Marina Makropoulos
Marina Makropoulos is a photographer based in Chicago, Illinois. Her work is rooted in a desire to create images that are both emotionally resonant and conceptually grounded. Through a visual language that blends observation with lyricism, she explores themes of presence, memory, and the human relationship to place. Makropoulos studied Studio Art at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia and Photojournalism at Brooks Institute of Photography in California. She spent five years working as a photojournalist at the Courier News in Elgin, Illinois, where she developed a deep respect for narrative, context, and the fleeting nature of everyday moments. That experience continues to inform her fine art practice, lending it a documentary sensibility grounded in empathy and attention. Her work is further shaped by travel, reflective image-making, and a commitment to capturing the quiet, often overlooked moments that carry emotional weight.
AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS
International Photography Awards - Honorable Mention Professional – Nature | Flowers 2025 International Photography Awards - Third Place Professional - People | Children 2024 International Photography Awards - Honorable Mention Professional - People | Children 2024 International Photography Awards - Official Selection - People | Children 2024 South Hamptons Virtual Art Fair - Exhibitor 2024 Named top 10 photojournalist in Region 5 - National Press Photographers Association 2009 Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Grant recipient - Photographic Portrait series on Multi Culture 2007 Finalist Women in Photojournalism competition - Expanding our Vision 2007 First Year Visual Journalism Award - Brooks Institute of Photography 2004 Finalist - Best of College Photography Competition 2003
Visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com to view more art around WPB.
