I was born in Bordeaux (France), but I have lived in Paris for over 25 years. When I was 18, I discovered photography through a friend. But it wasn’t until I was 21 years old that I understood that this was my passion. I decided to make it my profession.
In my work, people are the key word. I’ve become recognized for my portraits, and as the author of numerous advertising campaigns, my photos have been published in various French and international magazines. When I’m not in the studio, I continue to develop my art on the streets.
As an observer and chronicler of modern life, my approach is in line with 20th century humanist photography. I love the images of Erwitt, Frank, Davidson, Weiss, Franck, Cartier-Bresson, Mark, Ronis, Freed, Evans, Maltête, Winogrand, Meyerowitz…Truthfully, my universe is inspired by the heritage of all those photographers who knew how to document their time.
In my early days, there was a book that changed my view of the world: Photographs 1946/1988 by Elliott Erwitt. I was young and had never seen anything like it. For me it was a revelation! I discovered through Erwitt’s work a real philosophy of life that has always fascinated me. That book, which I consult regularly, is still my bible today.
I photograph the daily life of my contemporaries, of the anonymous people I meet over time in the working-class districts of Paris, on the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue or among the excitement of Piccadilly Circus.
What I seek is to capture the invisible in the daily lives of the people I meet. Each of my photos is connected to a story, a unique moment. Many of these photographs concentrate on humor, burlesque situations and everyday incongruities. The emotion always remains intact as I find myself animated by this tireless and visceral desire to freeze unique moments.
I like to be surprised while I capture the mundane in my daily life as discreetly as possible with my Leica M or his Leica Q. Working mainly at 28 and 50mm, I make sure to never disturb the scene. I try to make myself transparent so as not to interfere with my surroundings. I believe that if a photographer watches his framing, by choice, he may never stage an image. At some point, you become certain that the behaviors of passers-by are interesting enough and you allow them to express themselves in their entirety without interfering. That’s why I capture my images on the fly. Immediacy is my motto.
Unlike my work making studio portraits, which requires mastering all the parameters of the shooting, for me, street photography is a moment of freedom. It is a time when I walk instinctively, and I feel. I let myself be carried away by the people and emotions I meet along the street.
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