7 Questions on Photography with Elizabeth Young
Elizabeth Young on Photography in Paris
Photographer Elizabeth Young has lived in Paris for half a decade. A native of the Bay Area, Young divides her time between New York and Paris where she hones in her craft within fashion and portrait photography. This may be why Young is able to see the beauty of Paris beyond adulating the lights of the Eiffel Tower. It’s the city’s Belleville area, known for being the gritty and artsy part of town, that embodies the best visual experience of her life in Paris. You know, life beyond the “Paris Pinterest Fantasy.” We spoke to Young, whose work has appeared in i-D, Vogue (Germany), Beaux Arts and Nylon, about photography and taking the perfect picture.
What brought you to Paris?
I’d been in NYC for a long time and was ready for a change and new challenges. The opportunity to live in Paris came up so I thought I’d try it out. Being in a new city is stimulating and inspiring. I’ve always loved Paris for the light, the history; The appreciation and respect for craftsmanship; The quality, the beauty and tradition. For me, Bill Cunningham’s statement “Paris educates the eye” is very true.
If you could pick any visual representation of Paris through the eyes of Elizabeth Young, what monument, place, museum, arrondissement or site would you say embodies your experience?
My neighborhood, Belleville, embodies my experience for many reasons. I've always been interested in the revolving door between NYC and Paris and the similarities between the two cities. The neighborhood reminds me of when I lived in NYC's East Village and LES during the late 90s. The neighborhoods were an interesting, lively mix of people and cultures. Belleville also reminds me of my childhood as The Red Balloon, a 1957 children's film, was filmed here and in Ménilmontant. Many of the scenes left a great impression on my childhood self due to the quality of the light, colors, buildings and camera angles. When I first moved to the neighborhood, I couldn't figure out why it seemed so familiar. Then I realized it was because of the film.
I also love that Belleville offers an organic food co-op, third-wave coffee roaster, and an artisan boulangerie; along with the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, as well as the one euro store. The restaurants are just as varied. Modern, new restaurants and old-school places exist side by side. My summer French class' term project was to create a newspaper. During my research, I found a New York Times story about Belleville written in the late 80s. The author's description could easily apply to Belleville of today. It's still a diverse, ever-evolving mix of humanity.
What are your favorite types of photographs to take?
For work: fashion and portraits. For personal: whatever catches my eye and inspires me at that moment.
[Editor’s Note: You can view Elizabeth’s daily camera view on her instagram page.]
What type of equipment do you like shooting with? Why?
My choice of equipment depends on the circumstances and the end goal. For me, cameras - digital or analog - are just a tool. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. At work, the choice depends on the client’s budget, direction, end goal and timeline. On my own time, I love film but I also love the ease and convenience of digital. But at the end of the day, the equipment is meaningless if the photographer has zero vision and point of view. A photographer with vision and a unique point of view can take a beautiful photograph with any camera.
What's the best advice you ever received on taking the perfect picture?
I’ve always loved Alexey Brodovitch’s quote, “If you see something you have seen before, don't click the shutter.” The world is oversaturated with images these days. I always think of this quote and try to make my contributions worthwhile.
What are some mistakes to avoid when taking a picture?
There are no mistakes! Mistakes can lead to the most beautiful image.
Who are your favorite french or expat photographers? Why?
I love how Sarah Moon (French fashion photographer) described searching for the right moment to click the shutter. She talked about being on a shoot, walking around and around the model, looking for just the right moment. Wondering if she’d find it and then the satisfaction of finding it. I also think of her quote every time I take a picture.
Correction: An earlier version stated Vogue (Italy).