Petzval LomoAmigo: The Comeback of Diane Sagnier!

Perhaps you already know this young and beautiful woman? Yes, you’re right: she was one of our previous LomoAmigos! This time around, Diane Sagnier tried the Petzval Art Lens with her analog Nikon camera. Let’s find out more about her work in this exclusive interview!

Name: Diane Sagnier
City: Paris
Camera: Nikon FM2 + Petzval Art Lens

Hello Diane! Please tell us more about yourself.

Hello, I’m a French-American photographer and director. I’m passionate about pictures, music, and the surprise of the unknown. I want to discover the different [sights] from all around the world and be inspired by the glances of people that surround me.

You are already a member of the LomoAmigo family (article here). What have you been up to since?

A lot of different things! I’m getting more and more fashion[-related] works, and I’ve shot plenty of new artists. I’ve discovered Cape Town, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New Zealand, etc. I realized some fashion publications, reports, and personal projects. All of this became a pretext to tak[ing] pictures. And sometimes I linked photography with music. I immersed myself on the video when I was in crazy adventures: report[ing] music live, videos clips, diary films, or fashion films. I remember the project with the LomoKino—it was my first 25 frames-per-second film.

You shoot with analog and digital cameras. For you, what are the differences between the two in regard to your personal style?

I always have a film camera in my bag for memories, and my digital camera for the rest! I reserve the analog for some specific projects where I’m searching a particular texture, without pressure [from] the customer or [a] dramatic deadline. I do not touch the scans; it is a very natural process.

For fashion shoots, personal [work], or ads, I always like to use digital: [it’s] very handy, but it needs some revisions. I do not really look after [difference in style]. My equipment has the same features, in digital and in analog: objectives, sweet film that is close to my digital settings, my gaze. The difference between the two is really the mystery and eagerness of waiting for development, tangible representation of colors. Film gives even more importance to the captured moments.

How are your photo shoots in general?

It really depends. I have different [approaches] depending on the project and conditions. I can work alone with a subject, but also with [a bigger] production team. It’s refreshing to approach things differently.

What did you think about the Petzval Art Lens the first time you saw it ?

I find it rather shiny and robust. A little heavy for my taste but I was eager to see the results.

Could you please tell us more about your experience in shooting with this lens?

I loved to capture portraits with the Petzval, and the depth of field is really rich. I didn’t have a good experience from the night but I loved to play with the bokeh effect thanks to diaphragm and the lights of the 9th district streets.

These are all my favorite ones!

Tell us about the series that you shot. Do you have a favorite picture?

I shot a portrait of a musician friend, Bosco DelRey. I thought the effects of the psychedelic lights and materials would be [complemented] by the lens. I also tested it during the day with a friend, tattoo artist Lamine, at the opening of his shop in Reaumur Sebastopol. In the rain I want to say, boys do not cry!

Do you have some tips for people who want to use it the analog way?

Make sure to have the depth of field [aperture plates] with which to play. Or for bokeh effect, make sure to find points of light.

What are you projects for 2015?

I told you about three years ago [about] my love for music. It’s kind of a new part in my life, so I started the adventure with my band, Camp Claude. I’ll continue my photo projects [and] videos because my inspiration is here. We’ll see how it goes!

My website: dianesagnier.com
Analog Diary: dianesagnier.tumblr.com
My music: campclaude.tumblr.com

2015-04-15 #Gens #paris #lomoamigo #diane-sagnier #petzval-art-lens #lomography-france #petzval-lomoamigo