1. Can you please introduce yourself, tell us where you’re from, and how long you’ve shot on film?
Hi! my name is Thomas Davtin, I’m an artist photographer from Paris. Analog photography is something I’ve been doing from the beginning of my career. My father gave me my first camera when I was 7, an old Konika TC and I never gave up since then.
2. Why do you like to shoot on film?
Analog allows me to work on a support that makes me feel something, the grain, the volumes are something that give more intensity to my photos. The thing I also like with analog, is the fact that a lot of people are involved in the development process, with different artistic souls giving birth to my art. The choice of the film is also key. Each project his film, I love to play around this.
3. What’s your favorite gear to use (camera, lens, film) ?
Asking for my favourite film is kinda intrusive in my opinion! (laughs). I dont really have a favourite camera I guess. Both of my Canon F1 New and my BronicaSQB are complementary. But if I had to choose, I would pick the medium format. I love wide angles lenses, 20mm for the full frame and between 40mm and 60mm on the Bronica. About film, Kodak Porta400 is my choice for coloured shoots. I also use the 400TX for my monochrome shoots. These are my main films, but I do sometimes use Cinestill 800 tungsten and Fuji Pro 400, they are both a great choice.
4. Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
My favourite souvenir was the photo of a child I took in Ouakam, in Dakar’s suburbs, Senegal. I was far from home, by myself, in a place I didn’t know much about. I knew from the beginning that this photo was going to be THE keeper of my travel. Behind me shooting, they were about 10 childs were kindly making fun of the little boy I was shooting.
5. Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs?
First, it is very important to me to put the emphasis on what the person in front of my camera truly is. Her soul! I want to give confidence to my models, I want them to feel great, and proud of who they are. Regarding how I think when taking a photo, I need to have a background that fits with the subject. Both of these elements can’t work separately. I try to share feelings through my photos, express myself without talking.
You can see more of Thomas’s photos here.Give him a follow on instagram @thomas.davtin
