WHO?
My name is Anna Biret, I was born in soviet Poland where I found my calling in the spatial perception and geometric patterns of architecture. After finishing my studies in architecture, I moved to Paris, where I have lived ever since.
At one point in my life, I was looking for myself. I like to travel and I had always done photography but never in such an intense way. My children pushed me to move forward. I discovered street photography in November 2018, during a workshop by Maciej Dakowicz in Mandalay, Burma. That was the first spark that incited a whole series of workshops and photography related trips.
WHAT?
When I go out in the street with my camera, I have no precise idea of what I am going to photograph. A priori everything interests me, the ordinary scenes, the details, the light, the colors, the shapes and above all the people inspire me.
I like to go very close to people. I respect people, I don’t want to attack them. I don’t use flash, ever. My presence is accepted, why I don’t know. I never put people in a situation. I adapt to the scene, I try to preserve natural expressions. I like to photograph people in their everyday surroundings and their natural behavior. I try to make candid street photos, simplifying the chaotic mess of life with a sense of beauty, to bring out some mystery and order. I love to capture those moments that make every moment beautiful in everyday life.
WHEN?
Natural light is a very important element for me to take photos, beautiful light is already the motivation to take photos. When I discover the city I walk in the direction of light. I need the motivation…this can be a shadow flooding the edges of a fruit stand, or a scarf carried away by a sudden gust of wind.
WHERE?
First of all, when I travel, I am in complete symbiosis with the photographic gaze, maximum concentration on the surrounding space. I am fascinated by India and Asia in general, but I also love taking photos in New York. I can find something fascinating everywhere, I can adapt to different conditions, it is getting to know myself and my own possibilities to create. I started taking pictures in Paris for a year with the RICOH GR III camera, I try to have it always in my purse.
WHY?
I feel that something magical is happening with me, with the world around me as I take pictures. I can’t explain…the necessity of creating…I love spontaneous meetings that can only take place on the street. Street photography requires a lot of concentration. It’s an instant hunt that requires another look.
