Nikiforakis Polichronis UPI Zeus, UPI CR3, EFIAP/b, ESFIAP, PSA CP 3*, took his first steps in photography at a very young age under the guidance of his father (Michalis Nikiforakis, EFIAP) and ever since he has been actively involved in photography, participating in photographic competitions in both Greece and abroad. --- He gained his first distinction (a silver medal) in Greece in 1989, at the annual competition of the Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete. Since then he has won 13 gold medals, 7 silver, 12 bronze, 20 commendations, 10 acceptances, in national competitions.
In 2000 he was elected to the board of the Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete and ever since has held the position of General Supervisor. He has also taught at the seminars for young photographers which are organized every year by the Photographic Society of Crete. --------------In 2001 he won his first distinction abroad and since then he has won 40 medals, 700 acceptances and many entries in catalogues of international competitions with 150 different photographs.
In May 2006 he gained his Artist Photographer (AFIAP) from the Federation International de l’ Art Photographique.

In May 2009 he was awarded the title of EFIAP and in July 2010 the EFIAP/b title. In 2010 he was awarded the ESFIAP title (Excellence for Services Rendered) for organizing the 2 International FIAP Photomeeting in Crete in 2009. In April 2007 he was awarded his first star in colour photography by the Photographic Society of America (PSA) for acceptances gained in competitions organized by the Society. In June 2007 he gained his second star and some months later his third star in color prints. ------------------------- Since January 2007 he has been a member of UNESCO and UPI (United photographers International). In November 2008 is been elected as Secretary General of UPI and have three crowns (UPI CR3) for his artistic photos. In April 2012 is been reelected as Secretary General of UPI. In April 2012 he was awarded with the title UPI Zeus, the highest title given from this organization as a recognition of his artistic work in photography. 
Since 2003 he has been active in numerous seminars organized for school teachers, dentists, municipal officers and others, teaching them basic photographic skills. Along with these activities, he has taught photography at “Pagrition” High School, introducing photography to young students and organizing photographic exhibitions of his students’ work.
As a photographer, he has taken part in many group exhibitions held throughout Greece and in different countries around the world. He has done two personal exhibitions. His photographs form part of a group exhibition by internationally acclaimed Cretan photographers. He has participated in many national and international photo competition as a judge.