Conversation with Simon Viguié - A documentary Director who photographs
Introduction
New in photography, Simon Viguié makes his debut with a half-format Olympus offered by his friend, on 35mm film. He shares his vision with us through images while traveling and in Marseille where he practices wide-angle street photography, as close as possible to his scenes and subjects.
Interview
Hi, It’s Sully ! How are you ? Ready for the interview ?
Hello Sully ! Very well and you ? Yes ready 🙂
Great, perfect let’s start. Since when have you been practicing photography ?
I actually started photography a year ago, thanks to a friend who brought me back a small half-format analog camera (an Olympus Pen EE) on his return from a trip to Japan. I was fascinated by the rendering of the images, and I immediately wanted to learn more about it.
However, images have been in my life for more than a decade because I went to film school, then I became a cameraman in reportage and documentary, then gradually director.
You started with the argentic! Do you always shoot with this half-format? What do you think of digital photography ?
Yes, argentic was my gateway into photography. In my first months of practice, I had no desire to switch to digital. It was even a topic of debate with one of my best friends who practices photography. Finally I realize that at the beginning I was more attached to the aesthetics of the photo rather than the search for composition. I found the texture of the images incredible, it really illustrated the capture of a past moment.
Since then I have really changed my mindset, I no longer shoot with my half-format (unfortunately it doesn’t work anymore) and I mainly switched to digital, even though I continue to shoot from time to time with an analog reflex !
Yes I see, the costs of analogue are felt well if we want to shoot regularly to progress.
Yes completely !
How does a director approach his subjects in photos ? Is he trying to tell a story there too ?
So I believe that as I learned and practiced, one clear thing emerged in what I wanted to photograph: these are situations. I realize that like the documentary or the report, it is the human being and his environment which is the engine of my photographic practice. So finally yes, I am looking to tell stories with the photo !
What type of human scene are you looking for in particular ? Are you close to or confronted with your subjects ?
I’m not looking for anything in particular, I like to take my camera with me as soon as I can and photograph what is happening around me. Regularly I take moments alone to go for a walk in my city, and measure my ability to meet people. I use a fairly wide lens, a 28 mm, and so it forces me to approach my subjects.
But clearly, that’s the biggest difficulty for me... And that’s why I think the photo is great, it creates a real connection between me and what surrounds me. My photos are clearly the mirror of the mindset I find myself in at the moment I shoot !
"All that you see out in front of you is what you feel inside your head". - Body, Gia Margaret. I like the way your perspective makes you an integral part of the moment !
I selected this image on your Instagram profile, could you describe to us what made you want to trigger the camera ?
Ah yes I remember that moment very well, it was during a trip to India. What pushed me to trigger was the position of these men with the green canvases carried by the wind. It was very hot, there were a lot of people, and they used to put tourists in boats.
Moreover, I am myself in a boat at the time of the photo, which gives this low-angle effect. There you go, I think they were taking advantage of the quiet moment to rest and I also took the opportunity to shoot this moment with this beautiful perspective.
The composition is very beautiful and relaxing, it goes really well with their attitude, I love it!
Thanks !
Have you thought about the continuation of your practice in photography? Maybe in line with your job as a director?
For the moment, it remains a passion that I like to pursue outside of all professional constraints. I want to learn, to sharpen my gaze, to be more comfortable with my subjects. One day maybe I will change my mind!
Okay, I understand that freedom of expression emerges outside any constraint! Thank you for this exchange, where can we find your images as well as your professional work?
Yes, for the moment I like to create without constraints. My films are mainly broadcast on TV on the channel RMC Découverte. And I am also shooting for some series for France TV. And my photos are on Instagram.
Thank you very much Sully for your interest and your time!
Find his photographs on Instagram: @simon.vig
Here is a link to one of his creations from December 2023 whose title invites us:
Conclusion
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