The photographer will be the president of the Dior photography and visual arts prize for young talent in Arles. “Autopromo” interview with a sign of passion.
Based in New York for over thirty years, the renowned French photographer and acclaimed portraitist has taken up residence in Arles while he fulfills his duties as President of the 2018 ENSP (National School of Photography in Arles) competition held by Christian Dior Parfums.
What is my state of mind right now?
I am really worried about what is happening in the world.
What is my role at Luma?
As president of the Dior Prize, I hope to share my love of photography and portraiture with the selected young photographers. But above all, give them space, it’s their moment in Arles and Louma.
Who gave me a taste for photography?
My father. Passionate about photography, he gave me my first camera and allowed me to drop out at 17 after being kicked out of several schools. He let me study photography because he loved it… I was very lucky to choose a path that became a profession at such a young age.
It is a look, a shared moment that becomes a portrait, a photograph
Bridget Lacombe
Photographers who inspire me.
Photojournalists, their work is very different from mine, and I greatly appreciate their courage and commitment.
How do I know I have the right photo?
For my portraits, this remains a mystery. It’s something I know, feel, feel true, honest. It is a look, a common moment that becomes a portrait, a photograph.
Immortal personality.
Maybe Brigitte Bardot? I always wanted to photograph him. Almost forty years ago I left France and would like to create a series of portraits of this generation that marked my youth and that I have not seen for ages.
A personality to capture forever.
Meryl Streep. I started photographing him in 1979 for a movie poster Kramer v. Kramer, and I formed a deep friendship with him. I often photograph him, well, when he lets me, because that’s his least favorite thing in the world.
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Do I still have the holy fire?
I don’t call it holy fire, but I love what I do, deeply. I don’t really think about photography, it’s really my life, a way of looking, participating, sharing, expressing myself.
An opinion that makes me happy.
If someone recognizes my portraits before seeing my signature. Knowing that there is a look that is ultimately always the same on the people I photograph.
Is it bad to talk about myself in promos?
It’s more interesting to hear about others than to talk about yourself, but sometimes it can help you think about yourself and maybe make progress.
I don’t have a mirror. I don’t look at myself much
Bridget Lacombe
What do I think when I look in the mirror in the morning?
I don’t have a mirror. I don’t look at myself much. It’s not the best attitude, but I’m okay with it.
Last time I was proud of myself ?
I don’t think so… I try to be correct, ethical and maintain my interest and curiosity towards my work, life.
The most French thing in me.
I continue to listen to France Culture and France Musique, which I love.
And more New York.
Concentration and workability. Anything is possible, first say yes.
My next challenge.
I am currently preparing a major retrospective of my work for the end of 2026, and it is a real challenge to look back through my forty years of archives.
What am I going to do after this interview?
I am going to go back to the park to play with the cat.
luma.org/arles:
Source: Le Figaro
