Our timeless & ethereal human experience: In interview with Laetitia Dumez
About
Laetitia Dumez is an art and fashion photographer based between London and Paris, whose work captures timeless moments which reconnecting us to our human experience, with uniqueness and ethereal beauty. We had the privilege of finding out more about her process, inspirations and future ambitions, in an exclusive artist interview.
Share this article
‘Mantis’
‘Aequilibrium’
Hi Laetitia, please tell us about yourself and how your journey into fashion & art photography began.
Hi Chromakane, thanks for having me.
From an early age I've been interested in arts – I studied art direction and graphic design in Paris, during this time I was always experimenting and playing with mixed media. Photography was one of them and I ultimately found out that it was the tool I needed to turn my thoughts into reality. Then working in a gallery where we exhibited many fashion photographers gave me the confidence that I wanted to have my work displayed.
How would you describe your images? Do you look to convey particular ideas or messages through them?
I'm always aiming for timeless images, something that would still make sense regardless of when it was taken or looked at. As we are evolving into an hyperconnected world, it can be scary sometimes. Time goes fast and we're easily disconnected from Earth. Most of my work find its root in nature and it tends to be a reminder of how fascinating the world we live in is. I like to think of my images as a step back from this frenetic world and create one that reconnects ourselves as human beings.
‘Soulsword’
‘Mantis’
“I like to think of my images as a step back from this frenetic world and create one that reconnects ourselves as human beings.”
How would you say your own identity and cultural surroundings influence your work?
I've always had the chance to travel a lot, whenever it was with my parents during my childhood, or today where I try to spend as much time as I can to learn and look out for places I've never been. I'm curious and can't stay in the same spot for too long. I believe this opened my mind and and my eyes to so many things that inspire me and makes me who I am today.
How do static and moving images compare, as forms of visual storytelling?
Both are impactful. I think that stills are more open to interpretation like paintings... Moving images bring the storytelling a bit further down the line. I like both and do like to mix them, but I often feel more freedom in capturing a single shot.
How do you see your process and overall photography practice evolving, as virtual art forms grow and attention spans continue to shorten?
I believe that photography will always have the power of capturing light at a unique moment in time.
Facing the evolution of art getting more and more digital and virtual, like AIs and hyperrealistic CGI, it gives me motivation to shoot more ‘authentic’ photography. Back to its roots, producing impactful images focused on genuine emotions, people and scenes.
Nevertheless I’m still very interested in digital arts and currently building a mixed media project with a 3D designer, Christina Worner, combining the power of photography with the endless possibilities of 3D.
‘Medusa’
‘Medusa’
“For me, creative collaboration is a great way to grow innovative and beautiful ideas. It gives strength to a project by combining multiple visions and different skills.”
can you share your process and ambitions behind one of the several images featured in this article?
Medusa, inspired by jellyfish – fascinating creatures. I wanted to visually represent how elegant they are but also on the other hand, how poisonous they can be. To be able to stage an underwater scene I used a dynamic and rich background with the help of a projector combined with a moody lighting. The ambition was to bring you underwater with her.
What does creative collaboration mean to you?
For me it's a great way to grow innovative and beautiful ideas. It gives strength to a project by combining multiple visions and different skills. Every person in the team bringing what they got on the table and pushing the project further.
What is one creative achievement you are most proud of, and what is the next creative challenge you are most looking forward to tackling?
I'm currently working with a brand new French music label called Paradis Improvisé. It's a unique experience I've been on for almost half a year now. I'm responsible for everything creative from, art direction, graphic design to photography of course. It's challenging and a beautiful opportunity for me as I've been offered to use all my skills with a lot of creative freedom. It started with building the label's visual identity, following with this incredible project being two collections of 14 piano solos from 14 wonderful pianists.
My next challenge will be definitely the collaboration with Christina Worner. Merging our worlds together, working with 3D, it all sounds very exciting. ✺
‘Aequilibrium’
Image credits
All art direction and photography by Laetitia Dumez
‘Atlas’ published in Hunger Magazine. Model: Camille Keovongsa at Elite, Stylist: Elizabeth Bernet, Mua: Laetitia Majer, Hairstylist: Anne-Catherine Sak
‘Mantis’ published in Overdue Magazine. Model: Hody Yim at MilLK, DOP: Will Gething, Stylist: Oliwia Jancerowicz, Stylist assistant: Maria Solowej, Mua: Jana Reininger, Hairstylist: Arisa Yamasaki, Sound designer: TAATI
‘Soulword’ published by Pap Magazine. Model: Maggie Jones, Stylist: Francesca Fanni, Hairstylist: Sabrina Lefebvre, Mua: Jana Reininger, Photo assistant: Erin Lee
‘Medusa’ published by Keyi Magazine. Model: Sarah Pearce at Lindenstaub, DOP: Jordi Castan, Stylist: Elizabeth Bernet, Mua: Zana Moses, Hairstylist: Marta Martineau,Photo assistant: Erin Lee, Stylist assistant: Victoria Singarjova
‘Aequilibrium’. Dancers: Evie Webzell, Luke Chandler, DOP: Will Gething,Moseley, Movement Director: Lee Jay Hoy, Sound Designer: TAATI, Stylist: Hannah Lewis, Mua: Simona Svantnerová, Hairstylist: Evelin Virág, Focus Puller: Benjy Kirkman, Gaffer: Josh Moseley
Find Laetitia online
www.laetitiadumez.com
@laetitiadumez
Discover more ideas
