Tell us something about yourself

I am 36 year old. I live in Albertville, in the french Alps, where the 1992 Olympic Winter Games took place.

How and when did you get into photography?

I always liked photography, at first it was a means of keeping good memories. When I was kid I often immortalized good moments with a disposable camera. I bought my first reflex in 2009 before traveling to Istanbul, but I considered all my landscapes photos were very common. I then tried portraits and loved it, therefore I decided to make my best to improve in this cateogry.

What does photography mean to you?

This is so much more than just art, because behind the image, there are also memories, and feelings. Either beautiful landscapes, portraits or a street photography can resonates with anyone. Portrait photography is also alive, I am thankful for all the great people I met during shoots, travels or the weddings I photographed.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Some photographers’ works are recognizable at the first look, but to be honest, I don’t think I have a style. I just try to remain natural, and work on the model’s look and personnality.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

I like to talk and share with the model about what we could do, and then I use those thoughts to search through magazines. I also use Instagram and 500px with hashtags or keywords. Then I mix what I found with the model’s ideas to get a kind of brainstorm.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Just a little bit, because I really like discovering new spots, and to shoot with new faces. So it is not easy to frame everything in advance. I also live surrounded by mountains, so the changes of light or weather can be so fast and lead to changes of plans.

 

Studio, on location or both?

I shoot mainly with natural light, so almost only on location. But as winter is coming, maybe I will try to get better at studio photography.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Well I would say 50/50. I like to shoot to keep improving, to try new techniques or new spots. But I also work for weddings, kids, pregnancy and other orders. Photography is not my day to day job, so I am free to do what I want.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

We organised a shooting with 2 models and my friends photographers Cédric Grisel and Anaïs Novembre, in an old house in Paris. We spent hours indoor and outdoor, shooting different styles, and it was so much fun. I learned a lot that day, since then I love to make those kind of events, and to reunite photographers and models.

 

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

By looking at thousands of photos from other photographers, who are most of the time russians. And also thanks to magazines. Sometimes music videos are also very inspiring.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I have a Canon 5D mk3. Concerning lenses I use mostly the 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.8.

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

I think there is a huge difference between being a photographer and starting a business. You need to meet the customers expectations, without losing your style. I would say that being youself is the most important, and keep improving to fulfill your dreams.

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

I enjoy the idea of discovering other photographers, models and people related to photography, and read their stories and advices. And as I said, I love looking at beautiful images, and your magazine is a good provider!

 

Your Facebook or website

Most of my portfolio is on 500px : www.500px.com/yoannphotographe

I also use Instagram as a blog for backstage and travels : www.instagram.com/yoannphotographe/