Photographer Yann Bauguil

Interview

Fashion as a Visual Field of Expression

  • Can you tell us about your background and how you became a photographer?

Since I was very young, I always saw my mother taking photos. She was constantly capturing moments, and that left a mark on me. I loved watching her work, trying to understand what she was looking to capture. Very early on, it gave me a taste for imagery.

About fifteen years ago, I started taking it seriously. I wanted to understand the technical side in depth: to master every setting, every parameter, every detail that can transform an image. I learned, tested, failed, and started again.

I spent hours refining the way I work. But at its core, it remains a passion. Technique helped structure things, but the desire to capture a moment has always been there.

  • When did you know you wanted to specialize in fashion photography?

It all started almost by chance. A friend invited me to photograph a fashion show. I went without any particular expectations, simply wanting to create beautiful images. But the energy, the designers, the lights, the backstage excitement, the models’ attitude… I immediately loved it.

That was when I understood that fashion offered something more intense: a real staging, a tension, a visual narrative.

Then everything followed naturally. I had several publications in magazines, and one in particular marked a turning point. I won a competition launched by Playboy International, and I was actually the only French photographer selected. That confirmed everything for me. It was no longer just a passion—it was the direction I wanted to take.

  • How would you define your style?

My style is a blend of instinctive passion and technical mastery. I learned to control every setting, every light source, every detail, so nothing is left to chance. But despite that rigor, I always work by instinct.

I like strength, character, intention, and a gaze that says something. I’m looking for an elegant yet powerful aesthetic—something that immediately catches the eye and stays in your mind.

  • What kind of images or atmospheres do you most enjoy creating?

I like creating images with a real presence. Strong atmospheres, with character, where you feel something instantly. I’m not just looking for a beautiful photo—I want an image that makes a statement, an attitude.

I pay close attention to light, because that’s where everything happens. I like intense atmospheres, sometimes sunlit, sometimes more dramatic. Every detail matters: the look, the posture, the texture, the shadow…

I want my images to tell something, even without words. I want people to feel that there is energy behind them, a clear intention.

  • What are your main inspirations?

It really depends on the context. I don’t work the same way in the studio as I do outdoors.

In the studio, everything is about control. Depending on the outfit, I completely adapt the lighting. If I want something clean, sharp, and precise, I use several light sources to soften the shadows and highlight the textures. On the other hand, if I want more character and depth, I prefer working with a single light to create beautiful shadows and add more dimension to the image.

Outdoors, it’s different. There, I look for the perfect setting depending on the outfit. The location has to interact with what the model is wearing. The background should never be chosen at random—it must reinforce the attitude and the story we want to tell.

And I also like it when models suggest outfits. It becomes a creative exchange: based on what they bring, I build the atmosphere around it, and I find the setting or the light that will elevate the whole look. For me, a good image is always born from this coherence between style, location, and energy.

  • Does the French Riviera influence your work and your aesthetic?

Yes, absolutely. The French Riviera has a huge influence on my vision. The light here is strong, direct, sometimes almost harsh. It creates bold contrasts, defined shadows, and intense colors. It taught me how to work with honest light and not to be afraid of contrast.

There’s also the atmosphere. It’s a mix of luxury, sunshine, and elegance. That naturally feeds the image’s aesthetic. Even when I work in the studio, that influence remains present in the way I light and compose.

The French Riviera taught me to love images with character—images that capture the eye immediately.

  • What do you enjoy most about fashion photography?

The creative freedom. Fashion allows me to combine everything I love: technique, light, aesthetics, and above all, attitude. It’s not just about taking a picture—it’s about giving it dimension and presence.

I like the fact that I can completely adapt my approach depending on the outfit, the location, and the model’s energy. In the studio, I can control every detail, every light source. Outdoors, I have to work with the setting and find the perfect place to enhance the whole scene. That constant adaptation stimulates me.

But beyond technique, what I truly love is turning an idea into a powerful image. Creating something that immediately attracts the eye and radiates character. Fashion photography allows me to fully pursue a vision, without compromise.

  • How important is your relationship with models and teams?

It’s essential. An image only truly works if there is a real human connection behind it. Without mutual trust, there are no great photos.

  • What are your future projects?

I want to go even further in the quality and impact of my images. To keep refining my signature and creating stronger, more structured projects—without necessarily revealing everything just yet.

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