Interview: Photographer Stephane D. (UK)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Stephane, I’m French but I leave now in UK for a very long time. I’m a fashion/glamour photographer. I’m a PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) person and photography make me happy.

How and when did you get into photography?

At the age of 12, my godfather gave me his Olympus OM 1 and all started here and never end. I felt in Love with photography immediately and started to learn everything about it.

I tried many different methods from glass / film / polaroid to digital.

What does photography mean to you?

For me photography means show beauty and emotions of people. I love meet new people and show why I think they are beautiful. I love taking pictures, photography makes me happy and feel good. Sometimes you can say in a picture what people would not say with words.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers?

I shoot lot of different style from fashion to erotica. The one I love the most is lingerie and implied nude. My first priority is the happiness of the model and the elegance. Happiness Beauty and Elegance are the words I wish that describe my style.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Everywhere, I look many portfolio site, photography site, Pinterest and photographer group in Social Media. I have in mind the Models I want to work with, then when I see an image I really like I start to think how to do it with this model.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

When I have a project I always prepare a Mood Board to explain what I have in my mind. sometimes I also like to improvise when something unexpected happens during the shooting, like a particular model’s expression or a singular event, object and other things that can occur during the session.

Studio, on location or both?

Both, but love location shoots particularly in Luxury house with natural light … Studio is more technical choice when you want to be very precise with lighting. Both important.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself a passionate photographer (or Semi-pro) and I try to do only the things I like in photography. It is more important to get pleasure and satisfaction from my work than the actual monetary value that goes with it. I try to accept professional works only if I really like the project but unfortunately that is not always possible….

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I have 3 memorable time, my shoot with Ilvy Kokomo, Sophia Blake and Tanya Atherton. These 3 shoots were like dream for me, as Models ideas and mine was like just one unique. These 3 women are ‘Muse’ for photographer.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

Nikon D800e with Sigma 85 1.4 ART – perfect team.

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

Never think that you know everything, go to workshop of different photographer with different style to understand how people work and pick up the best of all. I go to at least 3 workshop each year to continue to learn. Don’t copy people work, do your own.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I like the magazine I think there is a good range of images and people, I love discovering new people from different country. Thanks for this.

www.frenchystudio.com

https://purpleport.com/portfolio/frenchystudio

https://www.instagram.com/___stephan_d___/