Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Leslie Launay Ménétrier (France)
Tell us something about yourself
I live in Paris and I’m passionated about portraits & fashion.
How and when did you get into photography?
I started taking picture really young, around 6, with a disposable camera. The result was pretty bad but I had so much fun with it. I haven’t really stop photographing people since then.
What does photography mean to you?
It’s my way of expression : I’m quite a dreamer and I have a bursting imagination. It’s all about creating something and sharing it with others.
And it’s also meeting some incredible people and having so much fun.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I’m only working on portraits, beauty and fashion photography.
I’m divided between my love for classic «pretty dark » fashion like Rick Owens or Ann Demeulemeester and my love for pop culture and colorful images.
So I guess my work is a mix of both styles.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Cinema, music and books are a great source of inspiration.
I also love to look at others photographers’, make up artists’, illustrators’, dancers & artists’ work, getting my head full of beautiful things. It’s stimulates my imagination.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
I do. I’m looking for something specific so I always make sure I have everything set before doing a photoshoot. I think about the light, the make up, clothes, the kind of model I want… I can sometimes spend days thinking about it.
Studio, on location or both?
I love both.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I have been a paid professional for 6 years now. I feel very lucky to make a living out of my passion.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I don’t think I have one most memorable session. Every session is different and amazing at the same time. I meet wonderful people (models, mua, clothes designers…) and create something with them, everybody giving the best of themselves. I always feel very happy after working on something.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Beauty has always fascinated me. If I had to pick one source of inspiration that would be it.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I don’t really care. I’ve work on Nikon and canon and I enjoy both of them.
The brand is not really what maters, it’s what you do with it. Although I love my 105mm nikkor lense.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Don’t try to work on too much different photography styles. Find out what you’re good at and keep on improving.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I love the concept. It’s provide the opportunity to discover some amazing models, make up artists, designers and photographers, all over the world. I’ve already spend several hours on it !