Today’s interview is with the lovely @victoriametaxas, super talented fashion photographer and blogger. Read the interview to know more about her and about her fantastic job!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m half-English, half-Greek and grew up in Dubai, so have a pretty international background. After University, I embarked on a career in digital media, but knew my true passion lay in photography and fashion. I decided to take part in a Fashion Photography course in Milan and spent some of the best six months there, learning Italian and discovering the beautiful country. Following the course I returned to London to work at Net-A-Porter in their Studio. Now if that wasn’t a jump right into the heart of the fashion world, I don’t know what is! I remember the first day I started there it felt like I was on set of “The Devil Wears Prada”! Last September I decided to take the plunge and go full time as a fashion and travel photographer, working with some of the biggest fashion bloggers in London. And the rest is history! I can say that the last six months have been the most exciting and interesting for me both as a photographer and blogger. I can only imagine what the next six months will bring…

2. Where do you live in London and what do you like/dislike about that area?

I live in East London, near Limehouse and Canary Wharf. I love the diversity of living East, the quirkiness of Shoreditch and Hackney, put against the modernity of financial hubs like Canary Wharf. One of my favourite things about where I live is that we live near canals and the Thames. I love being near water as I grew up in Dubai where the beach was never more than 10 mins away! Every part of the city has its downsides, I suppose in East London I find the modern developments a little bit soulless at times. I much prefer quirky Victorian streets than rows of modern flats, but then again it’s such an exciting place to be with all the growth and development currently taking place.

3. If you could choose one place in London to live in, what would it be?

That’s a really difficult question to answer, as every corner of London boasts something different and interesting. I would split my response between Notting Hill and Shoreditch. I would choose Notting Hill for the beautiful colourful houses, the stunning white-washed streets, quirky markets and abundance of chic brunch spots. (And for the fact that it’s fabulously picture perfect). On the other hand, I would go for Shoreditch to represent the curious side of me. I love finding hidden away gems that no one knows about and in Shoreditch you’re never short of those. Plus, the fact that it’s a stone’s throw from the modern City of London is too cool and demonstrates just how diverse London truly is.

4. What restaurants would you recommend?

Ohh there are so many! For Sunday lunch, try the Princess of Shoreditch. If you love hidden away lunch spots get to the Farm Girl Café in Notting Hill. Petersham Nurseries is another favourite, which is a gorgeous al fresco lunchtime restaurant in Richmond. Finally, if you love Indian food, make sure you try out Chai Ki in Canary Wharf. Their modern take on Indian cooking was one of the best indian meals I’ve ever had!

5. Where do you like going out on a weekend?

On the weekend, I usually enjoy visiting one of the many markets in London and will choose a brunch spot in the area to follow. My favourite markets would be Broadway market – a great brunch spot there is the Market Café. Of course, Portobello market is a must see and a lovely place for a bite would have to be the Wildflower café. London has so much to do and see, you’re never short of ways to spend an amazing weekend!

6. If you could choose to have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it in London?

My superpower would have to be an umbrella that helps me fly, like Mary Poppins. It would be so helpful in getting quickly from A to B, cutting out the squashed tube rides, traffic and of course being an umbrella it would keep me dry from the rain 😛 It would also be quite useful in discovering the newest rooftop bars, which you can’t have enough of in the gorgeous summer months!

7. Are there any hidden gems you know about that you would like to share?

Hhhmm, hidden gems in London, I mean the city is full of them. One place I discovered recently which is fab to sit outside and eat lunch would be the The Garden Café at Brown Hart Gardens. It’s literally a stone’s throw from Bond Street station and is an amazingly peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Bond Street. Keep it on your list if you’re ever in need of a shopping break!

 8. If you could change 3 things about London, what would they be?

I would make every single street in London packed with colourful houses. I love that style of architecture more than any other. I would make summer and sunshine last all year round (except December, that’s reserved for Christmas J) And I would pedestrianise Oxford Street. How much nicer would it be to stroll down without being squashed on the pavement surrounded by an army of buses?

9. Other than London, is there any other city in the world you think is a must? Why?

Oh there are so, so many cities. My favourites would be Paris, Istanbul and Sydney. Paris for the architecture and style of life – it’s like you’re teleported into this romantic novel, every street you turn onto is more beautiful than the last. I love how much it has a small city attitude, whilst still being a globally influential hub. Paris has my heart! Istanbul is a totally different kettle of fish. I fell in love with the city the minute I walked out of the hotel. Set on 7 hills, Istanbul represents this beautiful meeting of East and West through its architecture, rich and complex history and culture. Plus, it’s home to some of the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered. Finally Sydney, another city set by the sea, is just to cool to handle. It’s somewhere I would love to visit again soon, but I just loved everything about it – the weather, the landscapes, the architecture, it has a bit of everything.