Emilie Erbin : From Architecture to Beauty
Photographer whose artistic journey embodies a fascinating transformation, Émilie Erbin has evolved from capturing interior design and architecture to a universe more focused on beauty and cosmetics. Initially captivated by structures, shapes, and spaces, she skillfully transferred this passion to faces and bodies, using light as a tool to sculpt both matter and emotion.
While her work is rooted in architecture, it has also been influenced by masters such as Klimt and Bacon, before iconic photographers like Irvin Penn and Karl Blossfeldt shifted her focus to more intimate subjects. Always in search of clean lines and light dynamics, she is drawn to architectural spaces, particularly churches, captivated by their spiritual and aesthetic dimensions, despite not being a believer herself.
Today, Émilie is more dedicated to projects centered on beauty editorials and campaigns, while maintaining the architectural precision that shaped her early work. Her creative process, though often marked by self-doubt, is fueled by a deep sense of curiosity. She now works with medium-format cameras and Linhof large format systems, and is venturing into portrait photography, a new realm that challenges her to step out of her comfort zone.
Her series “Underwater,” a collection of submerged flowers, reflects this artistic synthesis. Fascinated by icons like David Bowie, Émilie continues to push the boundaries between visual and emotional aesthetics, striving to capture the essence of her subjects while constantly redefining her artistic universe.
Website : www.emilieerbin.com
Instagram : erbinemilie
Your first photographic spark?
Emilie Erbin: Architecture and creating my first pinhole camera.
The image-maker who inspired you?
Emilie Erbin: Painters at first. My interest in photography came much later. I could mention Klimt, Bacon, Irvin Penn, Karl Blossfeldt, and many others.
The image you wish you had taken?
Emilie Erbin: Dovima by Irvin Penn or Always Irvin Penn’s Theatre Accident.
The one that moved you the most?
Emilie Erbin: There are few and many, depending on the moment and context. The last Visa pour l’Image festival made me think back to a photo from the series “The Forgotten People in Chinese Psychiatric Services” by Lu Nan (Magnum), which dates back about a decade. It was one of the first times I was moved to tears by looking at a reportage.
And the one that made you angry?
Emilie Erbin: Facts and people make me angry, not images.
Which photo changed the world?
Emilie Erbin: The Napalm Girl, Armstrong’s first step on the moon, the civil rights, the Arab Spring, 9/11… many images show and inform about the world, but do they really change it? I don’t know.
And which photo changed your world?
Emilie Erbin: Yesterday I would have said “Herr und Hund, Portofino” by Herbert List, but today I lean more towards photos by Desirée Dolron, and tomorrow, I don’t know yet.
What interests you most in an image?
Emilie Erbin: Emotion, light, lines, creativity, but not necessarily in that order.
What is the last photo you took?
Emilie Erbin: A bottle of whiskey.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Emilie Erbin: My flower series “Underwater,” which is a synthesis of my influences.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Emilie Erbin: The light and architecture of the dome of a church in Venice. I’m not religious, but places of worship have always fascinated me.
In your opinion, what quality is necessary to be a good photographer?
Emilie Erbin: Curiosity, hard work, patience, letting go.
What makes a good photo?
Emilie Erbin: The moment.
The person you would like to photograph?
Emilie Erbin: David Bowie, unfortunately.
An essential photo book?
Emilie Erbin: “I Am” by Erwin Olaf is one of my favorites in my library.
Your childhood camera?
Emilie Erbin: A Canon AE1.
The one you use today?
Emilie Erbin: A medium format Phase One or a Linhof M679 view camera.
How do you choose your projects?
Emilie Erbin: By intuition.
How would you describe your creative process?
Emilie Erbin: Slow and filled with doubts!
An upcoming project that’s dear to you?
Emilie Erbin: A portrait series to push me out of my comfort zone.
Your favorite “drug”?
Emilie Erbin: Cooking, wine, my loved ones.
The best way to disconnect for you?
Emilie Erbin: Walking.
What is your relationship with images?
Emilie Erbin: I’m constantly searching for inspiration. Sometimes to the point of overdose.
By whom would you like to be photographed or have liked to be photographed?
Emilie Erbin: Richard Avedon.
Your last extravagance?
Emilie Erbin: A child.
An image to illustrate a new banknote?
Emilie Erbin: An owl.
The job you wouldn’t have liked to do?
Emilie Erbin: Paparazzi.
Your greatest professional extravagance?
Emilie Erbin: Going up 20 meters in a scissor lift even though I’m afraid of heights, walking in sandals through the African savannah not knowing it was full of snakes.
What question makes you lose control?
Emilie Erbin: Any that touch on difference.
What’s the last thing you did for the first time?
Emilie Erbin: A child.
The city, country, or culture you dream of discovering?
Emilie Erbin: Japan.
A place you never tire of?
Emilie Erbin: Home.
Your biggest regret?
Emilie Erbin: None that I can admit.
When it comes to social media, are you more Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Snapchat, and why?
Emilie Erbin: Instagram, an endless source of images.
Color or black and white?
Emilie Erbin: Color.
Daylight or studio light?
Emilie Erbin: Both, separately and together.
In your opinion, which is the most photogenic city?
Emilie Erbin: Barcelona was my first love.
If God existed, would you ask Him to pose for you or take a selfie with Him?
Emilie Erbin: A selfie, even though I never take them.
If I could organize your ideal dinner, who would be at the table?
Emilie Erbin: My living and departed loved ones, Chilly Gonzales, Paul Pairet, Mona Chollet, Jane Evelyn Atwood, Joel Peter Witkin, Truman Capote, Francis Bacon, and a good sommelier.
The image that represents the current state of the world for you?
Emilie Erbin: A blurry, burning image.
In your opinion, what is missing in today’s world?
Emilie Erbin: Listening, kindness, open-mindedness, selflessness.
If you had to start all over again?
Emilie Erbin: I’d be an oenologist or cabinetmaker.
What would you like people to say about you?
Emilie Erbin: I don’t like people talking about me.
What’s the one thing people absolutely need to know about you?
Emilie Erbin: I’m very shy, despite appearances.
A final word?
Emilie Erbin: Enjoy!
