Niko J. Kallianiotis discusses his new book and how he got it published

05/24/18 • 58 min

Houses

Most photographers I know have a need to be recognized for their work. And the most frequent question I hear is “how do I publish a book?”

Our guest today is Niko J. Kallianiotis, a native of Greece, who has lived and worked in Scranton, Pennsylvania for many years. This week he will be releasing his first book, a monograph, titled America in a Trance. It chronicles the people and places throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

This subject is near and dear to my heart because I grew up in the hills Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio near the potteries, Coal fields and steel mills. And during my lifetime I witnessed the decline of the steel industry leaving behind empty houses, unemployment and opioid addiction.

But people who remain are still hard-working proud and extremely hospitable whether you share their political beliefs, football passion for skin color.

The mountains and rivers and hiking trails throughout this rugged state are beautiful. But the towns that lie between them can often be viewed as sad and depressing to those passing through. Many of these towns are far from beautiful but they offer the some interesting photographic opportunities to the photographer who is willing to spend the time and get to know the people.

One such Explorer is Niko. Although he has lived in eastern Pennsylvania for many years, as a Greek immigrant, he still feels like an outsider.

When I learned of his new book, I wondered if this “foreigner” would understand and accurately capture the soul of this unusual and unique part of our country. After seeing his photos, I can say he certainly did. And I encourage you to see it for yourself.

A Selection of Photos from America in a Trance

Braddock
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Supply
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Circus
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Niko’s Links

Book: America in a Trance
Niko’s Website
Facebook
Instagram

Houses

Most photographers I know have a need to be recognized for their work. And the most frequent question I hear is “how do I publish a book?”

But people who remain are still hard-working proud and extremely hospitable whether you share their political beliefs, football passion for skin color.

One such Explorer is Niko. Although he has lived in eastern Pennsylvania for many years, as a Greek immigrant, he still feels like an outsider.

A Selection of Photos from America in a Trance

Braddock
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Supply
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Circus
Copyright Niko J. Kallianiotis

Niko’s Links

Book: America in a Trance
Niko’s Website
Facebook
Instagram

Previous Episode

Ayash Basu discusses unique photo experiences through Loculars

Willets Point © Copyright Ayash Basu

The April issue marked the 5th anniversary of Street Photography Magazine. What began as the test of a new publishing technology grew into an amazing community of passionate photographers of all nationalities and skill levels. It has been an amazing journey and I have you to thank for it.

I also have to give a big shout out to our editor Ashley Hunsberger who has done a tremendous job finding new and diverse articles and keeping me on track. We wouldn’t have made it this far without her. Thanks kiddo.

One of the benefits of publishing a magazine is the opportunities it creates to meet some very cool and creative people. Our guest today is Ayash Basu, the founder of Loculars. In short, Loculars is an online marketplace for unique short-form (2-5 hour) photo experiences let by some super talented photographers in several cities around the world. It’s sort of like an Airbnb for photo experiences

I’ve reviewed every experience on their website and was blown away by the depth and breadth of options.

Ayash was nice enough to offer our community a special 10% discount on any of the photo experiences on the website. If you’re interested just enter the code STREETPHOTOGRAPHY10 in the order form. The offer expires on May 31, 2018.

About Ayash Basu

Photography started as a hobby during Ayash’s college days in India as a member of the Himalayan Explorer’s Club. Over the years, his passion for immersive travel has led him to capture those experiences visually.

Prior to starting Loculars, Ayash worked at McKinsey & Company, serving some of the world’s leading brands in the consumer, retail and automotive space on growth strategy and marketing effectiveness topics.

Ayash holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, NY and a B.Arch from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). He is a keen value investor and avid tennis fan. In his spare time, Ayash pursues travel, street, and landscape photography. Some of his work can be seen on his website.

Editor’s Note: Ayash is also a very fine photographer in his own right. Be sure to check out his work in the link above.

Next Episode

Jerome De Perlinghi – Eyes on Main Street Photo Festival

Over the past few decades the downtowns of small-town America, which were once always busy, are all but extinct.

First came the big box stores, then category killers like Best Buy and Toys “R” Us, and now Amazon sweeping them aside. But all these phenomenon resulted in.

But all these phenomenon combined with our need to have lower prices resulted in the demise of small retailers and small downtowns.

I’ve seen it myself in my own home town and I seen it in small towns throughout the country, including Wilson North Carolina.

The storefronts in many of these towns are empty save for a coffee shop, yoga studio or vaer store.

It seems is as if this trend is not going to change, but one man is doing something about it. And he’s doing it with photography.

Our guest today is Jerome De Perlinghi, a native of Belgium and educator now an American citizen, who was made his home in the small town of Wilson, North Carolina.

After moving to Wilson became concerned about the lack of commerce in the downtown area. He took it upon himself to create a photography festival, Eyes on Main Street, which now ending its fourth year. The festival features the work of 100 photographers (50 men and 50 women) from around the world over a period of 100 days. It has built a reputation that is beginning to draw photographers and tourists to the area.

I had an opportunity to visit Wilson last month and was amazed at the quality of the work on display throughout the town and the enthusiasm

it has created among the residents.

A visitor to the festival can see work from well-known photographers like Alex Webb, Martin Parr, and Steve McCurry. But also on display is to work from 100 photographers from around the world who are equally as talented.

As you will hear during our interview Jerome is relentless in creating a venue for emerging and experienced photographers as well as a learning environment for local schoolchildren.

The festival runs through July 29, 2018. And if you find yourself passing through North Carolina, or even are looking for a new adventure in photography, I encourage you to visit this unique festival. You won’t be sorry.