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 - 2019.11
Art of Photography -
Ι.Ε.Κ. ΑΚΜI
Heraklion, Greece 10.2016 - 2018.07
Photographic Seminar Certificate -
Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete
Heraklion, Greece 12.2014 - 2015.01
Graduate from the Infantry Reserved Officers School -
Reserved Infrantry Officers School
Heraklion, Greece 03.2004 - 2004.07
Skills
Experience in mountaineering, rock-climbing, cavingundefined
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 - 2019.11
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 - 2018.07
Photographic Seminar Certificate -
Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete
12.2014 - 2015.01
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 - 2004.07
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