The City That Never Sleeps in Athens
We love how Irini Giotopoulou applies her architect’s eye to photography. Her portraits of the buildings of Athens are sharp and symmetrical, yet they still exude a beautiful warmth and accessibility. Check her out at @irini_ioto.
Place you live: Athens, Greece
Place your Instagrams were taken? Athens
Can you sum up Athens? Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city with great history. It’s known as the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. It is situated in the Attica region and is surrounded by the Ymmitos, Pendeli and Parnitha mountains, as well as the Saronic gulf in the south. It is a city full of energy all day long.
What is a perfect day in Athens? Head downtown and walk around historical parts of the city including sites such as Dionysiou Areopagitou, Philopappou Hill, and the Acropolis. Have coffee at the museum and then head off for souvlaki at Agias Eirinis square. Go shopping at small shops in Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square and have lunch at Dexameni in Kolonaki Square. Athens never sleeps so if you feel like going out for a drink or dancing, Kolonaki, Gazi and Psyrri are perfect areas for all sorts of entertainment.
How long have you been using Instagram? Since 2011.
Do you shoot with your phone or other cameras or both? Mostly with my iPhone but I also use my Canon EOS 600D sometimes.
What is your editing process? Lately I’ve been trying Afterlight, Snapseed, and VSCO.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? Yes, I focus on architecture and interiors mostly. I also love minimal landscapes.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? Sure. As an architect I always enjoy creating compositions for photographs. When I started using Instagram I found out I could learn so much because Instagram gives you the opportunity to interact with other users. It’s really a great community where you can find loads of inspiration.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? Keep it simple. Keep your lines as straight as possible.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers? @Cimek, @Ledart, and @Raphaelliais
Want more Instagram tips and inspiration? Check out all of our Best of Instagram features here and learn from the masters.
Name:Irini Giotopoulou
City:Athens
Best place to eat:
Ratka in Kolonaki Square.
Best place to drink:
Best outdoor activity:
Hike Mount Parnitha and visit Tatoi Palace.
Must do:
Find the tiny scenic Anafiotika neighborhood under the Acropolis. Take a Flying Dolphin boat from Pierus port to visit the Saronic Islands.
Local tip:
Visit Taf Bar, a hidden yard with art exhibitions in an unexpected alley.