Artospective: Street Photography by Geoffrey Greslin from France.

An Interview with Geoffrey Greslin.

Who and from where are you?

I'm Geoffrey, I'm 28 years old. I'm from Montargis ( Region Center of France) and I've been living in Paris for more than 3 years now. I am a social worker and I photograph when I have time.

How did you get into this?

I've always been attracted by art in general speaking and particularly the one coming from the street. I like the fact that art is generalised, everyone gets access to it. After my studies, I traveled for a while (such as Nepal and South America). These adventures were so strong that I always had my camera so I did not fear to forget what I was living, feeling.The desire to immortalize places, moments and meetings was ever-present.

When I came back from traveling, I settled in Paris for work. Even if I had less intention for adventure there, I realized that I missed taking pictures. Looking for a place, a scene, waiting, imagining, and anticipating fulfilled me.

I had in front of me one of the biggest playground : Paris.

Then, alongside, being in Paris, I had the opportunity to go to exhibitions and I also read many books of last century's photographers. I am fascinated by Vivian Maier and Elliot Erwitt. I admire their subtility and sensitivity going through their art. I can spend a long time looking at the picture in order to immerse myself with the details, that all put together, tell me a story.

I would say that I've been into photography for three years.

At the same time, i learnt to get technical skills even if I insist on saying that it's not the most important. The intention is.

What drives you?

I am attracted by old time. At school, I've always been immersed in history books, looking at the photos with attention. I like to escape, get into a story that is not mine.

Step by step, I naturally got into street photo. For me, it represents the type of photo that talks to me the most, which provides me with emotions and does not cheat.

I like black and white street photo, with contrast and darkness. Black and white is timeless. We can tell a story and at the same time let the spectator imagine his own story, own period of time...For me, a great picture is not technically perfect but has a story.

We are living in a society where photos are close to perfection, no defects. Over time, I appreciate more and more these little defects which make the soul of the photo.

I think I'm patient, which is very important in street photo. I am rarely satisfied. I often have in mind the photo I want to do before pressing the button. Many times I don't get what I wanted. And when I do, an hour could have just passed. Sometimes, there are phases when I don't take many pictures, I have less ideas or stimulation. I also learn to put things into perspective telling me that this is a normal phase. During this period, I take the time to blossom in a different way. An then ideas come back...

What kind of work do you do and why?

About the development of the photos,I use Lightroom and very little Photoshop. I like to take time to make a scene sublime, exaggerate an atmosphere. However, I never touch a photo by adding or erasing elements. For me, this is the gap between street photo and "street image"...