Interview

Yanis Dupleix

Parisian photographer Yanis Dupleix takes us on a journey of the cinematic influences on his photography, what surprised him most about the photography community and the people he’d most like to shoot - hint: they’re not who you’d expect. Check it out!

When did you first pick up a camera?

It was at a Parisian flea market about a year ago.

Do you have specific influences in your work?

Sometimes I watch a film and I see a specific scene and I press pause and think wow that would make an incredible picture. So, I guess you could say that I’m mainly influenced by films. Before I started photography, I was never particularly interested in discovering and researching photographers, I followed a few on Instagram but that was it really. But I did and still do use films and cinema as a source of inspiration.

What would you say is your signature as a photographer?

Hmm I guess close-up portraits, lots of coloured lights as well as some vintage, dreamy, cinematic vibes. I guess I try to incorporate a lot of nostalgia in my photos too but that’s only from my perspective.

How did you get started?

I used to take a lot of party pictures of people here in Paris with a point and shoot (Minolta Af E-11) before I switched to a more professional portrait style I’d say. Last summer I was on holidays with a friend and we decided to do an impromptu shooting with my DSLR ( Minolta XG-1) and it went pretty well. It was published on the website for C-Heads Magazine and from then on I started to work with some models agencies and magazines.

What’s been the most surprising element of your job?

I would say that the online photography community, especially analog photography, surprised me the most. I received a lot of support and advice from people all around the world, and I was humbled by their kindness. Quite frankly, in the beginning I was afraid that I would not find a place within the industry because I was new and nobody knew me, but the encouragement from social networks made me feel more confident to continue pursuing photography.

Any other artistic medium you are interested to explore?

Yes, I’m definitely looking forward to branching out into video (commercials, music videos, etc.). I have always loved cinema, and I think that’s what got me into photography in the first place. Also, I have been a DJ for almost 15 years now and will continue to make music.

What gets you off - literally and figuratively?

Literally - The moment I load my film into my camera before a shoot.

Figuratively - The thought that a year ago I barely knew how to use a camera.

You’re based in Paris - are there certain things in the city that have influenced you? What makes Paris a special place for you?

Paris is a beautiful city to take pictures in, there are so many hidden places. I’ve been living here for so long now that I get the sense that every street corner has a really special feeling. I know the city really well, it’s almost as if it’s a playground for me.

Film or digital?

Film, if you can of course. If not, digital can work too.

If you could choose any era to work in which would it be? Why?

Road trip from NYC to LA during the 70s and 80s would be a dream, especially to experience the disco era first-hand. Maybe I could still do it in this era. Tokyo and Central Asia would be amazing.

Who or what would be your dream subject to shoot?

My ultimate dream was to take photos of Prince, but sadly he passed away.

Since I love cinema, I would love to take photos of my favourite actors like Cillian Murphy, Matthew McConaughey, Christopher Waltz, Paul Dano, just to name a few.

And as I said before, for the road trip between NYC and LA it would be really cool to take pictures of people living in small american towns.

What would you consider the most overrated virtue?

Being good at interviews.