Young photographer Antonis Hadjigeorgiou is carving out a niche for himself in the evocative streets of old Nicosia. At just 27, he faces the unique challenge of capturing street life in an era where everyone seems to wield a camera phone. This saturation of imagery makes his work stand out even more, as he seeks to reveal the stories hidden in the layers of history within his city.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- With every click of the shutter, Antonis Hadjigeorgiou is not just documenting a city; he is capturing the essence of humanity within its streets, inviting viewers to see the world through his lens.
Young photographer: A Passion for Street Photography
Antonis didn’t always know photography was his calling. It was only in recent months that he realised his passion could blossom into something more substantial. With over 2,000 followers on Instagram (@tony_hadj), he is gradually building an identity as the go-to young photographer for old Nicosia. Unlike many of his peers, he spent his formative years in the walled city, providing him with a unique perspective and a wealth of material to photograph.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Finding Beauty in the Old Town
For Antonis, the allure of old Nicosia is undeniable. He often ventures out to shoot four or five times a week, predominantly in the areas south of the Green Line. “The rest of Nicosia feels modern and white,” he notes, “there’s nothing interesting to capture.” His affinity for the old town is evident in his compositions, which often feature a blend of historical architecture and everyday life.
Capturing Fleeting Moments
One striking example of his work is a black-and-white photograph that captures an old man walking with a cane, set against a backdrop of old houses and a towering skyscraper. This image encapsulates the essence of Nicosia—a city rich in history yet continually evolving. Antonis has a knack for incorporating people into his shots, often waiting patiently for the right moment rather than staging his scenes. “I set my framing, then wait for someone to fill the frame,” he explains.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Another recent photograph, taken late at night, features a silhouetted man mopping an alley, illuminated by the red glow of street lamps. Captured spontaneously while he was returning home from work, this image exemplifies how Antonis often stumbles upon compelling scenes. “I wasn’t planning on shooting anything, but then I just turned around and saw him,” he recalls.
The Dance of Street Photography
Street photography thrives on the element of surprise. For Antonis, it’s about being in the right place at the right time. He recalls a time when he would take hundreds of shots in a single outing. Now, he prefers to take a more measured approach, capturing just a few images before moving on. “I want to keep walking,” he states, reflecting on the thrill of discovery that comes with each outing.
Struggles and Creative Blocks
Despite the excitement of street photography, Antonis often finds himself battling exhaustion and creative blocks. Balancing a demanding 60-hour work week at Bottega Amaro—a trendy restaurant where he also works behind the bar—can strain his artistic pursuits. He describes the experience of juggling tables as akin to a dance, filled with adrenaline, but admits that after long shifts, picking up his camera can feel daunting.
For a period in 2023, he felt creatively stifled, unable to pick up his camera for nearly a year. “It felt like a brick,” he confesses, acknowledging the weight of expectations and the pressure to create. This struggle contrasts sharply with the romantic notion of a carefree youth, as Antonis navigated confusion about his identity and aspirations.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Before embracing photography, Antonis studied Biology at Swansea University for four years. His interests also extend to the hospitality industry, where he has developed a passion for wine. His journey has not been without its challenges, as he found himself caught up in the wrong crowd during his younger years, leading to moments of uncertainty about his future.
Rediscovering His Passion
Earlier this year, Antonis decided to reconnect with his photography. After a long day at work, he spontaneously picked up his camera for the first time in months. What was meant to be a quick 15-minute outing turned into a three-hour exploration of the city. “I felt amazing afterwards—something that had been missing from my life,” he reflects. This moment marked the beginning of a productive new chapter for him.
His Instagram feed now features a captivating array of photographs, from a boy watching pigeons to silhouettes against the beach, showcasing his evolving style. One post encapsulates his current mindset perfectly: “I’ve been circling this for years. The streets, the light, the people, the pull. Now I’m in it. Fully. This is mine. I see it, I frame it, I share it.”
A Future in Photography
As Antonis prepares to move to Athens for a wine course next April, he looks forward to the new photographic opportunities that await him. His goal is to become a professional photographer, finally embracing the path he has long been destined for. For now, old Nicosia remains his muse, a rich tapestry of life that continues to inspire and challenge him.
With every click of the shutter, Antonis Hadjigeorgiou is not just documenting a city; he is capturing the essence of humanity within its streets, inviting viewers to see the world through his lens.
