Behind the Lens - Pierre François D
Meet our second feature for Behind the Lens, Pierre François D. So let's take a look at the Nordic Lens community's last winner of 2023 and discover the stories behind his favorite photos.
Welcome to the second issue of Behind the Lens, a series that shines the spotlight on the talented artists of our Nordic Lens community. This series delves into the work and perspectives of one member at a time, offering a unique glimpse into the diversity of our community.
In contrast to traditional interview formats, Behind the Lens empowers artists to showcase their creativity and share the stories behind their favorite photographs.
After all, who better to narrate the tale than the person behind the lens?
What is Behind the Lens?
At the heart of Behind the Lens is a simple concept: Community members share their favorite photos and provide insights into why these images hold special meaning.
This opportunity allows us to explore the depth and richness of our community through the lens of its creators.
Those featured in the series have the freedom to choose works that resonate deeply, whether they're recent creations, all-time favorites, personal or professional, or a combination of all four. This flexibility ensures a genuine representation of each artist's journey and evolution within the community and beyond.
There are limitations to it, however—they must do it in 5 photos or less. This adds a personal, authentic, and intriguing touch. It compels them to choose and encourages them to be as mindful as possible about their favorite photos.
Behind the Lens is not your average interview series as it is consciously kept as personal as possible to preserve authenticity, the focus is solely on the photographers and their photos.
This fosters a more personal connection between the community and its members, allowing us to appreciate the richness of talent within Nordic Lens.
By offering a platform for members to share their favorite photos and personal insights behind them, Behind the Lens aims to inspire, connect, and deepen appreciation for the community's exceptional pool of talent.
Unlike the bi-weekly photo challenges that highlight the best submissions, Behind the Lens celebrates the authenticity of individual expression.
Our feature for this week is Pierre François D, whose work embodies the beauty and rawness that we strive to capture in this series.
So let's welcome Pierre and have him introduce us to his favorite photos.
I’m a writer and photographer and i like to use a combination of two languages to tell stories about this strange world we live in. I like to trust both texts and images equally. Often in my projects, words are not a description of the image, and the photographs do not serve as an illustration: like the singer's voice and the guitar, the two languages work together to tell a story.
Originally from Belgium, I am based in Lisboa, Portugal, after a few good years in London, UK. I’m self-taught when it comes to photography. I mostly shoot digital, but i also have a Lomography Lubitel 166 (medium format), which really serves more as a conversation-starting machine since people have often stopped me in the street to ask what the hell i was doing with that.
I love photobooks and I dream of one day running a small library and café where folks could come to chill and browse books.
Find Pierre on: Instagram and his Website
Explore his latest work: the drama on the stage within, an ebook seamlessly weaving photography and short free-form text.
Additionally, consider ordering a printed copy of his captivating photo featuring concrete and light, a highlight from the aforementioned book. It's truly a stunning piece – you won't regret putting it up on your wall.
Pierre’s Favorite Photos
I'd like to start with this one, from 2017, which is special to me for two reasons. First, it is from a trip during which i first had the intuition that i should move to Lisbon, where i now live. And it is the first of my images that was shown in an exhibition.
In 2017, the London office of Magnum teamed up with the Print Space to organise what they called a Swap Shop: the 200 selected images (from thousands of entries) were exhibited and participants could swap prints with each other.
It was a thrill to see my photo on the wall, and i loved the idea of exchanging photos.
During the June popular festivities in Lisbon, streets are packed (think of a sardine can), which means you need to shoot fast and close to people (27mm lens on the Fuji x-t3, equivalent to 35 mm).
It is like swimming in the crowd. It is exhilarating - it can be exhausting too.
In this image, i wanted to show some of the people who are working hard while the dense crowds are eating, drinking, dancing and laughing. I generally prefer black and white (except when colour is a key element of the image i'm trying to make).
Students were demonstrating against the government's inaction in relation to climate change and at some point they tried to enter into an official building where the minister for environment was holding a meeting.
I am interested in protests and people demanding social progress, when democracy comes alive in the streets. I try and pay attention the complexity of events and the individual stories within a larger event.
This image is from a street market in Lisbon but it evokes a sail ship, which makes an interesting contrast with the building in the background.
It is part of a series where i also show sellers and buyers, but i like this image because it says a lot about the urban context and the market itself.
Sometimes, you need to let go of control in order to achieve a particular image you have in mind. And in any case, photography should remain at least a little playful, something fun.
I think the motion blur adds depth to this image: it transforms the entrance of a market into a mysterious portal. Here, colors are very important.
I wrote about this image in a post you can find here.
Thank You Pierre!
Pierre’s approach – candid, honest and familiar. This approach not only feels authentic but also brings the world to life in the photos. Something that can be hard to do.
Behind the Lens aims to showcase the authenticity of Nordic Lens members, whether it's through unfiltered photos, professionally edited works, or nostalgic memories and Pierre hits the ball out of the park with his candid and authentic photos.
I want to provide a platform for community members to express themselves honestly, personally, or professionally, revealing what makes them tick.
I am incredibly grateful to Pierre for accepting my invitation and for continuing this series so strongly.
His work is inspirational, and I can't wait to explore the creativity of more Nordic Lens members through Behind the Lens.
Don't forget to subscribe to Pierre's publication, Tales of Ink and Light, and be sure to give him a follow on Instagram.
Explore his latest work: the drama on the stage within, an ebook seamlessly weaving photography and short free-form text.
Additionally, consider ordering a printed copy of his captivating photo featuring concrete and light, a highlight from the aforementioned book. It's truly a stunning piece – you won't regret putting it up on your wall.
The next issue of Behind the Lens will be published on February 11. To find out who the next person is, you'll have to wait and see.
 | A guest post by
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Love your work Pierre! The color in that last photo with your blur, perfection.
I really like Pierre’s Instagram page. It inspires me. I’m often told that I write about my photos as well and that’s what makes my photos stand out more. I like the way he has taking his words and put them as an overlay on his photos as a slideshow to reveal the photos. and that way in your own folders on your computer, your words are also preserved with the photo.