Interview With Audrey Demat

How long have you lived in Rome? 

Five years.

Where are the top places you traveled and photographed in the world?

European cities Amalfi, London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid.

Who was your top influence / teacher of photography?

Nowadays we are surrounded by images from everywhere, so I watch pictures of many photographers on the web. As a young photographer I am inspired by different photographers (as I am still in search of my own style). I got inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson for the sense of composition.

I used to read guides of photography like a French magazine Phototech.

What is the trickiest part about doing photography in Rome?

The herds of people, the huge traffic, the cars, the rubbish.

What is your favorite thing to shoot in Rome?

The facades of the buildings with their variety of textures and colors. My emphasis is mainly on reactions to human behavior and a strong attraction to the beauty in nature and in architecture shapes.

Who are favorite photographers?

Since I am sensitive about nature and environment I am touched by photographers that bring out the complex relationship between humans and the environment: for example Stuart Franklin.

Specifically in street photography I lIke Vivian Maier. Her images inspire, in their simplicity and beauty of everyday life.

Regarding the architecture photography Lucien Hervé is one of my favorites; big contrast, shades and light, geometry. He is the photographer of architecture, humans, and beauty of details.

What are your go-to cameras?

I am still working with a reflex Canon 7D Mark II but I am thinking of passing to a mirrorless Fuji for the street photography.

What time of day do you prefer to shoot?

I like the peacefulness of the early morning to shoot in Rome as from 10 am the city begins to get crowded. The light is soft. The blue hour is also very suggestive as the colors of the buildings are more saturated and the spotlights give a nice contrast effect with the blue of the sky.

Are there any places or monuments in Rome that are harder than others to get good shots?

All monuments are difficult to shoot during the day due to the herds of people. The main spots like the Pantheon are always crowded so if you want avoid people in your photo you need to get there at 6 a.m.

What should someone visiting Rome simply not miss?

You should not miss the neighborhood of Trastevere or the Aventine neighborhood.

Please share your personal favorite shot of Rome and why.

I like the range of colors of this picture and the rays of light from the street lamps, picture taken just after the sunset at the blue hour.

Where can one see your photography?

On my Facebook page Audrey Demat Photography, and the website, which will come soon.

Finally, where is your favorite place for gelato in Rome?

Fiordiluna in Trastevere