Meet Michel Bricteux, member of the selection committee of eyephoneography #1

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After enjoying the insight and opinions of Darren Milligan and Sally Gutiérrez Dewar, it’s a pleasure to introduce you the third member of the selection committee for the inaugural show of eyephoneography.

Who are you?

Michel Bricteux. I was born in Belgium in 1962 and I studied Political Sciences at the Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve. As a diplomat, I had successive postings in Zimbabwe, South Africa, United States and Spain (presently). I’m married and have three girls.

If I hadn’t embraced the diplomatic career earlier on, I would today  probably be trying to make a living  as a (humanist) photographer. I have nonetheless been fortunate enough to combine both my professional interests and artistic passion, as my extensive traveling allows for numerous photo opportunities. A business card in one hand and a camera in the other.Why did you accept to be a part of eyephoneography?

Out of curiosity at first!  With the age of digital photography, things are evolving exponentially, both in terms of technical improvements and people’s approach to image. On a technical level, I can’t help it but try to stay in sync with the latest developments enhancing both the quality (hi-res full frame sensors, combined with powerful image processors) and the usability/portability of image capturing devices.  In spite of a pronounced interest for high resolution photography requiring cumbersome gear, I could not help but be intrigued by the results achieved by some “alternative photographers” using ubiquitous phone cameras.

Which is your favorite image from each of the four photographers included in this first show and why?

Greg Schmigel, The face of a woman

It really epitomizes my conception of mobile photography as it expresses dynamism in the composition and tension in the capture, echoed by the tense expression of the subject’s face. Reminiscent of Willy Ronis “Le petit parisien (1952)”, Robert Doisneau and Cartier Bresson.

Marco La Civita, Bumpy ride

Once again, B&W composition! Very graphical, the bow shape of the bended wheel is intriguing, the metal rendering is superb in its reflections. Clair obscur atmosphere adds to the drama.

Miss Pixels, Get Down

For its dynamic, graphic yet minimalist composition. Also liked the contrast between the interior warm colors and the cold blueish outside scene appearing through the window.  As if the oblique handrail was there to lead us from one atmosphere to the other.

Sion Fullana, Waiting for a text message that doesn’t come

B&W photography has always been my favorite as it takes away color distraction and brings the focus on the composition and on the subject. The slightly tilted framing adds to the off-balanced atmosphere.  Love the expression on the face which, if it weren’t for the mobile phone in the lower right corner, could be interpreted as resignation, solitude and sadness.How long have you known of mobile photography?

Talented and world acclaimed photographer Chase Jarvis was my first introduction to mobile photography a couple of years ago. His motto “The Best Camera Is The One That’s with You” made me think about all these photo opportunities lost to the fact that I had no camera on hand.  With the introduction of its IPhone, Apple gave some credentials to mobile photography and therefore picked my interest.Where do you think mobile photography is going?

Mobile photography has the enormous advantage of its ubiquity, combined with a non-conventional aesthetic approach taking traditional photography off-balance. Moving away from academic composition rules and sometimes complex technical considerations, mobile photography sets your mind and personal vision free : capture the moment, follow your instinct seem to be its modus operandi. Something comparable to the recent revival of Lomography. My only concern with mobile photography remains its relatively low resolution as it prevents from reaching large size printing, a condition, in my opinion, necessary for sharing one’s artistic vision. No doubt that technical progress will soon be answering this particular concern.
With the appearance of some inspiring icons on the world imaging scene, I am convinced that mobile photography will be getting its “lettres de noblesse”

You can visit Michel’s blog at http://michelbricteuxphotography.blogspot.com
He is also a regular contributor to www.dpreview.com/challenges and www.thedigitalstory.com.

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