Atelier Photography

Originally from Paris, Jerome started his photography business, Atelier Photography, before moving to Australia with his wife in 2016

1. What do you miss most about France?

It's all about the food … cheese, bread, patisserie. And also the ability to have film developed a lot more cheaply than in Australia.

2. Tell us one thing about yourself that most people would be surprised by?

I don't like Champagne.

3. If you could photograph anyone in the world who would it be?

Someone who has a completely different life experience to me, for example a nomad in the Mongolian Steppe grasslands.

4. Where is your go-to place for coffee in Newcastle?

So many options, this city knows how to do good coffee, a particular favourite is The Umbrian on Hunter Street, tasty strong espresso and friendly team.

5. What is on the top of your bucket list?

I've always wanted to learn to fly.

6. What does a day off work look like?

I have an almost-two-year-old daughter who fills my days. When I am not working I am usually going for a family walk - we love to walk the Yuelarbah Track towards Glenrock Lagoon, or along one of the beaches.

7. What was the last photo shoot you did?

A home in Seal Rocks. Half of my business is architecture and interiors, which I also love.

8. If you could go on a free holiday tomorrow to anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I know it sounds cliché but, I'd drive the Route 66, with a bag full of films and my Leica.

9. What has been your worst experience as a photographer?

Months after a shoot, a client came back to me asking for their photos again as they had lost their copies. Unfortunately, I no longer had these images so I couldn't help them. Lesson learnt. Please print your photos or at least make sure to have usable backups saved!

10. What song best describes your work ethic?

Taking photos is not a serious job but it has to be done seriously. Nothing comes to mind at the moment but will have a think about it.

11. Pick two celebrities to be your parents.

Mick Jagger and Justin Vernon. I spent too much time growing up listening to the Stones, so for better or worse, Mick had a role in my upbringing! While Justin Vernon's music is the other end of the spectrum - the best of today in my opinion.

12. What is the hardest part about being a photographer?

When I see a photo and don't have a camera with me.

13. What is your signature dish to cook at home?

Probably a typical French dish I ate growing up called, Petit salé aux lentilles. It's a type of stew with sausages and lentils - best in winter with a glass of red wine.

14. Dogs or cats?

Tough question. As we currently live in an apartment, pets aren't really compatible. Also I like to be able to easily head away for the weekend with my cameras. I think pets need owners who have the time and space for them.

15. What is your favourite colour?

Blue

16. Running or Netflix?

I prefer sport to TV, but any sport on TV will do too. Currently the only running I get to do is after my daughter.

17. What is your spirit animal?

I confess I have never heard of this idea before - so I had to do a test online! Apparently I am a deer … oh DEER, (dad joke practice!).

18. How many languages do you speak?

I speak French all the time at home, English when not at home and Spanish if I am in Spain.

19. If you weren't a photographer, what would you be doing right now?

In a previous life I worked as an Accountant in Paris, I'd probably still be doing that if I hadn't taken a leap to try something different and start my business.

20. What question do you wish I had of asked but haven't? (feel free to then answer it)

What is a good photograph? 

Un provocateur d'émotions.