35mm Compact Camera Photographer #28 – Grégoire Huret / Tete De Loup

Hi, I’m Grégoire Huret, I live in Paris. I’m also know as Tete de Loup because it’s the name of my website (www.tetedeloup.com) where I post my photographs shot with 35mm cameras.

My start in film photography was when I was a kid (I was born in 1985). When I was a teenager my father taught me how to use an analog camera. How to adjust speed and aperture, what kind of film to use etc. Then digital cameras came along and I shot a lot of photographs without any kind of artistic direction.

I discovered my passion for 35mm cameras and photography during my first time in New York. I was on holiday with two friends and when I packed in Paris, I chose a 35mm camera to take photographs. It was my father’s old camera, the tiny Rollei 35 SE. It was loaded with kodak 400 triX. The combo between that amazing city and a new way to shoot the streets made me feel so good. Also, the expectation before the results… It was a really good feeling. Since those days I’m constantly shooting film everywhere I go.

Most of the time I shoot street photography. I like taking pictures of people in real life and try to compose something graphic. It’s like a game for your mind. You have to deal with your shyness, the crowd around you, the weather, the light … It’s really stimulating for me and I like to see how real people live in their own city.

I’m not a compulsive shooter, I can shoot two rolls (BW 400iso kodak or Ilford) in a week or I can shoot none at all… it depends on my mood. Of course during holidays I’m way more prolific. As I write these words I realize that my way of taking pictures is changing, I’m now looking for subjects with story to tell… I’m not just going outside and shooting everybody.

I’m not obsessed by taking photographs with 35mm compact camera… yes I love it, I love the kind of photographs it takes but to me it’s just a natural thing. However, developing and scanning take me a lot of time. I’ve learned how to develop BW films in the dark of my WC. It was a good thing to improve my film knowledge and to finally be the only creator in the whole process.

To me, shooting film is like a therapy. You have to choose the right subject, and moreover you have to be patient. Shooting film with a 35mm compact camera is an amazing experience. I like the grain. It’s like a painting, the creation makes part of the action when you point and shoot. You make strong choices with the light, the frame, the subject, the moment… the creation is global and this why I love it.

Since I started shooting film I’ve become more confident, I can be closer enough to my subject now. Sometimes I ask for a portrait in the street, and sometimes not. I’ve struggled with my shyness to be a better photographer. To get what I want. And I have to admit it’s a good thing because it often creates a connection between people and me.

Like that time I saw a punk in Paris, he was begging for money and I said “ok but you know what, I’d love to make a cool portrait of you, do you think it’s a cool idea?” I’ve made a great portrait, and the guy was very happy and started to tell me his stories from the streets and about his love for his dog.

Another time, in Brooklyn, I was walking around and I spotted a fashion photo session in the street. People were shooting a model for a brand of streetwear, I decided to stay and shoot her. I took my picture and they were surprised by my gear (A Contax RTS) and the sound that my camera made when I took pictures. It was fun and they were cool with me to let shoot her like I wanted.

About the style of my photographs – I’m big fan of black and white street photography with grain and high contrast. My biggest inspiration is Garry Winogrand. His photos are obvious, we understand the meaning at first sight and even if his pictures shot on the go, they were always composed with great intelligence.

About my cameras – I not into G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) My favorite 35mm camera is my Leica M6 TTL (1999) with summicron (50mm & 35mm), and of course I love my tiny Rollei 35 SE too (this one is very compact). I’ve also got a Minolta Hi Matic S2 and Olympus Mju 1 which are very helpful during parties because of the AF/flash and especially I don’t care if they fall…

I’ve sold some gear too, like the great Olympus OM1 and it’s zuiko 50mm lens and my Contax RTS with it’s 35mm Carl Zeiss. The Leica M6 was a gift for my 30th birthday so to me it’s special. Moreover it feels like an historical camera, very well made, and the summicron is very specific. I take it everywhere!

Generally, I’m looking for a 35mm compact cameras that are simple and robust. These cameras don’t have too much electronics inside, are easy to use and you can quickly understand how to take photographs properly. Obviously it’s the experience more than the gear which is important to me, but sometimes good cameras make the difference too.

You can check my photographs here :

www.tetedeloup.com
http://tetedeloup.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tetedeloup.fr/
https://www.instagram.com/tetedeloup/

Thank You !

Grégoire “Tete de Loup” Huret

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