Portrait © patriceschreyer.com
Patrice Schreyer, one of the world's leading photographers talks to BLUE about his passion for capturing sport in the natural environment. His work is featured all over the world as he shoots for many of the top outdoor sports manufacturers including Mammut. Patrice whose early passion for trekking in the mountains has a remarkable ability with the camera lens. His use of the elements to capture dramatic action sports with breathtaking landscapes is sheer brilliance and we are very excited to be able to feature some of work on the BLUE site.
Patrice Schreyer
Born Switzerland, 1973
Professional Photographer since 2000
How/when did your career as a sport and natural environment photographer begin?
By a natural way. When I was child, I spent a lot of time in the mountains. With a camera for the souvenirs. Year by year, photography become more important than the sport.
What is your motivation when specialising in images that depict sport in/or the natural environment?
Before, I wasn't enough interested by the nature itself. I would like to put a small personage to give the dimension of the landscape. These times, I start to learn to show the landscapes without anybody. It's a different way, more contemplative.
Do you yourself enjoy/take part in the sports that you generally photograph and if so, which sport is your favourite?
I think that my favourite "sport" is clearly the trekking, on many days, sleeping in my tent. It's the best communion with the surrounding elements for me.
How does your photography connect you personally, with the natural environment?
I need the environment for my job. As well for myself. I need to feel small in it.
What reaction do you want to receive from the audience who view your photography?
I really try to give a support for feelings and dream. It's my goal. Especially in my new photographic way, artistic one (see : http://www.patriceschreyer.com/galeries/main.php?g2_itemId=3179).
In general, what aim/purpose do your clients have for commissioning a photo shoot with you?
I think, I hope, my sensibility. My way to show the sport not like a finality but like a way of life.
During your 10 year photographic career have your observations of the natural environment changed and if so, in what way?
On 10 years, I'm not sure that I've seen a big transformation (except the melting glaciers in the Swiss alps). But, the biggest impact, by my eyes, is the crowd everywhere. 10 years ago, I discovered Iceland. Where you can be alone for days and days. Absolutely impossible in my country, Switzerland.
If you were to use one specific image to inspire people globally, to want to care for the natural environment, what type of image/scene would you use?
I think the picture that I don't have, and will never get it, a picture of the Earth from space. Where you can see the smallness and fragility of our planet.
What advice would you give to people who want to change their day to day behaviour to help protect our natural environment?
Feel all that you let behind you. During my trekkings (but, I know, it is for a short period and not in the "real life"), I'm always to leave my night's place and observe that I let absolutely anything behind me.
