CAPTURING THE ETERNAL BLUE: MARINA VERNICOS
Photographer Marina Vernicos distills the
Greek seascape into a refined aesthetic shaped
by the Aegean’s clarity and light, drawing on
a lifelong connection to the water to frame its
shifting surfaces with striking simplicity.
PORTES EDITOR:
You grew up surrounded by the sea and worked in your family’s yachting business. How did those early experiences shape the way you see and photograph the Greek waters today?
MARINA VERNICOS:
The sea has always been part of my life. Growing up in a family connected to yachting, I developed a very natural relationship with it from an early age. It shaped the way I see light, movement, and space. When I photograph the sea today, I’m not approaching it as something external, but as something deeply familiar.
Do you remember when you first fell in love with photography and the Greek waters?
I was nine years old when my father gave me my first camera. I remember that moment very vividly. It felt like a new world had opened for me. From then on, photography became my way of expressing myself. Being constantly close to the sea, especially during summers on the Greek islands, it naturally became one of my main sources of inspiration.
When you photograph the sea, do you aim to capture a landscape, a culture, or something more timeless?
I’m interested in capturing a feeling more than an image. The sea carries a sense of calm, simplicity, and timelessness. What I try to translate through my work is that emotional quality.
What do you enjoy the most about photography, and what would you say is your greatest challenge as a creative individual?
What I value most is the ability to express something that cannot easily be put into words. The challenge is to stay true to that vision and continue to see things with the same clarity and sensitivity over time.
The Greek sea has a unique clarity and depth of color, but what truly sets it apart is the light. The combination of light, landscape, and simplicity creates something very distinctive. The more I travel, the more I appreciate how rare that is.
You have traveled to more than a hundred countries and photographed landscapes around the world. What makes the Greek sea visually or emotionally different from other seas you’ve encountered?
The Greek sea has a unique clarity and depth of color, but what truly sets it apart is the light. The combination of light, landscape, and simplicity creates something very distinctive. The more I travel, the more I appreciate how rare that is.
The sea is in constant motion. What is your approach to capturing something so ever changing?
It requires patience. I focus on the moment when everything feels balanced. Even within movement, there is always a sense of stillness that can be captured.
In three words, describe your art.
Light. Simplicity. Emotion.
Only 200 limited edition, hand-numbered prints featuring the work of Marina Vernicos available for collection. Portes No. 12 Greeks & the Seas is distributed as a gift to patrons of the Ariston Foundation for Hellenic Culture & Art. Join us!
What was your inspiration to launch CREAID, and what about this endeavor brings you the most joy?
CREAID was born from a deep need to give back. I was raised in a family where generosity and social responsibility were part of everyday life, with both of my grandmothers being actively involved in charitable work and shaping that mindset from an early age.
For me, there is no greater fulfillment than supporting children in need, especially those facing serious health challenges. CREAID allows me to bring together creativity and contribution in a meaningful way.
The 8th edition of CREAID, “EROS,” held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, celebrates love as a universal concept. The exhibition features more than 110 unique works of art and collectible jewelry by artists and designers from Greece and abroad.
As always, our goal is to support the Athens Children’s Hospital “Panagioti & Aglaias Kyriakou” through the acquisition of essential medical equipment, contributing to the care of children affected by serious illnesses.
Your images often capture the serenity and light of the Aegean. What is it about Greek light on water that makes it so distinctive through the camera lens?
Greek light has a clarity and intensity that defines the entire landscape. The contrast between the sea, the sky, and the architecture creates a very distinctive visual identity.
What do you hope viewers feel about Greece and the country’s timeless bond with the sea when they experience your photographs?
I hope they feel a sense of calm and connection. If they can experience even a small part of what Greece represents, then the image has fulfilled its purpose.
Is there a place in Greece that is most cherished, and what makes it so special?
Sifnos holds a very special place for me. It is deeply connected to my family, my memories, and evokes a sense of emotional grounding.
Tell us about your new luxury boutique in Kolonaki and how your passion for photography, design, and travel is shared with others.
The boutique is a natural extension of my work and a transition from the digital space into a physical environment. After years of building my presence online, I wanted to create a space where people can experience my aesthetic in a more direct and immersive way.
Located in the heart of Athens, the store brings together photography, fashion, jewellery, and selected design objects, all rooted in my inspiration from the Greek landscape, especially the light and the sea. The space follows a minimal and refined approach, allowing the work to stand out while creating a sense of calm and cohesion.
It’s not just about presenting products, but about sharing a complete visual and lifestyle experience. Alongside my own collections, the space also hosts curated brands and creative collaborations, while the adjacent MV Gallery functions as a platform for pop-up presentations and new creative dialogues.
