Interview: Photographer Stephane Gagnard (France)
Can you tell us a little about you?
Certainly. I bought my first camera at the age of 13 and started doing photo shoots with my friends from middle and high school in Antibes, in the south of France. Early on, I was passionate about art and beauty, and I was fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful spots in Europe with some of the most beautiful girls. This environment fueled my passion for photography and shaped my aesthetic sensibilities.
How and when did you get into photography?
At age 18, I opened my photo studio. To support this rent in downtown Antibes, I first worked weekends in a boutique. To build my network, I signed a contract with an online platform offering studio photo sessions. In my first year, I conducted 500 sessions, learning on the job and reinvesting in better photographic equipment. This experience laid a solid foundation for my career, allowing me to develop my skills and refine my artistic vision.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography, for me, is a powerful form of artistic expression and storytelling. It's a way to capture moments, emotions, and the essence of beauty in a single frame. It allows me to create visual narratives that resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. Through photography, I can explore different perspectives, experiment with light and composition, and ultimately, immortalize fleeting moments in time. It’s a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a keen eye for detail that makes every shot unique and meaningful.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
That's a tricky question! I prefer to let others interpret my work. What I can say for sure is that I am deeply passionate about fashion, jewelry, and beauty, and I always strive to connect these three worlds. I have a love for sophisticated images and aim to create visuals that blend elegance with a touch of luxury. For my personal work, I am moodier, definitely!
Where do you get inspiration from?
I think my answer might not be very original, but I draw inspiration from everywhere. From the streets, fleeting glances I encounter, music, museums... However, I must admit that I feel particularly inspired when I am in Italy and Portugal. These places have a unique charm and atmosphere that deeply influence my creative process. The rich culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant life in these countries provide endless sources of inspiration for my work.
And I must say, I absolutely love David Lynch!
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
No, absolutely not. I consider myself quite instinctive. I need to see the model, the clothing, the jewelry, and ideas come to me instantly without even thinking. That's why I love working on pre-production to jot down all these ideas before the shooting day. This way, I can capture the spontaneity of the moment while being prepared with a clear vision of what I want to achieve.
Studio, on location or both?
After having my own studio for nearly five years, I think I was quickly labelled as a studio photographer. Over the past two years, with all the traveling I’ve done, I’ve developed a strong desire to organize my productions outdoors. However, I must admit, it's a 50/50 split. Both settings offer unique advantages, and I enjoy the flexibility of working in both environments to bring my creative visions to life.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to live off my passion for the past 12 years. It has been an incredible journey, turning my love for fashion photography into a professional career. Each project allows me to combine my creative vision with professional expertise, making every experience deeply satisfying.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I have far too many to count. Honestly, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with people from all walks of life and always in breathtaking locations, whether it's palaces in Italy, the deserts of Dubai, or with celebrities full of personality. What I love most is sharing these amazing experiences with my team. I wish everyone could have such opportunities!
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I consider myself loyal, and since my first camera was a Canon, I have stayed with the brand. Today, I own several bodies, but my favorite remains the R5. When it comes to lenses, I am a devoted fan of fixed focal length lenses, especially the 85mm, which has never disappointed me – a love story that has lasted for eight years!
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer?
Be bold! And be kind to your teams. Always be demanding, asking for the best from everyone on set. Propose new concepts and dare to be different. With your clients, remain professional and ensure your work is respected. This combination of creativity, professionalism, and teamwork will set a strong foundation for your business.
What do you think of our new magazine?
Fantastic! I find it wonderful that an independent media outlet has such great exposure and gives a voice to creatives from all around the world. Long live Modellenland!
I really enjoyed this interview with Stéphane Gagnard – his passion for photography shines through in every word! His insights into capturing intimate moments are so inspiring. The idea of using natural light for portraits, especially at a wedding retreat, is something I’ve always loved. It adds such a genuine, timeless feel to the photos. It's also a reminder of how important it is to choose the right photographer who can truly understand and capture the essence of such a special day. I can only imagine how amazing his work must be at destination weddings or wedding retreats like the ones he described!