We are delighted today to share some questions and answers from emerging French photographer Sarah Louette. In her words her images “aim at mirroring the feelings and emotions that lie deep in ourselves. Bliss, innocence, greed, hope and despair.” And her inspiration comes from her “readings” and her own “reveries.” Love that!
Her images are breathtaking and it’s an honor to share with you her answers to our burning questions:
1. What's the story behind this photo?
I was on a family day out. The weather was fine and I wanted to show a shooting session to my sons. I initially wanted to take a picture with lots of accessories and colors, but when I parked the car, I noticed the way in this green field that looked so photogenic! I took my camera and gave it a try with the timer and my umbrella.
There are many birds of prey in the fields of my region, and one of them chose to pay us a visit. I took a picture of it. Later, I layered the two pictures to re-create that magical atmosphere our daily walks can have.
2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?
I've always been attracted to visual arts, but fine art photography seemed a bit out of the reach. Digital photography changed it all, because you could try new things, get it wrong and then try again without worrying about the price of the film. To me, this is an Art revolution that allowed everybody to open the doors of creativity. I remember I bought my first digital camera with a reverent bliss and I immediately used it as an artistic medium. This first camera was very basic but it became a marvelous companion.
3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?
This question is a good one because it makes me ponder my artwork. When I take a photo, I tend to recreate a dream. I visualize a kind of fairy-tale scene, something that can exist but that we barely do or see. It's not surrealistic nor realistic, it's a beautiful reality.
In my daily life, I want to live fully in the real world but without being held captive by my environment. I wouldn't define myself as a dreamer, but I'm a very idealistic person who believes in creating her own life. My Art probably unveils my aspirations for creating beauty.
4. Where do you look for inspiration?
I think inspiration is a fascinating interaction between our dreams and reality. In my case, it comes like a vision. I see a picture and I try to recreate it in order to give it birth.
In my latest series though, I realized the power of the translation of my imagination. For instance, one of my images "the Shelter" was clearly inspired by Stephen King, and another one "Dancing in the Stains" by... Snow white!
5. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?
That's hard for me to be objective with my work. I don't want to stick to a certain kind of picture, because creativity suffers from these artificial boxes. Bur, our identity is always present, as long as we're true to ourselves.
At the moment, I'm quite obsessed by the silhouettes and the effects on colours and I can see painting is another one of my inspirations. If you, the viewer recognize that I have my own unique style, of course, that would be a wonderful compliment.
6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?
My initial focus tends to be on colours. What I am trying to improve on is my ability to sense pure and striking shapes. I think beauty is universal. It's a harmony that everyone can read. The real challenge is having the ability to write it.
7. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?
I would go to South America. I have travelled in many countries in the world, but for me, it is the ultimate destination. Besides the fascinating cultures and landscapes, that's one of my very first child dreams. Being there would mean discovering a world apart and meeting an aspect of myself I would like to share again. That's how it goes, you also travel to meet your dreams. In travelling and creating, the process is often very similar.
8. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?
I'd say the women of family. Without being artists, they all had a link to visual arts and they all are an inspiration to me. Each photo I take is a present I give them.
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If you'd like to share a dreamy image with us, or just share a comment with Sarah, we'd love to hear from you.
For more on the Sarah Louette and her exquisite work, visit her website, check out Subconscious Photography or say bon jour on facebook.
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