MATHIEU FORGET

Interview

Can you tell us about yourself and your learning path in photography?

I am a former athlete. I played tennis at a high level in France and then at a university in the US. In the meantime, I discovered hip-hop dance and its universe when I was 15 years old (dance, video, music), and I became passionate about it. I wanted to learn how to dance and do acrobatics so that one day I could be in his videos. My journey led me to the United States, where I discovered photography in New York with photographers I contacted over time to establish collaborations.

Finally, I learned photography on the job, and I continue to do so by observing, informing myself, and diversifying my creations in a self-taught way.

What kind of images were you looking at when you started?

When I discovered hip-hop, I watched the videos and tours of my favorite artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, B2K, and Justin Timberlake. Then the more I got interested in "street photography," the street photos in NY of different artists. I love the design and architecture photos that still inspire me today.

What are your main influences in painting and photography?

I was inspired by the photos of great artists like Philippe Halsman, Yves Klein, David Lachapelle, and Michael Kenna but also by the movements of some dancers, athletes, and artists captured in motion.

How would you define your style?

As an artist in motion, a dancer, photographer, and performer attracted to geometry, architecture, improvisation, and color. I am also captivated by the lightness and ease of the body. If I had a superpower, I would love to be able to fly.

I do motion and movement photography. I consider it almost like poetry in motion.

How do you find your inspiration?

A little bit of everything like today's designers, in my daily life through the places I visit, the trips I take, the encounters I have, or the outfits I wear. It's both everything and nothing. Social networks bring me a lot of inspiration too.

How do you design these images? Do you make sketches or storyboards?

I mainly improvise. However, I sometimes plan more in advance for big projects and collaborations. Still, it's primarily where I will create the images that inspire me. I conceive them by putting myself in the scene and trying out postures according to the luminosity and the available installations.

You have a background in sports and dance. Are your jumps totally improvised, or do they depend on the

environment?

Both. I adapt to my environment and use it as inspiration for my jumps. I improvise the postures according to the environment which surrounds me.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I mainly shoot with equipment from the Sony Alpha collection. Today I vary between the A7iii and the A7RIV. Then I use my iphone to capture small videos attached to my camera for the backstage for social networks. I like to vary with RED or Sony film cameras when I create films.

How do you work on the lighting of your images? Can you describe your setup?

I never use flash, only natural light. I also have assistants and photographers to look at other interesting angles, so I don't miss any opportunities.

What was your best photographic experience?

My last big project in Turkey will be released soon, especially for the landscapes, the diversity of our pictures, and the colors we discovered. I visited 5 cities in 2 weeks, and it was incredible.

Post-processing is an essential part of photography today. What kind of software do you use?

I mainly use the Adobe suite and especially Lightroom and Photoshop to work on my photos. For video, I use Première.

Do you have a post-processing workflow, and what type of software do you use?

Once the photos have been taken, I transfer them quickly to my computer (the same day or the next day). And then, when I have time, and the project is not imminent, I wait a little while before rediscovering the images later to take a step back and select the better ones.

Social media is probably the most important tool for promoting your work. Which one is best for you, and do you have a specific strategy for using it?

I strongly believe in the power of social media. I try to use them to the best of my ability, especially IG and Tik Tok, my main platforms. I got known thanks to social networks, and I think it's a great tool for artists today. IG is a showcase, very visual, where I can communicate with my community. But the buzz was especially on Tik Tok, which has more fun and spontaneous side where you see the backstage, which works very well for me. I'm also trying to diversify, and I'm in the middle of developing my Youtube account. During my travels, I am starting to make vlogs to explain the process of my shoots. I want the creations to be as transparent as possible.i also participate in podcasts when I have the opportunity to explain my background, my training, and my work in general.

Do you have any upcoming projects you want to talk about?

I currently have an exhibition of 36 works at Bercy village (court St-émilion) available until the end of April, which presents a small part of my work.as I mentioned, the project in Turkey will be my first exhibition abroad in collaboration with the French Institute of Turkey and other local sponsors. This exhibition will present the result of two weeks of traveling around the country in beautiful places. We are also preparing a future immersive and interactive exhibition in Paris. It will happen fall to showcase all my latest projects and present my work to the general public for the first time.otherwise, I continue to work on my professional projects with brands, create shootings in atypical and very architectural places, and establish regular collaborations with artists who inspire me, which diversifies my work.

Finally, do you have a tip or advice for aspiring photographers?

The eye of the photographer improves with practice. That's how you become better, learn by yourself, train when you have time, study the work of professionals to create your own style, and find your signature.

My body is also my work tool, and I think it is very important to take care of it. My advice for the passionate people who want to start is Passion, Perseverance, and Patience. Stay creative, don't hesitate to try many things, and meet new ideas to fly with your own wings.