Behind the Portrait: Marilena Vlachopoulou
Next up in our Behind the Portrait, where we profile people snapped by Simon Murphy, we speak to an ex-student of his, Marilena Vlachopoulou, who shares her passion for photography and music.
Interview by Rhiannon J Davies
Portrait by Simon Murphy
Marilena Vlachopoulou grew up in Athens but moved to Scotland in 2012 to work a hospitality job in the Highlands. With a keen interest in the music scene, she eventually found her way to Glasgow where she took some evening courses in photography, before finally deciding to pursue her dream. She studied at Kelvin College, taught by Simon Murphy, someone she regards as an inspiration and a mentor. After graduating in 2018, she has become known for her music photography, carving out a distinctive style and niche. She juggles photography gigs with working at Gulabi, an independent film processing lab based just off Victoria Road.
I always had an interest in photography, but I went for a more realistic route. As a teen, I was advised to pursue something that would offer a more secure future. I was very conflicted.
I used to joke that I moved to Govanhill so I could qualify for Simon’s project. I also wanted to work at Gulabi. It sounds cheesy to say it but I like to think that I manifested for these things to happen.
I enjoy the anonymity of living in a bigger place. That isn't always the case here in Govanhill. I love the social aspect of it but there can also be times where you just want to pop to the shop and buy pads without talking to anyone.
I’m usually quite cheeky and not afraid to ask for what I want. I know not all photographers like being photographed, but I enjoy being on both sides of the lens. I knew Simon would make me look good and I really wanted to be part of the legacy of that project.
My own work is influenced by Anton Corbijn. He’s done all these amazing black and white portraits from back in the day of all the bands that I love. He also has this signature grittiness and contrast to his style that is rather distinctive.
My style is raw, honest, powerful and at the same time, a bit fragile. It can also be dreamy. I do a lot of double exposures, especially at gigs.
Someone once said that the music translates to my images, or vice versa. I thought that was such a beautiful way to put it.
I've always been a goth at heart. I enjoy louder gigs. I love it when the crowd goes wild. It's fun to get action shots. Especially when the fans have super cool outfits and freaky make-up.
Shooting film is not as forgiving as digital. The downfall with the darker and moodier music I like is that it’s trickier to document in the light conditions that I would want.
I don't really shoot digital – it doesn't excite me as much. I think you get quite spoiled with shooting tons of images in digital. Whereas with film, you have to be more selective and more careful.
Last year I shot about 100 gigs. I really wanted to challenge myself and also catch up with everything that I missed out on during lockdown.
One of my favourite images I shot is a double exposure of The Cure. It’s black and white with the faces of the singer and keyboard player overlapping. It’s another band that I hold very dear to my heart.
It's kind of a slow burn at times. If you want to achieve something, you just have to keep going at it and be ready for the fact that not everyone will like your work. Don't let it get you down. Just show up and keep shooting.
My advice is ‘Shy bairns get nothing’. Don't be afraid to ask for stuff.