How would you position these new units in the current market of studio lights? Are you still on the lookout for new products which come onto the market in the photography world, for example?
The market is increasingly competitive, without a doubt, but at the same time it’s opening up and becoming more accessible. This is an interesting product because of its high quality but anyone, even an enthusiast who is just starting out, could work the ELC Pro HD thanks to its easy-to-use nature. So yes, it’s expensive but you can’t have a light which gives powerful and quick flashes without a bit of technology behind it. Personally, between the moment you experience photography and the moment that you have units which work, you don’t necessarily take much time looking if the competition has a product which flashes XYZ times faster(especially when it's only at very low power!). That said, I admit that I’m a little reticent about studio lights, because I’m so used to my Quadra battery system but what I can say is that these units have really tempted me. The power/speed relationship is really very good for my purposes. I don’t have this obsession with buying the best product in the world; I need the best flash for what I do and the technology in others simply doesn’t relate to me. To finish, it’s worth mentioning the stability of the colour temperature. It’s a key factor in a purchase for me, and it’s also one of the reasons why I work with Elinchrom units. As I often work fast, sometimes very fast (1-2 minutes maximum), especially with celebrities, my units have to work like clockwork at every level, even the most demanding, and for that the stability of the colour temperature on the ELC Pro HD is faultless.
On the subject of accessories, what do you particularly like, what are your latest purchases, fancies or things you dream to buy?
As I travel a lot, size is a key factor. My favourite softbox is the Rotalux 70x70 cm, a small Rotalux, and I do almost everything with it. I also have the Octabox 135, these are the two softboxes which follow me everywhere. Items I dream of buying? I don’t know. I grew up with it, I’m not that attached to it any more. I just need good, reliable equipment like Elinchrom or Hasselblad, and after that what counts and what makes me dream is finding good projects that will show off a load of stuff.
Could you talk to us a bit about your next projects which are close to your heart?
I’m currently working on a Street Art project but based on light rather than the picture. I’m calling it Street Art 2.0, that is I’m using light – what could be more logical when you’re a photographer? I’m planning portraits or pictures which always have a basis in photography but which bring in new things, which is what being an artist is for me.
Finally, do you have any kind of message to pass on to future aspiring photographers who would like to get started?
Do it, do it, do it!