Known for its surreal, almost dreamlike landscapes, candy-colored houses, and mesmerizing fields of lavender, Provence has danced its way into the hearts of young backpackers and seasoned travelers alike. However, Provence is not all lavender and sunshine; the region also boasts beautiful mountains that glisten when topped with snow. In this interview, Former DK Overseas Ambassador Jesse Tanson speaks with photographer Elena Sánchez about experience shooting the region and some of her work along the way.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
A: My name is Elena Sánchez, I was born in the Northern region of Spain called Galicia. Although I was always interested in photography and graphic design, I chose to study translation and interpretation because languages were also one of my passions. Thanks to this, life gave me several opportunities to live abroad and to meet new people and places. Currently, I am living in Madrid, finally studying something related to creativity and enjoying the fact of being surrounded by creative people with incredible ideas. Now that I am finding my style and learning more about the tools that I need to use, I hope I can continue to develop my artistic side. I am also planning on going back to Provence to reunite with my friends and the incredible landscapes of the South of France, because this region still has so much to offer.
Q: When you first arrived in Provence what stood out to you in terms of colors or the landscape?
A: When I arrived I soon realized that the building's aesthetic had nothing to do with whatever I was used to seeing. I found similarities in the landscape and nature but the architecture was very different. Buildings in my region tend to be more monotonous and medieval, while in this region they were colorful and the architecture felt more modern but at the same time nostalgic. I like taking pictures with intense and saturated colors, so when I arrived in Provence everything was brand new and everything had these vivid and shiny colors that I loved. Everything was inspiring so you can imagine the result: hundreds of shots.
Q: You use an analog camera to shoot, why do you prefer it to a digital camera? How did you get into analog photography? What camera are you using now?
They say that my generation is a generation of nostalgics, I do not know if that is true but what is true is that everything from previous eras has always caught my attention. I feel like a kid in antique stores, second-hand object markets and everything else like this. I think my first memory of an old-time image that fascinated me was 6 years ago, in a market in Paris. At this market, I found a box full of black and white photographs and family portraits. Far from seeming sinister, as my friends jokingly told me, the people of those portraits made me want to know more about them.
Tired of the ephemeral and low value of the hundreds of stored digital photographs that I had and never looked at more than once, the idea of buying a disposable camera began to spin in my head. However, it was not until the day when I forgot my cell phone at home while traveling with some friends that the opportunity presented itself. That morning, it seemed to me that destiny had given me the perfect excuse and I was encouraged to buy my first disposable camera. And from there, everything began. Several disposable cameras and a few months later I decided to buy my first real analog camera, and I ran into a camera from the 60s, an Olympus Trip 35, quite simple and not very expensive, because I was concerned that I was just going through a phase. Far from it, I decided to invest some more money and I bought a better camera. Since then, my Canon AE-1 from the late 70s has become an extension of my arm and has taught me countless things. I can only be grateful; thanks to it I'm doing this interview today.
Tired of the ephemeral and low value of the hundreds of stored digital photographs that I had and never looked at more than once, the idea of buying a disposable camera began to spin in my head. However, it was not until the day when I forgot my cell phone at home while traveling with some friends that the opportunity presented itself. That morning, it seemed to me that destiny had given me the perfect excuse and I was encouraged to buy my first disposable camera. And from there, everything began. Several disposable cameras and a few months later I decided to buy my first real analog camera, and I ran into a camera from the 60s, an Olympus Trip 35, quite simple and not very expensive, because I was concerned that I was just going through a phase. Far from it, I decided to invest some more money and I bought a better camera. Since then, my Canon AE-1 from the late 70s has become an extension of my arm and has taught me countless things. I can only be grateful; thanks to it I'm doing this interview today.
Q: How did Provence help you as a photographer?
When I started my experience in Provence I also bought my Canon, which is a camera that is quite manual and difficult to shoot with when you never had a camera like it before. Provence inspired me to take hundreds of pictures so I was able to learn with every shot. Learning is practice and maybe without the million reasons that Provence gave me to shoot, I wouldn't have learned so fast.
Q: If you had to describe Provence in one sentence, what would it be and why?
I think I can describe it in a single word: cinematic. Provence has this vibe, that it never feels old but nostalgic. It has so many streets and corners that make you think that the place where you are was the perfect scenario to shoot a movie in the 50s.
Q: As a photographer what did Provence offer you that other places didn't?
As I said previously, I love how cinematic it is, but in a different way. Paris is cinematic too but with a different vibe. Provence makes you appreciate the small details, the local people, and the art. The fact that so many famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Cézanne lived there and created there makes it even more inspiring.
Q: Favorite memory from Provence?
It's hard to choose a favourite memory, but I guess I won't be very original if I say that is the people I met, but it is the truth. Memories would be completely different without these people, and most of the time when you move into a different place where everything is new, the people make the place. So I would highlight the road trips, the parties where we were all gathered and the simple days at home speaking for hours about life with my roomies.