I discovered Laurent’s work thanks to Esther Bonte, winner of our young designer contest. Among others, he designed her brand’s visual identity.  Several blogs talked about him, so I felt like learning more about him.


Hi, Laurent. Thanks for your time.
LN: Hi Vincent, thank you for this interview


Can you introduce yourself briefly?
LN: I have a degree in art and product design (Boulle school and post-graduate degree in product design).
I’ve worked as a creative director, photographer and 3D graphic artist at the Citroën design center for ten years. I started as a color & material stylist during 4 years before working as an image designer. Once in a while I shoot concept-car films for the brand.


How did you start as a photographer? Is it something you were always interested in?
LN: Photography drew my attention early on, thanks to music and one photographer, Ross Halfin, who took pictures of metal bands including Metallica.
Working as a stylist, I started taking a lot of pictures.
Works by graphic artists such as David Carson or agencies (The Attik ) really appealed to me. I had to tackle photography.


Why photography?
LN: Because the digital technology has made it something spontaneous and direct. Also because you get a lot of human contact… As a 3D graphic artist, I spent most of my time in front of my computer, but as a photographer I’ve met amazing people. Working in car design, I had the opportunity of seeing many things that I felt like capturing and sharing.


Other artists or photographers you admire?
LN: I don’t have a very large photographic culture. I’m discovering them as I discover their work. So far I’m mostly into contemporary fashion photographers (Hedi Slimane, Peter Lindbergh, Camilla Akrans).

Any news? Plans?
LN: Nothing special. I’m always looking for new projects, collaborations, photographic adventures… and an agent. I’d like to work full-time as a photographer and director, in the field of fashion or automobile..
I’m also trying to find someone who could print my pictures because people often ask me for some prints.


Your sources of inspiration?
LN: Fashion, vintage, my memories


Which shooting was especially amazing?
LN: The Le Mans Classic. I’d never been there, and I got the opportunity to go because Citroën was introducing the wheeled version of the Survolt concept car. Even if I work in the auto industry, I’m not an engine buff, but the atmosphere there was really exciting. I got the chance to stand in the paddocks, surrounded by all these vintage racing cars… I shot everything.

I’d never thought I’d get that many messages for these pix.


For the purists, what kind of equipment do you use?
LN: Mostly digital stuff, a Canon 5D Mark II and a few Canon lenses (85/1.2L, 24-70/2.8L, 16-35/2.8L, and 70-200/2.8L)
I also have some analog cameras (Canon 300D, Polaroid, Diana, Semflex and an unknown Russian camera). I regularly use them, and I have quite a collection of films to develop. I don’t even remember what’s on them. It’ll be a surprise!
 


Social networker?

Thanks again, and good luck !