A figurative approach to photography
Photography was originally a passion for Eric Houdoyer before taking a prominent place in his life. Specialized in “Street photography” and making the street his theater, he is constantly on the lookout for the next image to capture. Reactive, precise, his images could be similar to Hopper’s paintings. He attaches importance to the graphic and contrasted aspect of the images in which the human presence melts into the material environment. He knows how to sublimate urban elements through composition and geometry. His real subject: light which becomes his creative stake. His play of shadows allows him to sketch a universe without faces, where the touches of light structure the image.
A particular approach certainly, but very interesting.
Your first photographic trigger ?
Eric Houdoyer : Exit from the Grand Palais about 6 years ago.
The man of images who inspires you ?
Eric Houdoyer : Bill Viola.
The image you would have liked to make ?
Eric Houdoyer : The aerial images of Cassio Vasconcelos.
The one that moved you the most?
Eric Houdoyer : George Tice « Country Road ».
And the one that made you angry?
Eric Houdoyer : The photos of hunters in the reserves with a triumphant smile in front of their victim in a thousand pieces.
A key image in your personal pantheon:
Eric Houdoyer: « Near Eutah Alabama » by Dorothea Lange.
The quality needed to be a good photographer?
Eric Houdoyer: Access to the imagination.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
Eric Houdoyer : the one that would make me stop taking pictures.
The person you would dream of photographing?
Eric Houdoyer : Josephine Baker.
An essential photo book ?
Eric Houdoyer : I don’t know any.
The camera of your beginnings ?
Eric Houdoyer : A Canonet.
The one you use today ?
Eric Houdoyer : I always forget, a Canon ( 70 D ) digital reflex with an 80-300.
Your favorite drug ?
Eric Houdoyer : Coffee in the middle of my photo journey.
The best way to disconnect for you ?
Eric Houdoyer : Photography and cycling, recently I discovered how to do both at the same time.
Your best quality ?
Eric Houdoyer : Empathy.
An image to illustrate a new banknote?
Eric Houdoyer : Josephine Baker.
The job you would not have liked to do ?
Eric Houdoyer : Bouncer.
Your biggest extravagance as a photographer ?
Eric Houdoyer : My creative routine.
The values you wish to share through your images ?
Eric Houdoyer : Creativity in the heart of reality.
The city, country or culture you dream of discovering?
Eric Houdoyer : Argentina.
The place you never get tired of ?
Eric Houdoyer : My only photo course.
Your biggest regret ?
Eric Houdoyer : Not to have been Maradona.
Instagram, Tik Tok or snapchat?
Eric Houdoyer : Insta.
Color or B&W ?
Eric Houdoyer : Color.
Daylight or artificial light?
Eric Houdoyer : Daylight.
The most photogenic city according to you ?
Eric Houdoyer : Paris and San Francisco.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him ?
Eric Houdoyer : I would pose for him.
The image that represents for you the current state of the world?
Eric Houdoyer : Photos seen from space.
What is missing in today’s world ?
Eric Houdoyer : Creativity.
What if everything had to be redone ?
Eric Houdoyer : All or nothing.
