Interview
Completely by chance, thanks to Facebook, two years ago I wanted to take a little time to do something different from my usual job and signed up for a photography class in Moscow. I followed a FB ad published by a Frenchwoman who wanted to set up a course with a Russian teacher who spoke French!
Why did you like it?
At first, I was extremely clumsy and did not know what to photograph. Our teacher always told us that everything around us can become a subject and I didn’t understand. So, I forced myself to take my photos downstairs where I lived … As I went on, I felt a surge of adrenaline when I discovered the results of my explorations on a screen. I had managed to progress from image to photo. The work I did with window reflections is what made it all click.
How would you define your style?
I try to tell stories from frozen cityscapes. For example, for me, the facade of a building must be able to tell the story of its inhabitants. The passage of time is often present. I use light to create a parallel story, which allows for a double reading through composition that superimposes the stories. I also like to play with graphic effects.
For portraits, as much as possible, I try to naturally reveal my subjects’ sensibility, their soft and intimate side.
Are you portrait or landscape?
Definitely landscape! The portrait format is not at all natural for me, a bit like writing with my left hand. I’m really a photographer of the moment. I like to capture moments by interfering as little as possible with what is happening.
“I like to capture moments by interfering as little as possible with what is happening.”
What thrills you?
I have an affinity for everything. I do not limit myself to any specific field, and if I feel that I can do something, I get out there and hone my skills. I enjoy working with individuals as much as I enjoy working with businesses. These are two completely different fields, which fascinate me just as much and which, in my opinion, complement each other. I’m too curious to specialize!
What photo project did you like the most?
I’ve really loved meeting artisans and doing reporting work with them. There are unexpected treasures of know-how when you go through the doors of these workshops! The focus and the attention that these craftsmen pay to every detail to achieve perfect results, the time required to master such movements, the precision involved… It fascinates me completely.
Do you have new projects or ideas?
Personal projects are very important to me. They really allow me to move forward to test new things, and to go into areas to which my job does not always give me access. I have an idea for a series that is very close to my heart but which is more complex in its execution because it requires a little production work. I would like to invite myself to meals, banquets, dinners, picnics etc … and make still lifes of the table once the guests are gone!