Interview: Photographer Loock François (France)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I started photography in 1988 to discover the world or rather the worlds around us. The photo has always been the vector to meet people, in fashion, in countries at war, in slums, in the Himalayas, in psychiatric asylums, in music.... then little by little I turned more towards fashion, an area where different artistic worlds mix. But in the end, I am not specialized and I respond favourably to all kinds of projects. I like reporting and i like fashion.

How and when did you get into photography?

In 1988, a person offered me a Canon AE-1 and it was a click. I took courses but they were mostly based on development and printing, laboratory work, part I don’t like too much, (like post-production), but very important to understand the making of a photo. Then I started to want to photograph everything that goes through my head and I go on.

What does photography mean to you?

To photograph is to meet people, create or inform and present an artistic work.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I don’t know if I have a particular style, maybe over time you can recognize my photos, but as Robert Capa said "you have to be in the photo" and I like to be in the photo.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Everywhere, in the press, museums, the street, reading, exhibitions, internet, ..., EVERYWHERE.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

For fashion, I have my idea, either of scenario or of an image, but the photo is realized with the exchange between the photographer and the model and or the designer.

Studio, on location or both?

Studio, hotel room, outside, apartment, in nature, natural light or flash. I adapt, that’s why photography remains a challenge, it surely comes from my years "reporting".

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

A paid-hobbyist and finally professional.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

At my beginnings I had to do a shooting in Paris for a French designer and the model came from Italy, it was my first real shooting. There were only film rolls, not digital. The shooting is getting ready, makeup, hair, dressing and we start, I finish the first film, 36 photos and I notice that the roll did not move forward, I had no photo, I panicked, I was angry but I ended up managing to make some photos.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon 5D markIII, Canon lens 24/70 f2,8 et 70/200 f2,8

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

The new photographer must be passionate, curious, he must not count his working hours, commercial and above all he must dare. At the end, it will be difficult but beautiful.

What do you think of our new magazine?

The idea of the magazine is excellent for two reasons, the discovery of models and photographers and especially the possibility to appreciate the work photographer/model gathered on a same medium. This magazine will bring a reflection on new photographic projects

Facebook, website, instagram: François Loock, www.yeti-image.com, @francoisloock