What is your role at WhiteWall?
I’m in charge of WhiteWall Paris, and I’m here to support and advise customers on all services in France. As a photographer myself, I understand the needs and expectations of photographers. It’s very important to have this understanding, and this double role.
Before working at WhiteWall, I started out in an e-commerce studio in Germany, focusing on fashion photography. At the time, I remember very well, I had an important project for my exams, so I ordered some prints myself directly from the WhiteWall website, without asking an expert for advice, and I absolutely missed them. I chose a product that wasn’t at all suitable for what I needed. It was for black and white images, something very specific. I realized then that making photographs and making prints are really two different worlds.
For our customers, I take a photographic approach to the choice of finishes. When I see a photo, I immediately visualize the object that will enhance it, and the paper, the frame… And it’s really a matter of working together with each customer. WhiteWall is all about professional quality and service.
You’re German, but you work in Paris…
Yes, I started working at WhiteWall in 2016, in Hamburg after completing my education as a photographer. In 2018, WhiteWall offered me the chance to help open a boutique in Paris. I had always dreamed of living in Paris. So I accepted and, two months later, I was here to open our first site in France.
What’s your typical day at WhiteWall?
As we don’t currently have a boutique, since our move to the 6th arrondissement, I’ve been telecommuting to take care of my customers. Customers can make an appointment with me online to get advice and find the products best suited to their needs, including the choice of paper and media that will best enhance their photos.
Each day is therefore filled with numerous exchanges with customers, technical verifications of photos and numerous video appointments. These are often professionals who want to discuss their project, who aren’t sure which product to choose, and who really need someone to help them create unforgettable exhibitions.
What is your personal approach to photography?
I always try to take an artistic approach to my work. For my portraits, for example, I create an environment that puts people in a kind of pleasant bubble, as if time is on hold. It’s important for me to have time with the person, to create something that’s more than just a portrait, so that the photo becomes a real memory and gives off feelings. I also try to insert myself into the music world. I take concert photos or photos of musicians. I like to work in black and white and I have a passion for film photography, which I use a lot in my projects. And of course, I always do fashion. Here again, I like a real connection with the model. The human element is very important in my work.
How do you meet these people?
It can be in different ways, through modeling agencies for example, through social networks or through contacts. When I have an idea for a profile in mind, I call the agents or contact the models directly on social networks or by email.
You also seem to like still lifes…
Yes, I find it very interesting, and above all I love plants, so I love taking photos of them. Because I work a lot with people, when I’m on vacation I like to take a break and be in a slightly calmer world, without too many people. I take a lot of pictures of nature, I like to see the details of leaves, flowers… It’s for my own pleasure. It’s work that brings me serenity.
Do you receive assignments?
I’ve already received a few assignments for concerts and from musicians for portraits after presenting my work. I have requests for cooperation with modeling agencies. I photograph their models and in exchange they can use my images, which allows me to carry out my projects. Social networks can also help. But I can’t yet make a living from my photography. There are a lot of talented photographers out there, but you can quickly get lost in the crowd. That’s why you have to stand out with special work.
Does WhiteWall help you in that respect?
Yes, very much so. WhiteWall also published an article about me as a photographer in their online magazine. They also know that my dream is one day to be a 100% photographer, to be able to make a living from my artistic work, and they support me in this.
Working in a photo lab is also a way of meeting people…
Absolutely. I go to various festivals: Arles, Circulation(s) and the Salon de le Photo to present WhiteWall. These festivals give me the opportunity to meet new people, both as a photographer and as a WhiteWall representative, and nothing can be done without contacts in this field. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. I’m very grateful to WhiteWall and my colleagues because they help me a lot and believe in me.
More information and images by Vivien Liskovsky are available on her website.
More information on Whitewall are available here.
