Myriam Aadli

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

Myriam Aadli | Street Photographer

SPG's 11th installment of the interview series is back with another fantastic woman street photographer to our delight! French street photographer Myriam Aadli, someone who sees the world in black & white better than she does in colour. You will soon realise what we are talking about, as soon as you see the set of photographs she has shared with us for this interview! Here's a quick opportunity to gaze into the testimony that Myriam Aadli expresses better with her camera than with her English...

Myriam what is more important to you, the people or the surroundings? 

Myriam : People !

How would you define your style of street photography?

Myriam : Humanist!

Why and when did street photography become your THE thing? What exactly inspired you? 

Myriam : A photo is a privileged, decisive moment, a vector of encounters. As far back as my memory takes me, I have always felt the need to meet such encounters. An urgency to live in the present. Whether be it in an enclosed space like in the Parisian metro or abroad, my approach remains the same: it is in this connection that the journey takes place; A quick moment of levitation, where I know that I am in my place. I find my breath, my inspiration, my weightlessness, my adrenaline. In this adventure of wandering, I discovered the pleasure of patience. I started taking pictures as it became my necessity.

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

When you look deep within, did street photography change you? 

Myriam : Yes!

Myriam, is there any top list of tricks to succeed as a street photographer? Share some tips for people who are starting out on this genre . . .

Myriam : Share your work with other photographers in your network and exhibit your photographs in your network and in Galleries. Read more about photography and about photographers.

Is there anything beyond that camera for a street photographer ?

Stay close with the people , share with them . - Myriam Aadli

Is street photography your primary source of bread & butter?

Myriam : No, it is not.

Which camera(s) do you use? And what about your lenses and other accessories?

Myriam : I use Canon EOS R3 Lens 14-35mm / Leica Q3 28 mm

Which other street photographers’ work inspires you the most?

Myriam : Sébastien Salgadǒ , Steve Mc Curry, Lee Miller Annie Leibovitz

Any shot you missed and you must have taken? 

Myriam : There are lots I have missed!

Myriam, pick your own Top-3 street shots for all of us!

Myriam : Here they are . .

#1 "Rubber is not that elastic" "November 2024, I went to Cuba. Here in old Havana, here is a circus school, a thread between two different worlds. A place of resilience. Sport is very important in Havana for young and old alike, possibly a way out from the situation in Cuba". - Myriam Aadli

#2 : "Tattoos on the body, freedom in the head" In the street of Chinatown, I stopped in front of some young people with tattoos. One of them asked me for money ; I always keep a few things to offer people to people. The young man in the photo agreed. Once I've opened the packet ; All his friends surrounded me to get some sweets . Over there , ration coupons still apply. We all walked together to discover his neighbourhood, and that's when I clicked his photo." - Myriam Aadli

#3 : "If everything weren't so difficult" In old Havana , the streets are deserted, all that remains are the skeletons...abandoned people but always cheerful. In the photo this woman has dozed off, I'll never know where she come from. I left her a small bag of cereal bars and a water bottle." - Myriam Aadli

What is your word of caution to amateur street photographers?

Myriam : Take the time to approach people delicately. I recommend that you pick a wide angle lens, position yourself in a strategic location where there is good light and an interesting background to tell a story.

What NOT TO DO in street photography?

Myriam :  Don't be Impatient!

Do you believe that street photographers are travel photographers too? 

Myriam :  Yes, also, in my opinion, to testify.

What is your perspective on the relationship between Street Photography and Street documentary?

Myriam : It is very similar in my opinion. However, street photography does not necessarily have a social message to send.

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

Do you follow any composition technique by the books?

Myriam : No I don't.

Any project that you remember more than everything else?

Myriam : The streets of Kolkata and the old Havana. But am in love with India so Kolkata more.

Any location that you dream to cover next? Or any place that you would want to revisit?

Myriam :  India again and many more countries!

Another Kolkata fan I see Myriam! what makes you say “Wow!” when you see some other street photographers’ work? (and the reverse)

Myriam : Invisible technique that serve the emotion, the story and the commitment to people and empathy.

Street Photography (c) Myriam Aadli

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That is Myriam Aadli, a dear photographer, whom we got introduced earlier during the DOTSO Kolkata project and got very little time to know each other enough. We were destined to know Myriam better through this interview!

Myriam Aadli

You can connect with Myriam Aadli on Instagram

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