Meet this week’s contributor, and part of the French photography agency IP3 Press, Vincent Isoré. Finding his own voice and position in the world through the ability to photograph, he talks to IMAGO about how important photography is to memory.
Meet the Contributor: Vincent Isoré for IP3 Press
Believing that photography is the key to memory and capturing history for the future generations without bias or mistake, Vincent Isoré for IP3 Press tells us about how his career began and how his style of photography has developed. From holding his very first camera to witnessing history and enjoying the ability of immersing himself in a multitude of spaces and places.
Meet this weeks Contributor.
Let’s kick off, how did you get started in photography and why?
When, in the early 2000, I had the opportunity to handle a digital camera for the first time, I immediately knew I wanted to carry one all time and forever. I felt then free to discover the world through my lens and to interpret it with my own images. During my travels in town or in nature, I began taking pictures because I felt that it was something without limits and endless. After all these years I still enjoy this feeling and it pushes me to continue being a photographer.
What was your first experience with a camera?
My first images were taken at an ice skating competition in the French Alps. At that moment, I realized that I had a little light and much movement. Immediately after I could understand the basics needs and rules of photography.
What five words describe your photographic style or captured message?
Fragile, Illustrative, Urban, Travel, Expressive.
What is the best element about being a photographer, and most challenging?
What I like the most in this profession is that each report leads you to a different context, space and time are never the same. I think the hardest part is often the waiting time for the right capture.
To you, what is the role photography has in the world?
No doubt photography witnesses history. We often think that we will remember things faithfully, I’m convinced this is rarely the case. Images are there to freeze time. For me this quality is a strength and part of the essence of photography. I find it very powerful in our photojournalistic work.
“We often think that we will remember things faithfully, I’m convinced this is rarely the case.”
What one important lesson has your work taught you?
Understanding the others’ point of view, knowing how to adapt myself to their environment and keeping a neutral position.
What is currently really getting you frustrated or annoyed?
I’m generally concerned by the declining press freedom in France under the current government.
If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be and why?
Without great originality, I would say the collapse of The Twin Towers in 2001. I’m passionate about skyscrapers and the images of this moment seemed more than strong to me.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me looks like the moment I see or have one of my images chosen to be published.
What’s your go to album to listen to when you’re working right now?
“Tomorrow’s Harvest” by Boards Of Canada.
Photo: IMAGO / IP3pressPhoto: IMAGO / IP3pressPhoto: IMAGO / IP3press
Visit our IMAGO site for the full collection from Vincent Isoré for IP3press and their other photographers.