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Jobs for the girls: Vanessa Andrieux

by Leslie Clark | 15 Jul 2009

Can you tell us a little about how you got started - what came first snowboarding or photography?

I was passionate about snowboarding and I wanted to do something that would make me ride as much as possible. With my best friend we decided to make a snowboard website like a magazine. I was in charge of the photos and he was in charge of the articles. That's how I started shooting.
 
How has the Northern Hemisphere season been this year? Do you have a favourite shoots/projects from the season?
 
The Northern Hemisphere was so good this year. We had so much snow in Europe so I didn't travel too far because we had everything we needed. I don't really have a favorite project, all the crews I've been shooting with were interesting and different.
 
Before the season starts, do you have a rough plan of what and where you will be shooting or do you just go with the flow?
 
Usually I try not to plan too much. I always have some photoshoots for brands planned in advance. For the rest it depends of the snow conditions, so I mostly go with the flow.
 
When you have completed a shoot, what happens next? How does the publishing process work i.e getting your photos into magazines?
 
After a shoot I have to select the best pictures and at the end of the season I send all of them to every magazine. After that they select of the ones they like. 
 
What equipment is in your camera bag?  Any ‘dream’ items you would like to have in there?
 
I have a Canon Mark III with a 15mm f2.8, 17-35mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 70-200mm f2.8, flash elinchrome, 2 flashes metz 45ct4, extender X2, Canon G10. My dream items would be a Hasselblad with all the lenses.
 
In your opinion what represents the world of snowboarding more: the action shot, or the behind-the-scenes lifestyle style shots?

I think it's a mix of those things, but as it's a sport, for me it's more about action shots.
 
Does it get harder to be ‘original’ and find new ways to capture snowboarding?
 
Yes for sure because a lot of things has been done already but it's always a challenge to try to find new ideas.
 
Are there any other photographers you admire -  in or outside the snowboarding world?
 
There are so many good photographers that I like. They all have something different and interesting.
 
Most of your photos are taken in Europe, do you get the chance to travel overseas much?
 
Yes I've been so many times in US. I've been also to Canada and Argentina. I like travelling and I hope to see as many countries as I can.
 
Any favourite countries and/or a dream locations you have yet to visit?
 
My favorite country where I've been shooting was Argentina. I spent two months there and I really liked the place and the people. My dream locations are everywhere I've never been.
 
Are you interested in any other area of photography, for example fashion or landscape?

I like shooting everything that stops my attention (lifestyle, landscape etc) but I don't think I would like another job in photography except snowboarding.
 
Do you get any time out to put the camera down and get some riding in yourself?
 
I wish I could have more time to ride for me without carrying a huge backpack but unfortunately as soon as the conditions are good I have to work. This year I had few days for me and I really enjoyed them. It's important to keep in mind the reasons for doing this job.
 
What do you do when you are not shooting snow?Did I read on your blog you like to surf?

Yes I like to surf but I'm a beginner so not really good, otherwise I like a lot of other sports like climbing, hiking, wakeboarding.
 
Anne-Flore Marxer is a close friend and I have seen your name in the credits for some of her images, do you get to work with her much? How is it working with friends?
 
She is a really good friend and I wish I could work more with her but unfortunately we dodn't get time to shoot much together, and when we are shooting we always get some good stuff. I think we are a good team for that and we always have so much fun.
 
Can you give the readers some tips on taking good snowboarding photos?
 
This is a hard question, I think it's all about the feeling, it's hard to give some tips, it's always different.
 
To read Vanessa's blog and see more of her work visit her website at www.vanessandrieux.com