Romain Laurendeau (France)
Romain learned photography at the ETPA, in Toulouse, the town where he still lives. He recovered from a disease that almost made him blind; his strength may come from that. In 2009, a corneal transplantation saved his sight and his life; with photography, he felt he was reborn. Since then, he has been constantly documenting the world and has also been working on corporate assignments and with artist residencies now and then.
He considers photography as a global medium. Whether he asks artistic questions or feels like telling stories about others and the world, his approach remains the same. He will always try to build and develop his photographic vision, which he wants to be as personal as possible.
My various documentary assignments have taught me to develop my way of working. I like what I call "immersion". It simply means living with your subject, gaining acceptance. Each time, I see it as a unique and infinitely rich experience. When I’m “immersed”, I’m alternately a witness of my subject and a player.
When I’m a witness and people trust me enough, they can forget about me and then, I can take pictures with a deep sincerity that cannot be questioned.
So I needed a camera that could also be discreet, a camera that could capture moments without breaking the trust I was given. In fact, it is just a matter of respect.
Equipped with my favourite single focal length lens, the X100 definitely meets my expectations: it is small, discreet, offers quiet shutter release, the flexibility of digital photography and outstanding image quality. I’m thrilled that a manufacturer thought about developing this camera which I think reconnects to a certain philosophy of photography.
