She is a renowned fashion and portrait photographer, having beautifully interpreted her visions for Vogue, Elle, L’Officiel to name a few, as well as ad campaigns for some of the biggest fashion houses. Dominique Issermann has reached iconic status, having been dubbed by France as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters and of the Order of Merit. Here she sits down with us amidst the final preparations for her upcoming exhibition on Laeticia Casta at Paris’ Maison European de la Photographie, opening January 18th, and the book launch of the exhibition’s 33 photos, published by Xavier Barral. Enter and view…
What memories do you recall from the first (personal) pictures you took?
I was four, I photographed my mother putting bed sheets to dry on a line out in the garden .
Do you remember what your first camera was?
A Rolleiflex
If you weren’t a fashion photographer, what career would you have pursued?
Stage director
How has your style evolved in the last ten years?
Digital has changed my work procedures , but not my style , I believe
Do you remember an almost impossible shoot to produce?
All shoots including animals
Do you have any traditions when you begin a shoot?
If shooting lasts more than a day , I want , I need , to wear the same exact clothes in which I am comfortable …so I buy twice or more what I feel is good for shooting
What “dream” project haven’t you been able to achieve yet, if you can share it with us?
Let’s keep it a dream a little bit longer, if possible
What do you like to shoot on your down time?
Anything which makes my heart beat faster
What is the camera you never leave home without, on off-duty mode?
I Phone
Do you see yourself evolving into moving film?
Yes, actually I always felt very close to film expression. I am actually shooting a few videos clips for Leonard Cohen coming up album.
Who was your first artistic influence?
Influence ? I would say “ emotion “ : Ingmar Bergman
Who are your heroes in real life?
Men and Women with courage, and happy people
Where do you look for new ideas and inspiration?
In the suffering and the joy of my personal territory
What was the last great exhibition you saw?
Diane Arbus at Jeu de Paume
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction, it’s all fiction anyway
What sound or noise do you love?
Swarm of birds in trees
What sound or noise do you hate?
Somebody howling with pain
Champagne or cognac?
None
Name a title that you would like to have for this interview.
Interview comes from “ enter and view” , good for me as a moto
This interview was conducted by Patricia Nagy.
