Please introduce yourself
My name is Marios Kotsonis and I’m 31 years old. I was born in Cyprus but have been living in the Netherlands for the past 10 years. I’m an autodidact fine-art photographer. I use analog and digital images to describe the connection of man-made objects with moving media such as water and air. I like long exposure techniques through which time enters the image and becomes the fourth dimension.

How did you get interested in photography?
It seems to have always been part of my life. When I was 12 I got my first camera and ever since I have been taking pictures. It was a simple compact film camera but was enough to get hooked. I like the creative process of capturing a moment.

Do you have an artistic/photographic background?
No, I’m self-taught.
Which artist/photographer inspired your art?
I find inspiration in many artists not necessarily related to one particular style. For long exposure photography I like the work of Josef Hoflehner, Michael Kenna, David Burdeny and Michael Levin. I admire the calmness of the photographs of Sam Abel, the intensity of the work of Eric Meola and the drama of the nudes of Andreas Bitesnich. I also find the seascapes of the great impressionists like Monet a great source of inspiration.

How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph?
Quite a lot. I usually drive with my motorbike to locations that catch my eye and do a lot of preliminary shots. I then monitor the weather, the tides and the light of the day until the right moment comes. I usually go to a specific location three to four times before I take the photo that I’m happy with.

Which places have been your favourite shooting sites so far and why?
The Netherlands and Japan. The Netherlands because it has such an amazing connection with water. It is a country that loves and hates water, is surrounded by it and conquers it. Also, I find that the famous “Dutch light” is not a myth. I cannot explain it but the softness and diffusion of light here is really special. As for Japan I generally love it as a country. Still, for the style of photography I like it is perfect, since the Japanese put structures and objects in the water which are odd and natural at the same time. I find that very interesting.

What do you do in your life besides photography?
My greatest passion (photography comes almost as close) is my work. I’m a scientist in a university specialising in aerodynamics. Funny enough, I perform a sort of photographic technique also in experiments in the windtunnel, which makes it even nicer. Other hobbies of mine are motorbikes and travelling, which are often combined with photography. Last but not least I enjoy spending every minute with my wonderful partner in life.

What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
I have been fascinated with long exposure photography of water and seascapes. I am working on expanding the concept by combining long exposures with another theme I love, which is nude photography. Of course the practical and technical difficulties are considerable but I’m excited by the challenge. You can see a sample of this new work in the photo “nude 1”.
Website: marioskotsonis.com