{"id":229160,"date":"2026-05-08T19:31:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T19:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/?page_id=229160"},"modified":"2026-06-20T19:14:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:14:23","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"\u03a3\u03c7\u03b5\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ac \u03bc\u03b5 \u03b5\u03bc\u03ac\u03c2"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Home \u00b7 About \u00b7 Our guide<\/span>\n\n

CHRIS VLACHOS\n A passionate birder, as if he had started yesterday.<\/small>\n<\/h1>\n\n
\n Founder \u00b7 Lead guide\n \u0397 Wildlife Explorers<\/b>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A life with binoculars<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

FORTY YEARS IN THE FIELD,
BEGINNING WITH A PAIR OF BINOCULARS IN 1983.<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"He started as a hobbyist birdwatcher in 1983 \u2014 and never quite stopped being one.\"<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n A life in dates<\/span>\n

FROM HOBBY TO PROFESSION<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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1983The first pair<\/small><\/div>\n
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BEGINNINGS<\/h3>\n

Christos began birdwatching as a hobby in 1983 \u2014 a young enthusiast with a modest telephoto lens but big dreams. He first explored the habitats of Greece and their wildlife, at a time when information was scarce and difficult to find. From the very beginning, he was both an observer and a photographer.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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1985The first lens<\/small><\/div>\n
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INTO PHOTOGRAPHY<\/h3>\n

By 1985, his hobby had evolved into wildlife photography \u2014 especially bird photography throughout Greece and beyond \u2014 after assembling a complete photographic kit suitable for the pursuit of nature and bird photography.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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1990The first commission<\/small><\/div>\n
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TURNING PROFESSIONAL<\/h3>\n

From 1990 onward, he began working professionally as a nature photographer, collaborating with newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets. He has been a member of the Greek Ornithological Society ever since and has worked with most Greek publications dedicated to nature and birds. He also served as an editor of Oionos, the official magazine of the Greek Ornithological Society.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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2015A national portfolio<\/small><\/div>\n
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85% OF GREECE<\/h3>\n

By 2015, Christos had photographed approximately 85% of all bird species ever recorded in Greece \u2014 an achievement that placed him at the top of the country's \"Club 300\" ranking, a position he continues to hold today.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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2016Professional partners<\/small><\/div>\n
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SPONSORS<\/h3>\n

In early 2016, he began collaborating with leading companies in Greece's photographic industry as a sponsored photographer \u2014 a pioneering distinction in the field of wildlife photography in Greece.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Today\u0397 Wildlife Explorers<\/small><\/div>\n
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THE COMPANY HE BUILT<\/h3>\n

Today, Christos continues his professional work as a nature photographer and birding field guide, leading individuals and small groups on birdwatching and bird photography experiences across Greece and many destinations abroad. He now heads Wildlife Explorers, the company he founded, as it enters its second decade of operation.\n\nAbove all, he remains a passionate wildlife photographer \u2014 with the same enthusiasm as when he first started.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The team<\/span>\n

WHO GUIDES YOU<\/h2>\n\n
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\n \"Christos\n <\/div>\n Christos Vlachos<\/span>\n Founder & lead guide<\/span>\n
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Christos Vlachos began birdwatching as a hobby in 1983.<\/p>\n

\nIn 1985, his hobby expanded into wildlife photography, particularly the photography of birds found in Greece and beyond, after acquiring a complete professional photographic setup suitable for this field. Since then, he has been a member of the Hellenic Ornithological Society.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe has traveled extensively throughout Europe (Spain, Finland, Norway, Scotland, Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia), Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Morocco), Central and South America (Costa Rica, Brazil), and Asia (Turkey, India), always with the purpose of photographing wildlife. He has also undertaken numerous birdwatching and bird photography trips throughout Greece. By 2015, he had photographed nearly 85% of all bird species recorded in Greece. In early 2016, he began a sponsorship collaboration with Canon Greece. Similar partnerships followed with the Greek representatives of Manfrotto and Gitzo products. He currently holds first place in the Greek \u201cClub 300\u201d.\n<\/p>\n

\nSince 1990, he has also worked professionally in bird photography, collaborating with newspapers, magazines, and online publications. He has worked with most of the magazines that have been published in Greece on the subjects of nature and birds. He edited the book on the Eleonora\u2019s Falcon published by the Hellenic Ornithological Society and was both the author and photographer of the ecotourism guide *Birding in Greece*, also published by the Society. In addition, he has contributed to numerous other books as their principal bird photographer. He has also served as editor of *Oionos*, the magazine published by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.\n<\/p>\n

\nProfessionally, he is also involved in birdwatching and bird photography guiding, accompanying individuals and groups through Greece\u2019s diverse habitats to observe and photograph birds. Today, he continues this work through the company he founded, Wildlife Explorers.\n<\/p>\n

\nAbove all, he remains as passionate about birding today as he was when he first started.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Antonis\n <\/div>\n Antonis Stoupas<\/span>\n Guide & field coordinator<\/span>\n
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Born in Athens in 1981, he studied Sound Engineering at the Akmi School of Visual Arts in Athens. His professional career began in 1998, working as a sound engineer and assistant producer for concerts, television productions, and commercial TV advertisements.\n\nSince 2007, he has also worked as an independent photographer, a profession rooted in his enduring passion for the arts and his desire to explore new forms of creative expression.\n\nHis love for the outdoors and his desire to share the magic of a moment with others led him to develop a strong interest in wildlife and landscape photography.\n\nNature and the natural elements remain the central focus of his work.\n\nHe lives and works in Athens, but enjoys traveling extensively around the world in search of new experiences, inspiration, and photographic opportunities.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Dimitris\n <\/div>\n Dimitris Vavilis<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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Dimitris Vavylis was born in 1987 and grew up in Trikala, in the shadow of the majestic rock formations of Meteora. From an early age, he developed a deep love for nature and wildlife.<\/p>\n

\nHis involvement with nature photography began in 2005, alongside his first year of studies in the Department of Biology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His first photographic experiences took place in the wetlands of northern Greece, where he dedicated several years to bird photography.\n<\/p>\n

\nAfter graduating, he returned to Trikala, where he has since worked as a collaborator of the Hellenic Ornithological Society \/ BirdLife Greece on conservation projects focused on the Egyptian Vulture, Greece\u2019s most endangered bird species.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe lack of large wetlands in his immediate surroundings encouraged him to broaden his photographic horizons and, quite literally, to detach the telephoto lens from his camera body. As a result, his photographic interests now range from the miniature world of fungi to spending endless hours waiting in hides for the opportunity to photograph elusive mammals.\n<\/p>\n

\nAutumn is his favorite season for photography, and he has a particular preference for wide-angle lenses, even when photographing wildlife.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe has participated in numerous photography exhibitions and has served as a judge in international photography competitions.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Kostas\n <\/div>\n Kostas Ladas<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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For Kostas Ladas, wildlife photography is more than a passion\u2014it is a way of life and an ongoing commitment to environmental conservation. Drawing on many years of field experience, he spends countless hours in nature capturing the most authentic moments of the natural world.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhether focusing on the intricate details of a rare plant through macro photography or capturing the dynamic movement of a wild animal from a distance, Kostas employs a wide range of specialized techniques to showcase the richness and diversity of life on our planet.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe brings this extensive knowledge and expertise to our photographic expeditions. As an experienced guide, he teaches participants how to make the most of their equipment in a variety of field conditions, helping them return home not only with technically accomplished photographs but also with a deeper understanding of and connection to the natural environment.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Mariangela\n <\/div>\n Mariangela Moschona<\/span>\n Operations & bookings<\/span>\n
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\n \"George\n <\/div>\n George Blonsky<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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I have worked as a freelance photographer and photojournalist since 1998 after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Photojournalism at the London College of Printing.<\/p>\n

Formerly a contributing photographer to Gamma Presse Agency in Paris as well as The Cover Story picture agency in Amsterdam. My editorial work has appeared in many magazines around the world including Royal Geographical Magazine, GEO Magazine, London Metro, Daily Mail, BBC, The Free Press, Journal Du Dimanche, Le Point, and Marianne.<\/p>\n

Accredited photographer to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens 2004, as well as the winter Paralympics in Torino 2006, the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008 and the London Paralympic Games in 2012, as well as the Paralympic World Cup in 2005, 2006 and 2008.<\/p>\n

My latest project has seen me shooting a wildlife documentary in Greece for an Off The Fence production for the National Geographic channel.<\/p>\n

I am of Greek\/Russian parentage and now divide my time between the UK and Greece shooting stories and features both commissioned and self-assigned, as well as leading photography workshops teaching Landscape & Wildlife photography.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Kyrilos\n <\/div>\n Kyrilos Samaras<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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From a young age, Kyrillos was passionate about photography, taking pictures with a compact camera that he received as a birthday gift from his parents. He was always fascinated by the natural world, especially wildlife. Growing up in the countryside gave him the opportunity to connect closely with this remarkable environment.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe spent countless hours around Lake Kastoria and the surrounding farmlands, observing the rich variety of life that thrived there. His first encounter with wildlife photography came when he spotted a Wallcreeper (*Tichodroma muraria*) during one of his excursions. The bird\u2019s striking colors and distinctive flight reminded him of a large butterfly, leaving a lasting impression.\n<\/p>\n

\nFrom that moment on, he dedicated himself to birdwatching and bird photography. Through careful observation and the use of bird identification guides, he learned to recognize species, understand their behavior and habitats, know when to look for them, and approach them responsibly and respectfully.\n<\/p>\n

\nOver time, his interests expanded to include mammals, which are abundant in the region where he lives, as well as insect photography. Today, he spends much of his time searching for new subjects, studying them, and continually refining his skills in the art of nature photography.\n<\/p>\n

\nDrawing on his extensive experience as both a nature photographer and field guide, he is able to accompany birdwatchers and wildlife photographers with confidence, local knowledge, and effectiveness.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe considers himself fortunate and grateful to have chosen this path, which has allowed him to uncover some of the secrets of the natural world. Above all, he treasures the countless beautiful moments he has experienced and captured\u2014not only through the lens of his camera, but also through his own eyes.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Aris\n <\/div>\n Aris Vouros<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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Aris was born in San Francisco, and his interest in nature began during childhood while observing birds visiting feeders in his backyard. As he grew older, he received his first pair of binoculars and, through trips to the wetlands and forests of California, discovered a genuine passion for birds and birdwatching.\n<\/p>\n

\nHe continued to pursue this passion after moving to Greece, where he became involved with the Hellenic Ornithological Society and actively participates in its volunteer programs.\n<\/p>\n

\nCurrently, he is pursuing his dream of becoming an ornithologist and contributing to bird conservation by studying Biology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. At the same time, he is training as a bird ringer, an activity that has brought him literally closer to the field of ornithology and provided valuable hands-on experience.\n<\/p>\n

\nHis original love for birdwatching remains as strong as ever and continues to motivate him to seek out new species and memorable experiences in nature.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Thanasis\n <\/div>\n Thanasis Tsafonis<\/span>\n Guide & nature photographer<\/span>\n
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Born in 1999 and currently completing his studies in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Thanasis received his first camera at the age of ten. This marked the beginning of his involvement with wildlife and nature observation.\n<\/p>\n

\nOver time, he realized that his greatest passion was birds, particularly birdwatching, while simultaneously developing his skills in wildlife photography. He has undertaken birding trips to nearly every corner of Greece and has observed approximately 340 bird species across the country. At the same time, he has participated in volunteer programs organized by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.\n<\/p>\n

\nCombining his passion for birds with his love of travel, his dream is to experience as many birding adventures as possible in every corner of the world.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Where the work has taken him<\/span>\n

FOUR CONTINENTS, ONE SUBJECT<\/h2>\n

Chris has travelled across Europe, Africa, Central & South America and Asia for wildlife photography. The dots mark countries visited specifically for fieldwork.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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\n Field Atlas<\/span>\n Countries visited for wildlife photography<\/span>\n 4 Continents \u00b7 24 Nations<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae<\/span>\n <\/span>\n Greece<\/span>\n 37.98\u00b0 N \u00b7 23.72\u00b0 E<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Europe<\/h4>\n