IPQmagmy name is Nicolas I am 43 years old I have lived in Paris since I was 10 years old. On a daily basis, I do politically oriented photography for communities, which allows me to do a wide variety of things.
I’ve been doing this for about 17 years. one day I met someone who offered me to do this job with him when I had never taken a picture in my life and it started like that. It’s quite a contract this time because I’m rather the shy and reserved type in life
When was your first picture taken?
I don’t really remember my first photos. I just remember having started photographing for myself by buying a Fuji x100. that was about 10 years ago.
One day I went on Instagram and saw photos of Théo Gosselin. I found his universe fascinating and aesthetically very beautiful. It made me want even if I rarely take pictures of people.
How do you put the person, place, or thing in front of the camera onto film, chip, or paper the way you want it to?
I do not place anything for my photos are the things that are placed in front of me. I turn around but I never stage anything, I have a poor command of staging. In general, I only take photos if there is full sun, so often during summer periods.
I like things that are very visually striking, very sharp, very colorful. In the end I rarely like the photos I take apart from a few exceptions but I continue…. one day I will surely tame my style.
I often shoot people from behind because I’m uncomfortable with people and shooting them from behind gives me the impression that they are visual works.
What photographers have influenced you, and how have they influenced the way you approach your subject?
I look at few photographers or very briefly, I see things pass but I rarely dwell on them. But the universe of Benoit Paille drives me crazy! it makes me dream.
And also Lou Escobar who uses color and light so intensely that it transports me! I love it so much.
And Guy Bourdin for his perfection.
Often I would like to change my photo style to make it human, but it’s complicated for me.
What exactly do you want to say with your photos, and how do you make your photos do that?
I am not trying to say something with my photos, there is no project. My photos support me in my endless daily wanderings. I produce a lot of it and it is often unhealthy. I just think it expresses my daily life in my head. Things are happening in front of my eyes and I trigger. Sometimes I only notice it after the fact when I view my photos of what they really show.
What photographic gears do you use to stay focused on what you do best when shooting?
I always use the same camera an old XT1 + 35mm f1.4 (50mm equivalent). I can’t take pictures with anything other than that. By dint of using it, it has become an integral part of me. I never have to think about how I am going to frame or if I should get closer or not etc…. I know him so well that I know when I have to shoot and when I can’t without having to check the viewfinder. I’m on a scooter a lot in Paris and its suburbs and my xt1 is always around my neck (whether it’s raining, snowing or windy). It is in a deplorable state but as long as it lights up I am fine.
Any technology/software/hardware?
I post-process everything on my iphone with lightroom. I miss sitting in front of a computer so the iPhone solution is perfect for me.
What motivates you to continue taking pictures? Is it political, intellectual or emotional?
It’s purely emotional, it’s what pushes me to continue because it helps me to feel better every day in my head. it makes me discover lots of places where few Parisians go. There are lots of photos that I take and that I leave in my camera because often it’s just for the pleasure of having taken them.
