Interview of the talented French photographer Killian Sella

Introduction: In an exclusive interview with burgeoning photographer Killian Sella, we embark on a captivating exploration of his odyssey into the realm of photography. From his modest origins to his lofty aspirations, Sella offers profound insights into his passion, motivations, and the trials inherent in the life of an independent photographer.

Discovering Photography: Sella's initial foray into the world of visual storytelling was through videography, fueled by a desire to become a war cameraman following a transformative experience during his youth. However, circumstantial limitations led him to pivot towards photography, an art form he found to be inherently more evocative and immediate in its impact.

"The first time I heard about the world of photography was in 2nd grade. I had never touched a camera before. It was truly a world unknown to me."

Defining Good Photography: For Sella, the essence of a remarkable photograph transcends technical perfection; it lies in its capacity to stir emotions within the viewer.

"I believe that a good photograph is something that primarily evokes emotion. It can be a bit blurry or technically imperfect, but if it carries a certain emotion, then, for me, the photo is good."

Preferred Equipment and Editing Process: While Sella acknowledges the allure of prestigious equipment such as the Leica Q2, he primarily employs gear suited for sports and press photography. His editing philosophy centers on minimal manipulation, focusing instead on enhancing natural elements such as contrast and color to preserve the authenticity of the captured moment.

"What I have now is more suitable for sports and press. It's a bit faster than the Leica, more suited for slightly more composed shots or street photography."

Photographic Style and Subjects: Sella's artistic repertoire is eclectic, spanning various genres including press coverage, weddings, portraits, landscapes, and even astrophotography. However, his deepest inspiration emanates from documenting social movements and human struggles, driven by a profound empathy cultivated through personal experiences.

"I would describe myself as someone who dabbles in a bit of everything. I've experimented extensively, whether in press coverage, weddings, portraits, landscapes, or even astrophotography."

Projects and Aspirations: Currently, Sella is immersed in a poignant project documenting life in Ukrainian border towns affected by conflict, seeking to illuminate the oft-overlooked narratives of resilience and survival amidst adversity.

"I have an ongoing project focusing on life in Ukrainian border towns. I'll be spending a week in Lviv to capture the experiences of people living amidst war but removed from the frontlines."

Despite the inherent challenges of being an independent photographer, Sella harbors aspirations of sustaining himself solely through his craft, driven by a fervent desire to amplify the voices of the marginalized and underserved on a global scale.

"My dream is to make a living through photography. If, upon my return from Ukraine, a publication appreciates my work and offers to send me to Syria, Iraq, or Gaza, I would eagerly embrace the opportunity."

Conclusion: Killian Sella's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of photography in encapsulating the essence of human experiences and societal struggles. As he navigates the intricate tapestry of visual storytelling, Sella's work stands as a beacon, illuminating the profound impact of images in shaping our collective understanding of the world.

Follow him on instagram @ronflexphoto

Pierre Cotteau de Simencourt