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Sam Delpech has a knack for catching the eye of celebrities. On his Instagram account, you can do your shopping: a look from star Aya Nakamura, a kiss from singer Doechi or a smile from rapper Asap Rocky, take your pick. There's no doubt about it, the photographer knows how to put everyone at ease. After a few minutes' chat in a Parisian café, complicity quickly takes hold. With a smile, however, Sam sets the tone: "I don't like talking about myself. "A bit awkward for a portrait. Let's talk photos, then. It was at the age of 15, after leaving Saint-Barth for Canada, that Sam discovered this art form. A friend lent him a camera and he "instantly fell in love". Two months later, Sam took the plunge and bought a Nikon 3.600. "It's been with me ever since," says the photographer. With very few artistic considerations at the time, the teenager mainly uses the lens to "show people's beauty". But it wasn't long before the young man who grew up in Saint-Barth realized that photography wasn't just a "hobby".
Aya Nakamura and Laeticia Hallyday
Attending photography school in Canada, he developed his artistic fiber along with his technical skills. "I've always been interested in art, those were the subjects I did best in at school," recalls the rather dreamy boy. On the other hand, I can't draw or paint, I'm terrible with my hands. "Sam draws his inspiration from painting, cinema and fashion, one of his great passions. Now a freelance photographer, the 24-year-old mixes business with pleasure by covering Fashion Week for a press agency. He has just a few seconds to photograph the celebrities between the moment they step out of their cars and enter the prestigious venues hosting the shows. "You have to shout the loudest to get noticed," says the photographer. Nothing to intimidate Sam. He appreciates the "adrenalin" of having to get the best shot to stand out from the crowd. Over time, the initially "naive" young man has honed his skills to make his photos stand out from the crowd. At first, I took photos of everything," says Sam. Now I choose my targets: the most famous stars, and those who are in the news. "His photos of Aya Nakamura at the Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show and of Læticia Hallyday in Saint-Barth have found their way into well-known magazines like Paris Match.
"Routine kills me
When he's not on the catwalk, Sam Delpech puts his services to good use for influencers a lot, restaurants a little and vernissages sometimes. What I like about this job is that I never do the same thing," confides Sam. Routine kills me. "In the slack periods, which are inevitable for freelancers, Sam takes the opportunity to dig into his personal projects: "At times like these, I also go out and find new models. It allows me to increase my portfolio and therefore my chances of finding new customers. "For the rest of the year, the photographer sets up shop in Saint-Barth. Boutiques, designers, restaurants or private individuals, many entrepreneurs on his native island trust him to sublimate their products: "In Saint-Barth, they are freer than in Paris, and they regularly give me carte blanche. "Sam is always ready to innovate, like bringing a desk to the beach for a campaign by swimwear brand Vybz Saint-Barth.
Working with the locals
In his shots, we regularly recognize faces. Young people from Saint-Barth chosen to be his models. "I think it's important to work with local people," says the photographer. A model on the island, Inès Lasmi has worked with Sam on several occasions: "He knows how to put people at ease, he's very spontaneous and made me laugh a lot during the shoots," says the 23-year-old. He's also very professional and a good listener. Sam knows how to bring out the best in models, and how to adapt to different shooting styles. "With his taste for fashion mixed with his Caribbean influences, Sam offers his unique touch in his shots. "I try to bring a bit of Saint-Barth to Paris, and Paris to my photos," he explains. It's a unique blend that only he knows the secret of.
