A Conversation with Anastasia Fasnakis ~ Travel, Culture, and the Analog Process
Interview written by Eric Smith (@erocksmith)
Thank you for agreeing to chat with us about your life, travel and film photography. Why don’t you introduce yourself, tell us where you’re from and where you currently reside?
Thank you so much for having me! My name is Anastasia Fasnakis and if my name doesn’t already give it away - I am Greek! I am 29 years old and I have a BFA in Photography. I was born in New York, but spent most of my youth growing up in Connecticut. Both of my parents were born in Greece, and so I still have some relatives living on the island of Chios, where I do my best to visit as often as possible! I’m currently living in Connecticut.
How did you first become interested in travel photography and film?
It may sound a little crazy, but I was only 12 years old when I realized how much I wanted to see the world. Simultaneously, by this point I had already loved photography. I believe that having had the privilege to travel to Greece at a young age opened up my eyes to the reality that there was so much more to see. I felt it then and I still feel it now, I just want to experience as many places as possible. On the contrary, I didn’t frequent Greece as much as I wanted to when growing up. I was 14 years old when I visited for the first time with a camera - and created my very first portfolio of images from Greece. Each year I longed to return, but economically it wasn’t in the cards. It wouldn’t be until I graduated college in 2016 that I would return back to my country after not having visited for 7 years. In 2017 I made the move to Chios, Greece and stayed for two years. I think this shaped a major part of who I am as a person, but also as a photographer. I would say I’ve really only been pursuing travel photography seriously for the last 3 years.
As far as film goes, I didn’t shoot my first roll of it until I started college in 2012. I needed to do darkroom classes as a freshman, and I was given a Canon F1-N… and now a decade later, it is my most used camera! I fell in love with the analog process fairly quickly and had a lot of positive encouragement from my professors. I ruined a lot of clothes that year, and pretty much always smelled like fixer - but the process truly made me fall more in love with my craft. I continued to prefer analog over digital for most of my degree, and primarily focused on black & white. I didn’t really start shooting color film as much until 2019 when I had finally bought myself a scanner. I still shoot & develop my own B&W, but share that work on another account.
**Editor’s Note: Anastasia’s Black and White Account on Instagram is @TheBWLady
Something I struggle with is knowing when to shoot black and white vs. color when I’m shooting a landscape or particular setting. How do you make the distinction between shooting something in color vs. black and white?
It’s almost intuitive for me, but I admit my B&W work is much more intentional. I usually have a concept in mind when I am shooting B&W. On the contrary, when I am just out & about, traveling, or exploring new places I primarily work in color. I almost always have a roll of both in my bag; Part of the reason I love having only 10 frames per 120 roll is how quick & easy it is to finish up & switch should I feel the need to!
Do you find travel photography came naturally given your time in the States and your background in Europe, a place that is dense with rich architecture, history and many different cultures?
Absolutely. I don’t talk about it much because I don’t like to sound ungrateful - but I would feel dishonest if I neglected to mention the lack of inspiration I feel in regards to photography here in Connecticut. I have always felt extremely challenged as a landscape lover to create beautiful or impactful images here. Though there are few CT photos in my portfolio, I do believe that those creative challenges better trained my “eye”, and ultimately helped me to be more mindful with my work during my travels.
Your art seems to blend seamlessly the different States you’ve visited with destinations like Italy and Greece. Can you tell us a little about your process and style and how that informs your photo work?
Thank you! I can’t speak for every artist, but I tend to believe that photographs can tell a lot about the photographer. My passions are heavily intertwined and though unintentionally, they seem to come together within my portfolios. Having grown up deeply involved with my own roots, I always find myself eager to explore and learn about other cultures and ways of being. When I’m traveling to another country or even another state here in the US, I am consciously seeking to capture and preserve the personality of it. I am interested in the land, in the people, in the language, in the food, in the history and so I am seeking out images that speak to the uniqueness of that place.
Are there any particular countries or cities that inspire you to shoot more than others? If so, what is it about these locations that draw you in?
Is it too cliche to say I was born to be a traveler? I want to be somewhere new all the time! The idea of a new destination in it of itself is enough to draw me in - hehe. I am definitely a nature lover, and so locations that offer wild landscapes but also rich history are truly where I’m drawn - which is why I think I gravitated toward Italy, and exploring more of Greece.
Not cliche at all. I think for some people the desire to travel is strong, like an invisible force pulling you towards the next destination. How do you contend with your own personal feeling of wanderlust in between trips?
To be honest, the time in between trips is always longer and harder than I would like it to be. Sometimes I find myself frustrated that I can’t travel more. I work a regular job, 9-5 during that down time and it kind of eats at me sometimes - the idea that I have to work “X” amount to travel for “X” amount.. I try to remind myself to be grateful for the places I have been, and remain patient in the journey towards those I have yet to go.
In your opinion, what role does post-processing play in travel photography? How do you approach developing, scanning and editing your images?
My approach is slow and meticulous, and it plays a major role in the quality control of my work. I want to use my recent trip as an example: I spent 2 months abroad in Greece and Italy. Within those 2 months, I exposed 44 rolls of film. There was no part of me that was willing to develop my film at any random lab abroad - so I did not process a single roll until I came home. It is important to me that each roll gets my full love and attention, so I take my sweet time! I am fortunate to work at the best lab in CT (s/o Milford Photo!!) where I brought in 5-10 rolls each week over the course of 6 weeks to develop. I love to have as much control in my process as possible, so I self scan my negatives using a Sony A7R ii + a Sony 90mm macro. Scanning my images myself allows for me to do less in Lightroom, but I almost always add some warmth to my images in post.
What advice would you give to aspiring travel photographers who are just starting out?
Have the courage! Going to new places is scary - but the reward is grand. Do your research, and start small; If you aren’t ready for a new country just yet, check out a new place within your country! Travel blogs are your best friend! Watch Youtube, and even search location tags on social media to help you find more detailed information & unique destinations.
Do you have any favorite photographers or artists whose work you follow or admire in the photography community?
I don’t wish to list any names, but I do admire a lot of the analog photographers I currently follow on social media. The level of support and genuine love for the craft within the analog community is absolutely unmatched! I have been pursuing photography for over a decade, and never have I had this much of a community or endless hub for inspiration.
Any inspirations outside of the community?
I would like to mention one of my greatest mentors and best friends, Marie Curtis. I was 18 years old when she and her husband, Glen (who was also my college professor!) hired me to work at their portrait studio. Marie and I worked together for 6 years both professionally and creatively. Marie is 78 years young now, and is still one of the greatest B&W shooters I know. Her original silver gelatin and platinum palladium prints are permanent pieces on my walls. She has always inspired me to stick to my guns, and to my HP5.
Can you give any insight into your upcoming travel plans? Where is Anastasia headed to next? Any bucket list destinations you are dreaming about?
You’ll hear it first! I am so excited to be checking another country off my list this Spring by visiting the island of Madeira in Portugal! Super thankful to our community evangelist Tim Ryugo for helping me prepare for this upcoming trip with my favorite Kodak films! It seems I’m constantly in dream mode, but I’m hoping to explore a bit more of Western USA within the next year, and am extremely eager to visit more of our National Parks.
