are pros and cons when running your own business. It can take time to build a stable income and work with the kind of clients that you desire. Throughout my career I’ve had very challenging times, and many ups and downs; it’s part of the journey to overcome challenges as you continue to grow as a business owner and entrepreneur.
With that said, having a 9-5 gives stability and there is a great deal of value in that consistency. Even in hard moments, the thought of doing something else hasn’t crossed my mind because I am persistent in my pursuits. What I have done in the past to create stability is take on part time roles that still fulfill me, such as teaching photography at college level and being a studio manager. Overall, I thrive best in having autonomy over my day to day and my career. I like that the sky is the limit and it’s up to me how far I can go and how I structure my business.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a photographer and educator who’s originally from Toronto and now based in Greece. I specialize in fashion and editorial photography with a general love of taking portraits, whether that be for small business owners or couples wanting to have moments captured on their Greek island vacation.
My journey to where I am today began in childhood. Initially aspiring to be a teacher, I soon found a strong attraction to entrepreneurship, captivated by the idea of freedom and being my own boss. The catalyst in shaping my career came in Grade 10, during a project where we were asked to explore our future career aspirations. At that time, my interest was deeply rooted in fashion photography (I loved to look through fashion magazines) so for this project, I chose to focus on the work of the iconic photographer, Mario Testino, instead of being an entrepreneur.
Shortly after my presentation, I saw a billboard showcasing a David Yurman jewelry campaign, captured by the legendary Peter Lindbergh featuring supermodel Daria Werbowy; it was my ‘aha’ moment. I realized then that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion photography.
Just shy of being 15, I started my journey with a camera, mainly focusing on self portraits and, when convinced, my sister or friends. In my first year at OCAD University, an art and design school in downtown Toronto, I started collaborating with agency-signed models. By my third year, I had the privilege of living in Florence, Italy for a year, during which I collaborated not only within the city but also in the renowned fashion captial, Milan. By 2016, I had launched my own business, fully committing to my artistic endeavours. My role as an educator has been equally fulfilling, allowing me to mentor emerging and experienced photographers alike, integrating my early teaching aspirations into my career.
I’ve been published in magazines such as FASHION, Cosmopolitan, and Hello! — and featured in various publications online including Vogue Italia. One of the most memorable moments of my career was photographing the cover for Cosmopolitan Middle East featuring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan of ‘Never Have I Ever.’ It was my first international cover story, and that made it incredibly special. Similarly rewarding is seeing my photography students succeed, knowing I’ve played a part in their journey.
My aim is to bring a timeless yet modern perspective to my work, ensuring that my clients’ visions are not only realized but also enhanced. Additionally, I aim to create a seamless and collaborative experience for my clients. As an educator, I am committed to sharing knowledge gained from my journey, while continuing to grow and learn in my own creative pursuits. My story is one of constant evolution, a blend of creativity, teaching, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Travel is another passion of mine where I share and sell prints of my travel photography, mainly of Europe and, more specifically, Greece. Beyond photography, painting is an avenue through which I express my creative spirit in a way that fulfills my soul and nurtures my inner child.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I get to do what I truly love while making a living, which makes the 15 year old inside of me really happy that I kept going. I also get the opportunity to meet a variety of people, from clients to the incredibly talented individuals I collaborate with, and that is one of my favourite parts of it all.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I believe wholeheartedly in the idea that what we truly enjoy and are passionate about can become not just our profession, but also a source of fulfillment and prosperity in our lives. At the heart of it all, I want to be an example of how following your passion can lead to an abundant career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexandravotsis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandravotsis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopalexandravotsis/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alexandra-votsis-95ab98a2
- Other: Travel Prints: https://alexandravotsis.artfunnels.com/ , Greek Island Intimate Wedding & Couples Photography: https://www.andthatslove.com/
Image Credits
Portrait of Alexandra Votsis by Joanna Wojewoda