1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I started photography as a teenager, on the rugby fields of Paris. After 3 years of photo school, I joined a freelance sports press agency. Since then, I have reoriented myself professionally but I have kept photography as a means of personal artistic expression.
2Where did you study photography?
I studied photography in a specialized school in Paris, but I would say I learned the most in the field.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I remember it like it was yesterday. My parents gave me my first SLR camera and I went to use it for the first time at Beauvais Cathedral, France, accompanied by my grandparents. However, this did not result in any memorable photos sadly.
4What equipment do you use?
Today I have two Canon 5D Mark IIs, a 400mm f2.8, a 70-200mm f2.8, a 24-105mm f4, and a 14mm f2.8.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
There is no one in particular, all the people who admire my work in publications, on the internet, or during exhibitions touched me.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
I like beauty and science fiction. Bringing the imagination into my photos is a constant goal, even if it is more complicated in sports photography.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Soft, Beautiful, and Poetic.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It is a great honor to be awarded in two different categories. My images are very different (sporty and animal), but this shows that we can choose not to confine ourselves to a single universe.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The photo of the catfish stuck with me and allowed me to win numerous awards. This is a photo I took when I was young, but it is one of a kind. I am not a wildlife photographer, but this species photographed in this way has, I believe, never been made. It always inspired me a lot because I love the Japanese style, like a print.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
I would say that this is just one step among many, not an end in itself. I have already had the chance to take several photos that I dreamed of (I am also thinking of the one in the Anfield Kop, in Liverpool). Winning prizes allows me to move forward, to dream again, and to share my artistic vision more.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
This is probably the most complicated question because there are so many. I would say Vincent Munier, Michel d'Oultremont, and David Yarrow.
12What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
I will always remember my black and white film lab teacher who constantly reminded us of the importance of building a network. He was absolutely right.
13What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
I would advise never giving up, despite the storms. The artistic flame flickers and there are difficult moments, made up of doubts and hard knocks. But when the passion is there, the flame is constantly rekindled.
14What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
There is no secret, you have to work. In photography, you have to practice and try things that can surprise you, to stand out a little in a world overwhelmed with incredible images.
15How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
If I understand the question correctly, I would say that you have to know how to progress with time, but not too quickly.
