LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
When I first saw Stephane’s work in a gallery in SoHo many years ago, I was instantly drawn to his striking black and white portraits. Yes, they were celebrity portraits, but there was something about them that was different. These were not your typical staged celeb photos. No, they felt much more like candids, catching the well known faces in spontaneous moments, often mid-laugh or pondering some philosophical thought. They felt much more unique. And you already know the depth of my love for black and white photography… no wonder I was hooked! So, I explored. Met the person behind the lens. Bought a couple of the photographs. And made a new friend in the process. And today, I am lucky to interview Stephane Kossmann for this blog. I hope you enjoy reading.
Stephane, welcome to Loves Art Will Travel. What shaped your unique portraiture style?
I want to say it's been a long process. But it’s actually more simple than that. I realized early on that I had a gift for making the person that I photograph trust me. I make them feel comfortable. That changes the equation.
What do you look for to find that perfect shot, that moment that you want to capture?
For the red carpet pictures, I try to find views that are not posed, those candid moments that give the viewer a different, more human perspective. I find those much more interesting than your average glamour shots.
The vast majority of your portrait work is in black and white photography. Why this preference? And are there any instances where you would reach for color?
It actually goes back to the beginning of my Cannes career. I started covering Cannes for a magazine that only used black and white pictures, which was very different from the work of press photographers. There is a sense of timelessness in a black and white print.
[Author’s note: Stephane uses color for his landscape shots - and quite skillfully. His portraits, however, deliver their impact through his keen focus on black and white prints]
You rose to fame thanks to your annual coverage of the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. What makes Cannes different and unique from other film festivals? How does photographing it influence your work?
Well, Cannes is the most famous film festival in the world. In fact, and I bet you didn’t know this, it is the second most press-covered event in the world, right after the Olympics. For artists, Cannes is the pinnacle of one’s career, a fitting symbol of the dedication they give to their art. If you are aware of this, if you pay attention and have a keen eye, there is a lot of emotion and feeling there for you to capture.
Over the years, you have shot thousands of famous faces. Are there any celebrities that you like to photograph, that you come back to, time and time again? What is their appeal for you?
I like taking pictures of Brad Pitt. The fans are always crazy about him... And, it seems that he is a nice guy. I also have a lot of respect for Meryl Streep, what she stands for. And she is also very discreet. A true icon.
On a completely different occasion, I had the privilege of spending 20 minutes alone with John Lewis. This was, quite possibly, the best moment of my photographic life. His humility. The sweetness of his voice. I will remember this until I die.
We’ve been friends for a while and I know that you also tackle other photographic projects, be it New York landscapes, or various photography festivals and symposia. Tell me a bit more about these projects. What’s on your calendar this year?
You’re right. I created three photography festivals, one in France, one in Morocco, and one in Selma, Alabama. It's nice to bring communities together. This spring, I have a show coming up in Manhattan, at the Sofitel. Come say hi!
Outside of photography, I am also working on a documentary movie about segregation and am currently looking for a producer.
As a photographer, you split your time between France and New York. How does the world of photography differ between these two locations? What differences are there in clients’ tastes and expectations?
The world of photography has shifted to more and more images. Everyone is a photographer now with their phone. So, clients now expect you to have your own signature.
You’ve had a rich career. Is there any project that is on your “bucket list”? Something that you would still love to cover?
I want to make movies.
In closing, I try to learn a little bit more about the people I interview. Are you open to answering a few rapid-fire questions for me?
Morning coffee or tea? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Mountains or sea? Sea, definitely.
Dog or cat? Dog
Right now I love talking to… Peter Knapp
For inspiration I go to… Museums
A well spent weekend is… resting and reading
My next trip will be… I would love to go to Iceland
Thank you, Stephane. I can’t wait to see more of your work and grab that coffee with you and your camera in New York soon.
