QUENTIN DELESALLE - French photographer in Hong Kong

Tell us about your first introduction to photography. What were you doing before photography?

I have first been introduced to photography thanks to my friend in Shanghai. He is a professional photographer and I was going to his place to play FIFA but he was always editing some photos of his last shoots when I arrive at his place. So I checked what he was doing and was thinking : «Maybe I should try». So I went to buy my first camera and practiced in the street of Shanghai.

What artistic influences have stayed with you the longest?

I have always been inspired by the different asian cultures. This is why you can find asian models the most on my feed.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography basically mean «writing with light». And it resonate inside me every time I shoot because I believe the light is what give life to a photography. And this is for me the most

important parameter to take into account while shooting.

Who influenced you in your early years of photography?

When I started photography, I was watching a lot of video of @som_picture. He has been my biggest influence at the beginning of my journey and I am still a big fan of his dark cinematographic vibe.

What do you think makes a successful photograph?

A successful photograph is, for me, a photograph where all the parameters are communicating together to tell a story: lighting, styling, location, makeup & hair.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe as soft, poetic and emotional fashion photography.

Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

So far my favorite series is the one called Redder. That is the one I am proud to show as a reference for my work. Everything was on point that day.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Definitely: Practice. That’s the only way you can make mistake and then learn from them and improve your skills and find your style.

What are your upcoming projects?

I am planning to print a book about Hong Kong in 2022. I will start this project as soon as I am back there. The idea will be to plan a shoot in the 18 different district of Hong Kong to

showcase the diversity of this city.

Can photography make a difference to how people view the world and their environmental consciousness?

Totally. I have been to World Press Photo exhibition last April and there was a lot of powerful photograph that make you think about what’s going on in the world right now.

What is the best project you have worked on and how did you get involved with it?

After watching the documentary called SEASPIRACY, I really wanted to deliver a message about this problematic through my photography vision. I gathered a team to work on this

project and we were all proud of the result.

You do a lot of modeling photography. What was it that attracted you to this type of photography?

I started to shoot in the street but I realized I was always including a subject in my photos. Then I started to ask some friend to pose for me and I enjoyed directing them in order to deliver the message I wanted to translate. I like to organize the makeup, the styling and make them feel like they are their own character for a short period of time.

If you had to go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing what would it be and why?

One thing I regret in my photography journey is that I started too late. I was 30 already when I bought my first camera. So what I would say to my 18 year old self is : «Go to the camera shop and buy yourself a camera»

What advice would you give to people wanting to be a photographer?

Everyone has their own vision of photography but the most important is to enjoy the moment, alone shooting in the street or with a team on set. My advice would be : «Be curious and bold»

You can follow more of Quentin Delesalle on his Instagram or website