| Sandrine lives and works in the southwest of France, between Bordeaux and the Basque Country. A photographer specializing in architecture, she took all the photos of Villa Sion, the new headquarters of Alaena Cosmetics. Meet her. |
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What is your background?
I am an architect and art historian by training. I now work as a photographer specializing in architecture. After graduating from high school, I began studying art history and archaeology, then enrolled at the Bordeaux School of Architecture, where I earned my architectural diploma while continuing my studies in art history.
What place does photography have in your life?
Photography and architecture occupy an essential place in my life. I've always loved taking photos. When I was little, my mother bought me a disposable camera for school trips. Much later, when she bought herself a small digital camera, she gave me her old Konica Film camera. It was a very simple camera, which didn't require any adjustments other than framing. I always had it with me. And then little by little, I upgraded the equipment, to have more sophisticated tools and continue to learn how to use them. Then, one report led to another, and it became my profession. And more than a profession, it's a way of life.
Villa Sion - What did this place evoke in you?
Villa Sion is a testament to the grandeur of Biarritz at the end of the 19th century. It reminds me of Villa Natacha, located on the same street, where the garden is often used for architectural events. The Beaurivage district is home to many hidden architectural gems and completely unexpected spaces. The magic of my job is having the chance to discover them.
How did your meeting with the Alaena team go?
I met Chloé (e-commerce customer service manager at Alaena) while studying art history at the university 17 years ago. Alaena didn't even exist yet! We had a wonderful day together. The whole team was fantastic!
What is your relationship with places/objects?
Places evoke an emotion in those who visit them. This emotion can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. And sometimes several emotions can emerge together. What I try to convey in my images is the atmosphere, the spirit of the places photographed. That indescribable something that characterizes this space. Objects also have the power to arouse emotions and contribute in their own way to creating an atmosphere. I use them to shape space, or to inhabit it, like a silent presence, but the bulk of my research revolves around space.
What are your future projects?
This new year promises to be eventful. I've just arrived in Germany, where I'm spending three months on an architectural photography research grant. The goal will be to develop a contextual photography project for the city of Munich. This research will result in two exhibitions, one in Munich and the other in Bordeaux.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is found in everything around us. Art history also offers an infinite source of inspiration, and I often refer to it. I must say that the Basque Country and Basque culture inspire me a lot, not necessarily directly, but for example, I have a fascination for the sky and fast-moving clouds, for mountains and rocks, the ocean and horizons, but also the rural world.
Photo credit: Sandrine Iratçabal