Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andreas Sellindis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Andreas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
It all started in the summer of 2004 in Greece on a crisp sunny day when my older sister told me that she would be getting married and she needed a photographer. The air was filled with happy images, laughter echoed around me, and the vivid colors of paintings and sculptures captivated the crowd. It was the first opportunity to showcase my work.
I found a photographer who was displaying a collection of breathtaking wedding images. Each photograph told a unique story, capturing moments that seemed to freeze time itself. That inspiration struck me – the idea of a creative wedding photography services business that went beyond traditional portraiture.
I envisioned a service that would provide clients with not just photographs, but visual narratives that spoke to the essence of their lives and experiences. The goal was to blend artistic flair with technical expertise from fashion photography, which I had studied for almost 7 years, creating images that could be cherished as timeless pieces of art. The concept was to offer personalized and thematic photoshoots, incorporating elements of storytelling, emotion, and creativity.
As I delved deeper into the world of photography, I realized the potential for such a venture. The bridal outfits inspired me and they yearned for images that resonated with their personalities, passions, and life stories.
This realization fueled my belief that there was a market for a wedding photography service that could deliver a unique and tailored experience. In 2006, I created “Andreas Sellinidis Photography.”
The logical foundation of the business was built on thorough market research, identifying the evolving trends in photography, and understanding the demands of the target audience.
With the rise of social media as a new phenomenon back then, and the desire for authentic, visually appealing content, I saw an opportunity to position the business as a provider of not just photographs but compelling visual stories. Armed with this insight, I meticulously crafted a business plan that outlined the niche, target demographic, marketing strategies, and a roadmap for sustainable growth.
I invested in high-quality equipment, collaborated with skilled photographers who shared the vision, and developed a portfolio that showcased the storytelling prowess of our services.
After 8 successful years in business in Athens, Greece, I decided to try a different market – New York. As the new business took place and shape, I knew success was not guaranteed. The portfolio was very different from the New York market, so it was like starting the business from scratch.
The passion and conviction in the idea fueled my determination. The difficulty made me confident that this new adventure could fill a unique space in the photography industry. I said to myself, “This city needs something new and fresh.”
Over time, the business gained traction, word-of-mouth spread, and clients began to appreciate the distinctiveness of our approach. The success of the creative photography services business became a testament to the power of blending logic, passion, and a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences. Now, after 8 years in New York, I have worked with all the major wedding planners and always strive to offer something unique and new.
Andreas, 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’m Andreas Sellinidis, the founder and creative force behind Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film, a photography services business that is driven by a passion for storytelling through visuals. I embarked on this creative journey with the vision of offering clients more than just photographs – an immersive experience that captures the essence of their lives.
My love for photography started when I was 16 years old in my jewelry design class. It was sparked when a classmate brought a manual camera. I asked her to let me try it, and then my whole world changed. This passion led me to delve into the world of photography, honing my skills in both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Even after 25 years of photography experience, I am still studying everything about photography.
At “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film,” we specialize in providing personalized and timeless wedding images. Our services go beyond traditional portraiture, aiming to create visual narratives that resonate with the unique stories and personalities of our clients. Whether it’s a family portrait, a couple’s engagement session, or an individual showcasing their passion, we tailor each photoshoot to capture the authenticity and emotion of the moment.
Our portfolio includes a diverse range of photography styles, from candid and documentary-style shots to stylized and conceptual imagery. We also offer post-production services to ensure that the final product aligns perfectly with the envisioned narrative.
What sets “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film” apart is our commitment to blending artistic and fashion flair with technical expertise from documentary photography. We pride ourselves on creating images that transcend the ordinary, embracing the nuances of storytelling through composition, lighting, and emotion. Our approach is collaborative – we work closely with clients to understand their vision, weaving it into the fabric of each photograph. Moreover, we stay attuned to the latest trends in photography and storytelling, ensuring that our clients receive innovative and contemporary visuals. Our ability to seamlessly integrate storytelling into our photography distinguishes us from others in the industry.
At “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film,” we solve the problem of generic, uninspiring photographs by offering a bespoke experience that captures the essence of each client’s story. We understand that every individual, family, or event has its own narrative, and our goal is to translate that into visually compelling images. By doing so, we provide clients with not just photographs but cherished memories and pieces of art that stand the test of time.
I take immense pride in the positive feedback and testimonials from clients who have experienced the magic of “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film.” Knowing that our work has made a meaningful impact on people’s lives and has become a source of joy and nostalgia is incredibly fulfilling.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film” is not just a photography service; it’s a journey of storytelling, emotion, and creativity. Our dedication to personalized experiences, attention to detail, and the ability to transform moments into art define our brand. We are more than photographers – we are visual storytellers who craft narratives through the lens.
I invite you to explore “Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film” and join us in creating visual stories that go beyond the ordinary, celebrating the uniqueness of each moment and individual.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
For creatives, their work is often an extension of themselves. Each piece is infused with emotions, experiences, and a part of their identity. Understanding the depth of emotional investment in creative work may be challenging. It’s not just a task or a project. It’s a piece of the creator’s soul manifested in their art. The creative process is not always linear. It involves experimentation, iteration, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty. Ideas may evolve and change organically.
Non-creatives might struggle to appreciate the subjective nature of art. It’s not always about universal appeal but about personal expression and interpretation. Non-creatives might find it perplexing that the creative journey doesn’t always follow a clear, predefined path. It’s about exploration, sometimes meandering, to discover what truly resonates.
My best advice is to not judge any creative mind. Just ignore them if you don’t like their art. Maybe you don’t understand it.
Constructive criticism is an integral part of artistic growth. Creatives often learn to separate critique of their work from a personal attack, understanding that feedback is about the art, not the artist.
There are uneducated people in the wedding photography business who choose a photographer based on factors like more followers on Instagram, their friends, or the price. I am not working with those people who don’t read all my work.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
In the early days of Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film, I found myself facing a unique challenge. The market was Dead from creativity and ideas to make the wedding photography more important that was. The idea struck me like a bolt of inspiration – why not offer a truly Fashion Couples photoshoot the day after of the wedding. The Backstory was that I wanted to elevate the experience with me as e wedding photographer and the couple to have magazines worthy images.The challenge lay in convincing clients to embrace a day after the wedding date a concept that was relatively unconventional at the time.
Undeterred, I decided to create a captivating marketing campaign around the concept of Day after Photoshoot. The campaign emphasized the romance, mystery, and uniqueness of a photos in unusual locations for a Bride.
Initial responses were mixed. Some clients were intrigued by the idea, drawn to the allure of a photoshoot that transcended the ordinary. However, others expressed concerns about the practicality and the unconventional nature of the concept. The odds were stacked against me, and the risk was palpable.
I choose a beautiful couple and I offering a free photoshoot. The couple trust me and the photoshoot happened. The authenticity and beauty of the photographs spoke louder than any marketing campaign.
Word spread like wildfire. The risk had paid off. Soon, inquiries flooded in from couples eager to experience their own Day After Photoshoot.. The unconventional idea had not only differentiated Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film from competitors but had also created a new trend in wedding photography.
Looking back, the experience was a rollercoaster of emotions – from the uncertainty of whether the risk would pay off to the sheer joy of seeing a unique concept blossom into a sought-after service. It reinforced the power of creativity in marketing and the importance of taking calculated risks to stand out in a crowded market.
This Day After photoshoot campaign not only became a highlight in Andreas Sellinidis | Photo & Film’s portfolio but also a testament to the idea that sometimes, the boldest risks yield the most magical results.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andreassellinidis.com
- Instagram: @andreassellinidis_photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreassellinidisphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreassellinidis/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASellnidis