We want to shine the light on Alamy contributor Pascal Mannaerts who believes in remaining yourself, being faithful to your approach, your own creativity and your true desire in photography.
Pascal has been a contributor to Alamy since 2009. Here’s what Pascal said when we interviewed him.
Ellie: How long have you been a photographer and what made you want to get into photography?
Pascal: I have been a photographer for about fifteen years. At first, photography was simply a passion. A hobby that I practiced while travelling. I took pictures, in order to capture the incredible moments experienced on the roads discovering the world. Photography and travel have always been linked to me. One was not without the other.
So I took photos while travelling and shared them with my friends and family. Over time, more and more people were advising me to try to get my photos published. I started taking steps for this. It was about fifteen years ago. We were at the time before this explosion of social media that we’re currently experiencing. I was spotted by several magazines and agencies related, directly or indirectly, to travel and that’s where it all started. The publications followed and little by little, I decided to make it my main activity.
Ellie: What’s your all-time favourite shot from your collection and why?
Pascal: That’s not easy to answer. But I would say that the photo of a woman I met in the streets of Havana in Cuba, particularly appeals to me. I love the joy and the good vibes that emanate from her. This picture also reminds me of the importance of encounters with people in my photographic work, and the importance of the relationship and interactions between the model and the photographer. Spontaneity, benevolence, authenticity are key words for me, and doing my photographic work in this way also constitutes a real “food for the soul” for me, from a personal point of view.
Ellie: Tell us the story behind your most difficult shot/what was the most difficult thing you ever had to photograph and why?
Pascal: The photos I took during the Holi festivals in India. Holi is the festival of Colors for Hindus. People play with coloured powders absolutely everywhere, to celebrate the arrival of spring and to honour Lord Krishna. Holi is the Hindu festival where social barriers break down, bringing people together regardless of age, gender, status and caste. The atmosphere is about craziness, pleasure and joy. The conditions for shooting at a Holi festival are extreme. I have covered the Holi festival many times in many different places in India.
My reportages were published here and others like the National Geographic. To fully experience the festival and try to bring back the best pictures, I venture in the crowds with my camera, through the colour battles that they love to do during this festival. When I was spotted, they sprinkled me with coloured powders to welcome me, or as a blessing. The welcome was always extraordinary. It was a real treat to take these photos but technically, it was quite difficult. I had to wrap the camera in plastics and then tape the whole thing to my hand, in order to completely isolate the camera from any outside contact. It was crazy but each time absolutely worth it. The pictures you can take during this festival can be quite incredible!
Ellie: What advice would you give to a fellow photographer who is just starting out?
Pascal: I would advise trying to absolutely remain yourself, faithful to your approach, your own creativity and your true desire. Persevere in your own creativity, without letting yourself be influenced by what would be more successful on social media. Knowing how to distinguish between the quality and the real interest of a photo work, and the “scores” of “likes” made on social media. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed, even if we want to share our work with as many people as possible. In other words, authenticity and freedom in creativity! For the rest, I would say to be patient because it’s not an easy job. There are ups and downs, but that’s part of the adventure.
Ellie: Where is your favourite location to shoot? And how much preparation does it take?
Pascal: I would say that a particular favourite is Asia and India. In these regions of the world, my photographic inspiration is pushed to the limit. The interactions with the people on site are also very easy, which gives even more dynamism to the photographic work. It’s always a pleasure to go and take photos in these regions of the world.
Check out Pascal’s stunning collection on Alamy.
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