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Authenticity rather than filter
Authenticity rather than filter
Mathieu Bitton
November 15, 2024
The connection between the photographer and the model is decisive – Mathieu Bitton offers proof of this at every single photo shoot. The combination of his technical precision and psychological sensitivity have made him one of the most sought-after, celebrity photographers, whose images are captivating due to their particular authenticity. He offers us a glimpse into the way he works.
LFI: What are some of the key technical and creative considerations you have to balance, when directing a model during a studio or location photo shoot?
Mathieu Bitton: My very first thing is to make the person feel at home and comfortable with me. So I’ll always make jokes and ask questions about them, make sure the music I’m playing is gonna be right for the vibe, find out what their passions are. Then I have to make sure the light and environment is perfect for the shot. Make sure I have a cart with three or four cameras to get the different looks I want to get. I usually have various lenses so that’s always easier in a studio; if I’m out on location and I don’t have a production truck, then I’ll just pick three cameras and three lenses that will be strapped around my neck. What I often do is to say that I’m gonna get a couple of test shots to see how everything looks, so they don’t have to worry about really posing for the final pictures: very often those shots will be the ones that get used because the person is not thinking about “working” yet.
You've photographed many iconic artists and actors. How do you create a trusting atmosphere that allows even the most photographed celebrities to reveal new, unseen sides of their personality?
I believe it all has to do with my personality, my passion, and my admiration for talent and artistry. The stars I photograph often tell me the same thing: They can see my passion in the photos, and the results show them in a way they've never seen themselves before. “You captured the real me” – I hear that a lot. Some artists even say they feel uncomfortable with how raw and real the photos are. This happens because celebrities usually hide behind pictures and only project a personality they can fully control. I'm quite proud that I can break through this barrier. Lastly, because I have to really know and understand my subjects, I tend to get close with these people and work with them on a consistent basis.
Do you have a favourite camera setup that you particularly enjoy working with for model photography?
I always have my M10 Monochrom and 50 Summilux or Noctliux nearby… for fashion editorials, a combination of the SL3 with 24-90mm or 50mm and ProFoto lights has helped me achieve very glamorous results.
These days, many celebrity photos are heavily edited and staged. Your photos stand out because they show a natural, unfiltered side. How do you get your celebrity subjects to let their guard down and show their authentic selves?
I have definitely had situations where a certain celebrity will post my photos and retouch them on their own with iPhone apps like FactTune. That drives me crazy! If anything, if you don’t like something on your face or your hands, maybe just ask me to fix it and I’ll consider it if it’s not a major overall filter. As you see in these photos here, I also like to use natural effects such as a chandelier or prism, drinking glasses or anything nearby, to add a little bit of a surreal or dreamy effect. I definitely don’t mind refreshing obvious things like the blemish or a hair running across someone’s eye or nose – that’s fine for me. I just don’t want the person to suddenly look like a Kardashian. I'm a big believer and natural beauty. This can be very hard to convince people of these days.
Danilo RößgerLFI: What are some of the key technical and creative considerations you have to balance, when directing a model during a studio or location photo shoot?
Mathieu Bitton: My very first thing is to make the person feel at home and comfortable with me. So I’ll always make jokes and ask questions about them, make sure the music I’m playing is gonna be right for the vibe, find out what their passions are. Then I have to make sure the light and environment is perfect for the shot. Make sure I have a cart with three or four cameras to get the different looks I want to get. I usually have various lenses so that’s always easier in a studio; if I’m out on location and I don’t have a production truck, then I’ll just pick three cameras and three lenses that will be strapped around my neck. What I often do is to say that I’m gonna get a couple of test shots to see how everything looks, so they don’t have to worry about really posing for the final pictures: very often those shots will be the ones that get used because the person is not thinking about “working” yet.
You've photographed many iconic artists and actors. How do you create a trusting atmosphere that allows even the most photographed celebrities to reveal new, unseen sides of their personality?
I believe it all has to do with my personality, my passion, and my admiration for talent and artistry. The stars I photograph often tell me the same thing: They can see my passion in the photos, and the results show them in a way they've never seen themselves before. “You captured the real me” – I hear that a lot. Some artists even say they feel uncomfortable with how raw and real the photos are. This happens because celebrities usually hide behind pictures and only project a personality they can fully control. I'm quite proud that I can break through this barrier. Lastly, because I have to really know and understand my subjects, I tend to get close with these people and work with them on a consistent basis.
Do you have a favourite camera setup that you particularly enjoy working with for model photography?
I always have my M10 Monochrom and 50 Summilux or Noctliux nearby… for fashion editorials, a combination of the SL3 with 24-90mm or 50mm and ProFoto lights has helped me achieve very glamorous results.
These days, many celebrity photos are heavily edited and staged. Your photos stand out because they show a natural, unfiltered side. How do you get your celebrity subjects to let their guard down and show their authentic selves?
I have definitely had situations where a certain celebrity will post my photos and retouch them on their own with iPhone apps like FactTune. That drives me crazy! If anything, if you don’t like something on your face or your hands, maybe just ask me to fix it and I’ll consider it if it’s not a major overall filter. As you see in these photos here, I also like to use natural effects such as a chandelier or prism, drinking glasses or anything nearby, to add a little bit of a surreal or dreamy effect. I definitely don’t mind refreshing obvious things like the blemish or a hair running across someone’s eye or nose – that’s fine for me. I just don’t want the person to suddenly look like a Kardashian. I'm a big believer and natural beauty. This can be very hard to convince people of these days.
Stills taken from a video by Gajan Balan
LFI 8.2024+-
Find Mathieu Bittons Paris Blues-portfolio in LFI Magazine 8.2024. More
Mathieu Bitton+-
The photographer is one of the most undisputed representatives of his craft. After spending his childhood in Paris, he moved to the United States when he was 14 years old – first to Los Angeles, then New York four years later. His passion for art and music led him to photography. Bitton’s oeuvre includes portraits, liefestyle and travel photos, though he has lost his heart to concert photography. More
