Sultry, fashionable, and decidedly French, the work of Thierry Joubert has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, and you name it. His unique artistic voice draws editors and couples to him, and his philosophy about life keeps him happy even during times of struggle. Thierry is a fascinating person with provocative work and I am thrilled to share some of his thoughts and photographs from his WBWP portfolio here.

Blair:

Hello, Thierry. How are you during these crazy times?

Thierry:

I am well. It’s hard for all of us during Covid-19. We have to change the way we live. 

The word freedom is gaining all its importance today. It's time to take stock of our lives and know that they are our priorities.

Blair:

I am fascinated by your intimate, moody style. I am wondering if you would tell our readers when you first picked up a camera and what influenced you to have the artistic voice that you have now.

Thierry:

The first time I used a camera I was in the army, in the French Special Forces during the Balkan conflict. My mission was to collect intelligence at night about enemy positions with a film camera.That was my 1st connection with photography, film, and maybe an important detail, with black and white.

When I left the army I started shooting street photography because I wanted a connection with others but I still stood at a distance behind my lens. Then in 2012, I made the decision to find as much love and beauty in the world with my camera as I could, and I became a wedding photographer. It opened my heart and now my work is all about real connections. If you stay real about who you are, you will attract incredible humans who will love your art and change your life. 

Blair

What helps you keep that perspective through life’s ups and downs? 

Thierry

As always, I get up every morning early and go to the ocean and jump in. When I am swimming I am in another world and when I am done I am ready to have my day.

I also love traveling alone, I meet people from all over the world and have fascinating conversations and connections. I look forward to going again but I am grateful for the slow pace and creativity that is part of this current experience.

Blair: 

Swimming in the Bay of Biscay sounds cold and wonderful and I couldn’t agree more about traveling alone.

Blair:

What are shooting with now and what lenses to you have to take with you?

Thierry:

I’ve been shooting with Nikon since 1996. I always use my 2 D850’s and 4 lenses, the 24,35,50 and 85. The 35 and 85 are essential.

Blair:

Can you tell us about some artists that inspire you?

I am inspired by Helmut Newton and Yves Saint Laurent for what they created, both with their natural talents and incredible minds.

Blair

What advice would you give couples and photographers right now? 

Thierry

Stay creative. Find happiness in the simple pleasures, walk in the forest, swim in the ocean, connect with people, it doesn’t cost anything. When this is  over, and you’re healthy we will all celebrate again. Don’t try to be someone else. You can’t, it’s impossible. Just try to be yourself, you’ll be different and the most important, unique.

Blair

Thank you for sharing your real self with me. I hope you stay well, creative, and happy in months and years ahead.