PHOTOGRAPHY • INSPIRATION

Creator Collective: Lydie Bonhomme.

The French photographer brings elegance to fashion and beauty imagery.

When did you first get into photography?

Since I was young, I've always loved anything that involves images. When my sisters gave me my first compact camera for my birthday, I started to photograph a little bit of everything: insects, landscapes, etc. Then, I developed an interest in dolls (photogenic Japanese dolls) that I staged to take pretty pictures. I wanted to improve and to take better photos, so I upgraded to a Canon SLR and would use forums and creative meetups to learn. I started to take pictures of people, and then, thanks to a former friend, I started an apprenticeship in photography in 2011. That was what pushed me to make my passion a career.

Film or digital?

I am fascinated by what digital technology allows — the doors it opens and how it evolves and allows you to become a little better every day. It really fuels creativity. Film, though — it has that extra soul that digital can't reproduce. 

What’s your favorite film camera?

I love both my Mamiya RZ67 and my Mamiya 7.

Your approach to photography is cinematic. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Just as cinema reflects life, I too draw my inspiration from life. Everyone experiences life differently, so these moments are always expressed differently in art. This is what fascinates me about art in general: the emotion provoked by an image in a magazine, a poster in the street or in a store window, album covers…I like to understand what provokes any emotion in us, be it the setting, a certain light, a particular style or anything else.

What tips would you give to aspiring photographers?

I would say to always push yourself, question yourself, and always try to get better.

How do you approach collaborative work?

To work in a team, you’ve got to figure out how to work to each of your strengths without losing your individualities. Before collaborating, I have to be clear on the partner’s artistic intention so as to be sure we’re pushing toward the same goal.

How did the Nuances Studio project come about? Please tell us more and what your vision is for it.

I’ve been working on Nuances Studio for a few years. My partner Kevin and I wanted to create a platform that would help develop the image of brands and artists, support them in the creative process, or help realize the universe of a project from its conception to its visual production. Nothing is more fun for a photographer to follow their work from the genesis to the final layout.

What are some of the challenges you've faced in recent times? How did you overcome those challenges?

The challenge of wanting to do more than the budget allows for any project is a typical one, but you learn little by little.

What’s your dream project?

I dream of shooting photos on the set of a movie.

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