While browsing online searching for inspirations and ideas in photography, I came across Jean-Sebastien Monzani’s portfolio site. His work is unique in a sense that he combines portrait photography with fantasy art. It’s hard to describe, but his work is captivating, and very well-thought out. It’s not just photography, it’s photography combined with graphic design, 3-D design, and a story.
I was amazed by his work so I decided to do an interview with him.
Nerdsociety (NS): Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Jean-Sebastien Monzani (JSM): I am a Swiss and French self-taught photographer born in 1975 who is specialized in graphic design and portrait photography. I was born in France and moved at 18 to Lausanne, Switzerland, where I live now. I’m currently working as a professional freelance graphic designer, photographer and illustrator.
Elegance, simplicity, a strong sense of composition and emotions are key elements in my work. My images are often constructed as photo-series – something between fashion photography and movie storyboards. I mainly shoot on-location, almost exclusively in Lausanne (Switzerland).
This sentence from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry sums it up pretty well to me: Perfection in design is not achieved when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove.
NS: How did you get into photography?
JSM: I started to make photos of friends in 1998 and things developed over the years: sessions became more and more precise and prepared. I have been very fortunate to meet people who trusted me and enjoyed posing. It just grew up naturally.
NS: Do you consider yourself a professional photographer?
JSM: Yes, even if I don’t shoot much for clients. I only do so when the project is interesting and that I have enough creative freedom. Most pro photographers are rather obliged to take works they don’t enjoy much just to pay the bills. Since I work on several domains, this isn’t mandatory for me.
NS: Is photography your full-time job?
JSM: I most often do graphic design for clients: brochures, websites, advertising, CDs, etc. Most of these require photos that I usually include into the layout, but I’m not a pure full-time photographer.
NS: Some “techy nerds” out there might be wondering, what kind of cameras and lenses do you currently own?
JSM: I picked up one the very first Canon EOS 5D when it hit the market back in september 2005. My gear are the classic fix-focal lenses: I mainly work with the Canon primes such as the 85mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.4 and f1.8. My most common wide angle is the 35mm f2 and I also much enjoy this very special Hartblei Super Rotator 80mm f2.8 tilt and shift lens… and many more.
NS: Who are your inspirations in the art world?
JSM: I’m inspired by many things that I see everyday, often by on-line portfolios of artists and blogs. I also watch a lot of movies, and often go to the theatre. This gives the mix of illustration and narrative series that you usually see in my work. Speaking of photographers, I’m a big fan of Gregory Crewdson amazing installations for instance, as well as Tim Walker work. I could go on and on and cite the Xteriors series from Desiree Dolron, fashion work of Peter Lindbergh, or the small landscapes of Didier Massard as opposed to the large images of Andreas Gursky… Or the macro work of Sophie Thouvenin.
I’ve got a huge respect for these photographers. I’m not sure you can say they all have an influence on me but there are definitively creative and wonderful artists.
I am also influenced by illustrators such as Shaun Tan, R.Dautremer, Anne-Julie Aubry, or Winsor McCay.
NS: Your models seem very at ease and natural in your photographs, how do you achieve that state for them?
JSM: I try to get to know them a little bit before shooting. I don’t shoot professional models but rather pick up regular persons that will carry the emotions I’m looking for. Therefore, a good preparation helps both the model and me. I also direct them very precisely if needed. I’ve played on the theatre stage and directed actors for years as a hobby, so I think it helps me explain what I want.
The most important thing is that they trust me. They know I won’t ask them to do something they don’t like.
NS: Some people rely on books, others are self-taught. How did you learn to pose your models?
JSM: I don’t think you need to read anything about that. But:
– to know exactly what you’re looking for
– to be able to communicate this precisely
– and to have models who trust your skills and like to help you.
NS: What state of mind do you have when shooting your models? Are you excited? Calm? Maybe timid? Demanding? Friendly? etc.
JSM: I’m very friendly and cheerful, even if most series seem pretty dramatic. This must be a good time for both of us since it’s not a job but a hobby. I’m also at the same time very precise and directive, as I explained earlier.
NS: I noticed the headphones on a couple of your models. What does it represent?
JSM: Solitude and communication problems are the central elements of my work. Most of my stories rely on these, and how interpretation of words is imperfect. Glasses, windows, reflections isolate the model from the outerworld and headphones are probably another symbol of isolation and self-reflection.
End of Interview ——–
Next week is part 2 of the interview where Monzani covers the process of shooting on location, his other interests, and some advice for the aspiring photographers. Stay tuned!
For a quick look at his work, visit his portfolio: www.jsmonzani.com
The complete photostories, illustrations and movies can be found at his main website: www.simplemoment.com
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