Modellenland
- 19 jun. 2023

Interview: Photographer Joss Lambert (Belgium)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m 60 years old now; I’m living near Liège in Belgium. Married, two daughters; my first models, but not very keen on posing…

Photography is not my profession but is more than a hobby, it’s a passion. I’ve been involved in portrait, modelling and nude for 10 years. Stuck between a full time job and family commitments, I’m not as available as I would like to fulfil this passion.

How and when did you get into photography?

I've always been interested in photography, and I've really been practicing it as an art for almost 20 years now.

Indeed, in 2003, I joined the "Photo Club 135 Neupré" and, since then, photography has become a real passion for me.

The Club first gave me a taste for film photography and especially black and white. Above all, he gave me the desire to control the entire “photographic” chain. After shooting, I develop my films and do “paper” prints in my own home lab.

The advent of digital and the internet has prompted me to turn to other techniques, but the paper print remains the ultimate goal for me. I want here to thanks two of my masters, Pierre SCHOONBROODT who taught me the art of film photography and first of all Maurice GASPAR not only for the basics of photography (composition, settings, studio work…) but also for rigor in work.

What does photography mean to you?

It means everything…photography takes most of my free time as next to the shootings and post prod, I’m managing the Photoclub which allowed me to improve my skills and where the main event remains our annual exhibition. I read a lot (looking at the pictures, in fact…), go to other exhibitions, travel to meet models or other photographers, take part in workshops…

Where do you get inspiration from?

From everything…I shoot everywhere: outside in urban or country landscapes as well as hotel rooms, castles, farms or lofts (my favorite locations).

And the fact that I look all around me (exhibitions, books,…) also influences me unconsciously. Belgian Photograph MARC LAGRANGE is one of my most important sources of inspiration.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I began by portrait photo in studio, but it soon turned into modelling photo as I asked to professional models to work with. I would like to thank them for their patience and to show me how to tame the light; in fact, how to get the best shape by their poses and moves in the light. But now, I mostly work in natural light. So, influenced by my masters, I can say that I have a rather “classical” approach of photography.

I should say that, for the moment, I’m involved in “Boudoir” photography as not only than the model herself, but also the surroundings are important. I want to capture an atmosphere of intimacy in which the model is a part of a whole.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I would to say yes! But meanwhile I’m not doing no shooting anymore without a real project (location, hour of the day, chosen model…), the best pics (the ones I prefer, at least) are most of the time the ones taken more spontaneously, as I see a ray of light pointing on the body of the model.

Studio, on location or both?

As I said, more location, for the moment.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I’m a pure hobbyist and wouldn’t want to turn professional because it would mean that I lose my independence.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

A shooting with two Czech models in Paris. I organized a “pillow fight” where the models were so involved that I couldn’t stop them anymore…At the end, they took me with them and there were feathers all over the apartment…When I told you I pretend to control all they aspects of a session…

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I’m a Nikonist, from the beginning. I don’t really know why. I’m working with a reflex (D750) but most of all, for three years now, nearly exclusively with a lens SIGMA ART 50mm. I’m working with the aperture to get the best depth of field and minimum ISO

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Who am I to give such an advice as I don’t want to be a professional myself? Be yourself, believe in yourself, look around you, listen to the well-argued critics, and “Good Luck”…

What do you think of our new magazine?

I’m proud you judge me good enough to feature in. So many good works …

https://www.facebook.com/joss.lambert.18

https://500px.com/p/MArko1903

https://www.instagram.com/josslambert1903/