Title: Paris’s Scenes
Author: Elizabeth Char
Publisher: The Unknown Books
Date of Publication: 2017
Website: http://theunknownbooks.net/Paris-s-Scenes
Dimensions: A5
Pages: 40
Copies: 50
Category: Photography
Interview:
FMR - Tell us a bit about yourself
EC - I was born in Paris and I have been living there for 17 years now.
I work for TV channels broadcasting movies and series, at the airing and programing department.
Photography came into my life by sheer chance. It’s the street that came to me, step by step. I never learned photography, so my « Art », if may call it that, takes a brut form. While in the street, I’m in complete connection with what and who are surrounding me, literally coming to me.
This experience is close to active meditation.
Street is an ever-changing scene, where « decisive moments » can happen at any time, if you know how and take the time to look.
My eye is constantly in alert and trained to capture those moments, and plays merrily with those little things embodying life.
FMR - Who or what are your main inspiration?
EC - My inspiration comes from cinema more than photography. The old black and white movies seen again and again when I was young. My photographic culture is recent, since I became interested in street photography. I think my biggest inspiration is my curiosity.
FMR - How do you define your photographic style?
EC - I could use the “common” term of street photographer. But I am first of all a humanist photographer. People fascinate me. Attitudes, habits, gestures inspire me and attract me irremediably.
FMR - What kind of camera do you use?
EC - My favorite camera is my Ricoh GR. And I use a Nikon D610.
I have also a Minolta X700. All with a 28mm lens.
FMR - Where are you based? And how does this define your work?
EC - I live in Paris. I don’t think living there define my work. I take pictures wherever I am, on the beach or in megacities.
FMR - Where do you see yourself in the future? Like next year?
EC - In the future? I admit I don’t know. And my “advanced age” taught me that life gives you surprises. But just for today, I know that I will give a solo exhibition in Tokyo planned in April.
FMR - Any final thoughts?
EC - I want more exhibitions and books, it’s the best I can wish to myself. Any publisher and galerist interested, here?