Evocation

Benoit Linero sees himself as both witness and actor in his street photography. He spoke with us about how he deals with matter, how he feels when he goes “hunting”, and how important observation and self-confidence are for a photographer.

LFI: What is it that fascinates you about photographing on the street?
Benoit Linero: To force chance, to witness the moment; I consider this moment to be privileged… Being both the witness and the actor, mixing reality with fiction. A form of "truth" truncated by fantasy.

Do you always have you camera with you?
I rarely have my device on me when I'm not working – except when I'm on vacation. I need some conditioning to be active, to go on a "hunt". I feel sharper during my photographic ramblings. I don't want to suffer the moment but rather provoke it.

What kind of equipment do you use?
I use the SL2 with SL and M lenses for my work as well as my personal photos. I loved my M 240 and M10P cameras and my Q2, but in the end I found the perfect balance between minimalist and professional in my SL2. I can do anything; it takes a little longer, but now I just can't do without it.

What skill do you consider the most important for a photographer?
One very important thing is of course observation; but above all introspection, trusting yourself, being spontaneous and accepting a small amount of the unknown and of error.

Please complete the following sentence: “Photography is…
… my obsession. It is vital; it is the marker of my life.”