To capture the soul of restless places, to seize the energy from green and leafy landscapes, to immortalise magical moments… Those are Luc Lagasquie’s daily activities and passion. As a 24-year-old photographer, Luc relishes the sight of nature and travelling around the world, ultimately sharing his findings on his website and on social media (with almost 12k followers on Instagram). He tells us all about his passion, aspirations and inspirations from the dreamy sceneries of New-Zealand.
Who are you, Luc Lagasquie ?
I’m a young photographer, currently living in Wellington, New-Zealand! I’ve spent my childhood in the department of Lot and in the Midi-Pyrénées, blessed with an extraordinary environment, the abundance of nature, various landscapes and a strong cultural identity tied with a renowned sense of gastronomy.
Where does your passion for photography come from? How do you think it will evolve in the future ?
Photography is a family affair. You will find thousands of images documenting trips, events and moments in our family home. My passion for photography emerged in a completely natural and evident way as I grew up, around ten years ago.
But I’m not yet a full-time photographer. I strongly consider becoming one later on, but at the moment I already have a job. In some ways, my job is actually tied with the thematics and mechanisms of photography: I work on the creation of user interfaces and visual identities of the Internet. Photographic knowledge helps me in making aesthetic choices.
How did you get here ?
I studied management at the IAE University in Toulouse, and learnt a lot about the mechanisms of the business world. I put a term to my studies halfway into my Master in Finance as I decided to go to New-Zealand. On a professional level, I have now been working for 5 years as a freelance Web-designer.
What are three words that could describe your photographic universe ?
‘Freedom’, because I’m a traveller and I don’t impose much constraints upon myself.
‘Adventure’, because nature-photography will often put you out of your comfort zone (beaten paths and burning-bushes, hello!)
‘Solitude’, because photography is also a way to escape from daily concerns and focus on you.
Why do you focus on nature/adventure/travelling ?
I feel like my relationship with nature is almost spiritual – it’s a part of my well-being and a part of myself; and I never cease to be amazed by its beauty.
Nature has always played an important part in my life, and this might go back to Lot, the department in which I lived when I was growing up. It was like a big playground, enhanced with reliefs and narrow valleys, forests and cliffs. When I was going to my dad’s house in the Valley of Célé, I was often alone, and photographing nature would be a soothing and inestimable activity to pass the time.
Travelling, on the other hand, is a necessity for one constantly seeking novelty. There are so many things to see out there; it would almost be impossible to run out of inspiration. The key is to keep your eyes open.
I took this photo with my iPhone on an improvised stroll in the Basque country. I will always remember this moment and situation. I was in front of these wild horses, pottoks, and the landscape and light were extraordinary. I felt privileged and blessed to be able to live this moment and be at one with the wilderness.
What is your favourite thing about photography ?
Probably the possibility to immortalise and revitalise something ephemeral, gone. Also, being able to extract emotion from immobile and seemingly flat photographic objects. Even in landscape photography, there is no sense of flatness. The season, the light and the weather conditions will always change and create something visually new. Photography is first and foremost a visual mean to feel. In a landscape, there is also the possibility to marvel at, to respect, to fear, to envy, etc. Photography imitates life.
Who is your favourite photographer? What image speaks to you the most ?
It’s hard to talk about a ‘favourite’ photographer, there are so much! Those that come to mind are Vincent Munier, a wildlife photographer who possesses a minimalist style and captures rare moments; and then two photographers I discovered on Instagram: Kevin Russ and Alex Strohl.
This photo by Vincent Munier was taken during one of his numerous trips. I find it incredible on all possible levels. This moment is unique, capturing the deers’ disquietude and the mist contributing to the cold atmosphere… And of course, the minimalist composition and framing.
What was your first photo-camera ?
It was a gelatin-silver camera: a Kodak Advantix F300. I made my first ‘real’ landscape photos with that camera as it offered a great fixed angle.
Do you find it difficult to break through in this milieu ?
The competition in the world of creation is extremely high; so of course, it’s difficult. To succeed, one has to have a sense of business, and that’s probably even more important than talent. Becoming famous means being able to sell, ceaselessly.
Do you have any upcoming projects ?
After having spent one year in New-Zealand, I’m heading to the United States, in Florida. I have been there on several occasions but never with the purpose of photographing. This time, I gave myself the challenge to capture as many images of nature as i can – especially because Florida isn’t yet known for its landscapes.