Today we’d like to introduce you to Philippe Viaud.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Photography wasn’t always something I did. It actually wasn’t until the beginning of 2017 that I picked up more of an interest. Around this time, my girlfriend and I started a blog, writetogetaway.com, about our weekend getaways and travel excursions we experienced together. As part of this endeavor, we agreed that she would write about our travels and I would be responsible for the majority of the photo taking and editing. I started taking photos with my phone, but then upgraded and bought my first camera that spring. From the moment I held my first Nikon in my hands, I was hooked. It may sound cliché to say, but it was like a bolt of lightning electrified a side of myself that I never knew I had. I started playing around with different settings and started watching tutorials and reading articles. I became infatuated and ecstatic to learn the newest settings and editing techniques.
The moment I realized it was more than just a hobby was about six months ago. I briefly put the camera away when work and some personal things got a little hectic. After a while, I needed a release. I started going for walks, and on one of these occasions, I decided to bring the camera along. Shooting the simplest landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets ignited something more in me–passion. Photography became a release for me and I felt at peace while doing so, and it still has this effect on me today. More importantly, I am learning to have fun throughout the process, trying to be creative with different compositions and practicing what I learned. I am still a beginner with this, but I love how photography pushes me creatively, emotionally, and critically.
Please tell us about your art.
For me, it’s more than trying to get the right composition and settings, it’s about being present in the moment. Having a camera with me allows me to be present. Ultimately, I want others to feel what I’m feeling in that exact moment that shutter snaps. And if I can help that come through in some post work or editing, that’s what I do.
Recently, most of my images tend to be of cityscapes. Living just outside of Boston, I have been photographing just about anything that can translate or be identified in this specific city, from the unique architecture of individual buildings and dramatic skylines to close-ups of scenes the naked eye may overlook. If I’m not photographing Boston, I’m taking pictures of my travels throughout New England and occasionally across the country. I love living in the New England area because of the different seasons, which can create a different lighting and moods in my images.
Lighting is actually something I have been messing around with recently. I have been trying to take more photos in the morning or at sunset, not only to try and capture the golden hour, but for the peace and tranquility it gives me being up before the rest of the city awakens. I really hope I can help people feel the same stillness I do when I’m in that moment.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice would be.
-Don’t be too hard on yourself and have fun. Remember why you started what you did in the first place. Having that ‘why’ as a constant reminder and believing in it will continue to light that fire and push you in different ways.
-Learn from other creatives. There is so much accessible content out there through YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other media outlets and websites. Learning from others may spark new ideas and help you feel like part of a bigger sharing community.
One thing I wish I learned earlier was that shooting in automatic mode is not your friend. There is so much more power and creative freedom to be had in manual mode, or even other settings. I avoid automatic at all costs now.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I don’t think the roles of artists have changed, they’ve always had and will always have an impact on the way others view the world. I think artists play a major role in putting out content that make people feel a certain way. I believe it’s more important now that artists continue to be themselves and promote positive vibes, opportunity, passion, and celebrate who they are. I believe artists have access to more in this age and that is a major asset. The modern era exemplifies more of who you are as an artist, allowing her or him to be themselves to the core. Today’s audiences are interested in the authentic, yet curated experience so when the world may seem to be in shambles or chaos, keeping your art’s message true to the being you are, the person who you aspire, to be can be something that makes them feel good again. The feelings you want others to experience, that’s what’s important.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work can be found on Instagram either through my personal Instagram, @philviaud, or through Write to Getaway’s, @writetogetaway. I also am still editing pictures for the blog, but I really run the social aspects of it now, my girlfriend runs the site. I love the community engagement piece of Instagram so I would enjoy connecting there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.writetogetaway.com
- Email: phildviaud@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/philviaud
Image Credit:
Philippe Viaud.
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