My Passion
I was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1959, where I attended Emmanuel, an Armenian Evangelical school until Grade 3. Then my family moved to Beirut, Lebanon and I continued my education, where I eventually graduated from the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. I then became a youth pastor in Lebanon, before leaving for Greece in 1994 at the invitation of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Greece. This is where I have been ever since and continue living with my children Narineh & Norayr.
From childhood I was exposed to photography and cameras. My uncle and great uncle were both photographers, and my father worked at his uncle's shop and took up photography as a hobby. Having more than one camera at home I started taking photos at age 11 with my father's Russian camera, Kiev. Seeing me carrying a camera bag and developing black-and-white films at home my father got excited about some of my photos and encouraged me to pursue my passion. Others who have encouraged me have been my cousin Vahe Darakjian; and the late Harry Koundakjian, photojournalist at the Associated Press, NY; and last but not least my late wife Salpi, whose absence also continues to inspire me to revive my hobby.
Realizing that photography is one of my passions and a gift of God, I would like to express my gratitude to Him.
The works of Yousef Karsh, Ansel Adams, Henry Cartier Bresson, and others, have inspired me and constitute a basis for my knowledge of, and work in, this fine art.
The world fascinates me with its beauty and surprises. I love people, their expressions, especially their unexpressed feelings expressed in their poses. Enjoying the beauty of nature, I am inspired to record it.
Welcome to my first website, this is the result of the encouragement of two friends; Chris Orwig and Hovel Shnorhokian.
If you wish to make a donation towards my site and work, click the Donate button below. Thank you.