Varaklas Michael
Photojournalist
Athens
Summary
Photojournalist with a portfolio of eye-catching stories evoking emotion through finely crafted composition. Deadline-driven, adept at quickly turning around long-form features easily adapted for short-form content. In search of freelance assignments for daily newspapers, weekly newsmagazines, and online outlets.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Photojournalist/Videographer (Stringer)
The Associated Press
Athens
08.2019 - Current
- Breaking news -Natural disasters -Migration crisis -Feature stories -Sports -Editing
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
- Collaborated with other journalists and departments to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage.
- Responded quickly to emergencies and other breaking news stories.
- Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.
- Captured stunning images for variety of projects.
- Collaborated with other photographers and videographers to capture special events.
- Covered special events and breaking news with eye for detail and tenacious pursuit of important information.
- Pitched stories to editorial staff in content areas of news, sports and entertainment.
Photojournalist (Staffer)
Intime News/Sports Agency
Athens
01.2018 - 08.2019
- News coverage -Feature stories -Sports -Editing
- Conducted research on subjects before photo shoots and planned dynamic and unique photo sessions.
- Pitched photo stories to reporters and editors.
- Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.
Quality Control System Manager
Model Beekeeping Company of Crete C.C
Iraklion
01.2008 - 09.2018
- Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Tracked quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
- Determined quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
- Specified quality requirements of raw materials with suppliers.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
- Reported production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
- Inspected products and worker progress throughout production.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Platoon Commander
Hellenic Army
Nicosia
06.2004 - 08.2005
- Enforced technical and tactical training standards to accomplish unit mission objectives.
- Trained, supervised and organized soldiers and personnel.
- Conducted personal and professional counseling, routine inspections and physical fitness tests.
- Maintained health, welfare and combat readiness of personnel within platoon.
- Supervised firing platoon, maintained firing capability and organized platoon defense.
- Implemented necessary safety practices, proper firing commands and proper ammunition handling.
- Communicated with command centers to develop and execute tactical plans.
- Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
- Trained and mentored personnel in combat operations and tactics.
- Advised Maintenance Control Officer regarding needed repairs and material readiness.
Education
Journalist Field Safety Training School -
Hellenic National Defense General Staff / Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre
Kilkis, Greece 11.2019 - 11.2019
Art of Photography -
Ι.Ε.Κ. ΑΚΜI
Heraklion, Greece 10.2016 - 07.2018
Photographic Seminar Certificate -
Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete
Heraklion, Greece 12.2014 - 01.2015
Graduate from the Infantry Reserved Officers School -
Reserved Infrantry Officers School
Heraklion, Greece 03.2004 - 07.2004
Skills
Experience in mountaineering, rock-climbing, cavingOutdoor survival skillsKrav Maga Practitioner Lv 4Amateur Tennis player
Strong compositional skills
Video Editing
Digital Photography
News photography
Photojournalism
Adobe Creative Suite
Websites
Personal Skills
Greek, English, Organizational skills gained as a Quality Control System Manager at the Model Beekeeping Company of Crete, Leadership skills acquired as head of infantry platoon as a reserved Second Lieutenant.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/15/1984
- Nationality: Greek
Timeline
Journalist Field Safety Training School -
Hellenic National Defense General Staff / Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre
11.2019 - 11.2019
Freelance Photojournalist/Videographer (Stringer)
The Associated Press
08.2019 - Current
Photojournalist (Staffer)
Intime News/Sports Agency
01.2018 - 08.2019
Art of Photography -
Ι.Ε.Κ. ΑΚΜI
10.2016 - 07.2018
Photographic Seminar Certificate -
Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete
12.2014 - 01.2015
Quality Control System Manager
Model Beekeeping Company of Crete C.C
01.2008 - 09.2018
Platoon Commander
Hellenic Army
06.2004 - 08.2005
Graduate from the Infantry Reserved Officers School -
Reserved Infrantry Officers School
03.2004 - 07.2004