Catherine, who are you?
I am lady, old enough to understand what is precious, but never too young to keep pursuing projects and to be curious about anything that’s attractive to me. Always with joy and energy.
I am working in the advertisement print production business, but my defining moments are all about what happens after work. In me there is room for a lot. Music (as a musician and a fan), photography, love, creativity and whatever will fulfil me in different ways.
How and why did you start with street photography?
After a period of depression, after several dark months, I began to be more aware of my ability to do something with a camera. I did not want to go out to meet people. When I then instead took long walks without thinking too much, it was like I was reborn. I realised I was seeing and observing more of what was happening on the streets and sidewalks. At first, I saw dirty things creating shapes. Then I saw the shadows and of course the power of light. During this time of increased consciousness, I was obsessed for several days with each of these steps. I looked for more and more and I took pictures. Then I started to lift my head and look around and think about life and people. I woke up to life and my camera, more for each day, became a great tool to enhance it.
Why do you take pictures?
For emotions and excitement. But primarily, just for myself. Because this pleasure, this “practise” – or let’s call it “way of life” or “way of being” – keeps me peaceful, joyful, curious and self-confident. I will leave all those parts of me, to my son later. Because in every picture I take, there is a story and an emotion of mine.
What is your main driving force?
To never give up. Keep being charmed.
Your biggest challenge?
Keep walking for hours in the same city, the same streets, for years and years, and always get new pictures, telling a new story
Your best photography memory?
It’s the ONE certain picture that I missed with seconds. In fact, it’s a picture I never caught, but still is imprinted in me. Because a good picture – above subjectivity, appreciation or subject – is surely all about the right moment, coming down to fractions of seconds.
So. One day, when I when I was out walking, I noticed a place where there was a subway vent. I thought it would be fun to see a girl with a light-weight dress pass over it, like the Marylin Monroe famous shot. Nearby there were some performers talking. Trying to keep my attention to my “target” and to the performance simultaneously, at a point I turned towards a guy to ask what the event was about. But within moments something happened, while I was turned away. On my right this nice guy was answering my questions. He saw the scene happening to my left. He smiled and said: “you should turn around”, as I myself realised something going on at the vent… But too late. I only saw the end part of what had happened. At the vent I saw a couple. A very charming and elegant couple. The woman was gorgeous and pregnant, in a beautiful dress with flowers. The good-looking man wore a classic hat. Together they walked down the street, by the vent. I still have the scene in my mind. As the flow of air rushed up it lifted the woman’s robe, revealing a gorgeous, round belly. And at the same time the man’s hat flew of his head. They both laughed at this moment.
How would you describe your photography style?
Classic humanistic style. I can’t deny it.
Do you have any preferred equipment?
I am not a tech stuff person. I’m more of an emotional person. I carry the camera I once tried, keep on to it. I’m still carrying it today, years later. The lens I use, is ok for me.
Do you have a favourite city and why?
Paris, because I live here and it’s my well-known playground. New York and London, because there are open-minded, creative, wild and full of eccentric people. Rome, because there is a certain the light, colour, and a mood of love and joy. But whatever city you go to, it’s always a challenge to get into the mood and to accept that you won’t find in them in ordinary tours. You must adapt because you won’t find the scenes or characters you’re used to shoot. And this is interesting. It might explain why there is such a similar way to shoot and edit pictures, depending on where you live. There is for sure a subjective way to look at things and to see them. Be we must also admit that we are influenced by the area we are living in, not just our own preferences.
What are your hopes for the rest of this year?
Hope you don’t mind if I don’t answer some personal, intimate wishes? *Smile*
But I would for sure love to put hundreds of my pictures on some walls. Pictures that have been asleep for decades at home. They deserve to be seen as they all tell a story. Because I have that story. I am interested in what story other people see as they look at the pictures. Because all is about emotions, yes? *Another smile*
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