Max Lévine
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I have been interested in photography for a long time, and I began as a professional photographer 3 years ago. I
2. Where did you study photography?
I am totally self-taught, I started with a first camera, then a second one, some lenses. With each new acquisition, I think and try to push my limits further.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
Yes, I must have been 7 or 8 years old and I enjoyed my summer holidays and my first camera (a beautiful disposable camera with about 20 exposures) to immortalize my Leonberg dog who was enjoying himself during a mountain trek. The framing was more than approximate but the photo virus was caught!
4. What equipment do you use?
I have trusted Canon for years, and in the field, I can have absolute confidence in my equipment.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
What do I want to achieve? Trying to make sure that each photo tells its own story and conveys as closely as possible the unique moment and atmosphere that characterized it.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I often don't know if a photo affects me for what it is or for the moment it reminds me of. I am particularly satisfied when a person who has not lived that moment can feel on the photo what I had in mind when I took it. When this happens, I am comforted in my decisions and I stay on the way I have made!
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
The beauty and delicacy of nature, the things that compose it, the natural scenery that I discover during my travels. I am a lover of great lonely spaces...
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Realistic, adaptive, poetic.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you for giving me such an honor! This award gives me the opportunity to showcase my work on an international level and confirms me in the path to follow in my career. It is extremely gratifying to see our work appreciated by recognized photographers.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
During this contest I was lucky enough to have 2 of my submissions awarded in platinum. The Andean Storm series puts into perspective the austerity of life
11. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Three photographers I have in mind come up often: Paul Nicklen with his polar series, Daisy Gilardini's animal scenes as tender as they are realistic, and Craig Bill's long exposure nightscapes for their technicality and uniqueness.
12. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
One day, someone said to me: Never get discouraged, and follow your own inspiration!
13. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I think I'm still a little young in the business to share my wisdom! But for my own experience: persevere and try to surprise yourself by trying to exceed the limits of your own style.
14. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I try to follow my path and stay consistent with my inspirations.
15. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I have only one word to say to you: thank you!
