GPU GRAND MASTER, GPU CR5, GPU ZEUS, EFIAP/P, ESFIAP, QPSA, APSA
Manolis Metzakis was born in Iraklion Greece, He is a graduate of the University of Crete, with a degree in Mathematics. He is a doctor of photography with replacement from the Institute of Technological Education, of high art work with a doctorate. He also has postgraduate studies in the department: studies in education
In 1989 he joined the Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete.
In January 1992 he stood, for the first time, as a candidate to the Administrative Committee of the H.P.S. of Crete. On being elected he took up the duties of General Supervisor till 2000.
He was the President of the Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete from 2000 till 2014.
In June 2008 elected as a member of the Governing Board of Global Photographic Union GPU former UPI and has been its president since February 2009.
From 1990 onwards he has participated in national photographic exhibitions with fine art photographs.
He has taken part in 39 fine art photography exhibitions, showing 85 different fine art photographs which, in turn, have won 14 gold medals, 7 silver, 3 bronze, 15 awards and 165 merits.
From 1993 onwards he has taken part regularly in international fine art photography exhibitions.
He has taken part in 800 such fine art photography exhibitions, showing 580 different pieces of fine art photographs, which have won, 65 gold medals, 51 silver, 59 bronze, 395 honorable mentions and 2850 acceptances.
The Photographic Museum of Catalonia and museum of EL-GRECO have in their collections fine art photographs (7 and 5 each) of his.
In May 1996, the Federation internationale de l’art Photographique, (F.I.A.P.), honored him with the artistic title A. FIAP (Artist FIAP), in recognition of his artistic achievements nationally and in international photography competitions. In December 1999 the F.I.A.P. awarded him the title E.FIAP (Excellent F.I.A.P.). In January 2008 the F.I.A.P. awarded him the title E.FIAP/bronze. In May 2009 the F.I.A.P awarded him the title E.FIAP/silver, in 2010 the title EFIAP/gold and in 2011 the higher title EFIAP/platinum. In 2010 FIAP awarded him the administrative title ESFIAP.
In December 1996 the Photographic Society of America enrolled him as a member and in September 1997 awarded him the title of ‘Single Star’ photographer. In May 1999 he was awarded the title ‘Double Star’ photographer. In 2019 he was awarded with the title QPSA and in 2020 was awarded with the high administrative title APSA.
In December 2009 the Global Photographic Union awarded him the title GPU CROWN 3 and in June 2015 CROWN 5. In April 2012 he was awarded the highest title GPU ZEUS.
In July 1998 he became a member of the Hellenic Guild of Fine Arts.
From 2000 he has taken part to many national and international competitions of fine art photography as a judge.
He gives a lot of lectures in different countries around the world.
He writes articles in many international photographic magazines.
He has had a lot of personal exhibitions in Greece (Heraklion, Athens, Rodos, Santorin, Preveza, Neapoli) and abroad ( Romania, Tirgu Mures, Oradea, China, Ukraine, Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, etc). He has also participated in many group exhibitions and Biennales in various countries around the world
He was the plato photographer in the films EL-GRECO, KAZANTZAKIS and KAPETAN MICHALIS.
He has organized several photo festivals in different countries, with more than 120 participants each.
Since 1990 he has been teaching fine art photography in a series of seminars and workshops, held by the Greek Photographic Society of Crete, for both beginners and more advanced photographers. He was teaching fine art photography in Vocational Training Institute (IEK) of Iraklion for four years and in University of Crete for three years.
He has been employed by the Technical Institute of Higher Education of Iraklion from September 2000 till the end of 2010, where he was teaching Fine Art Photography and Biomathematics. He has written analytic books with notes for the purpose of the courses.
