Yesterday, November 17th, New York-based photographer Sam Marie-Saint debuted _Sodapop,_ an art book devoted to French New Wave cinema.
With a title inspired by the name of the character in the acclaimed book, _The Outsiders_ by S.E. Hinton, _Sodapop_ tells the story of the iconoclasts, rebels, punks, and romantics. Set in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, and shot guerilla style with his signature candor and vivid contrast, Marie-Saint shows the intimate moments of New York’s restless dreamers.
Published by Damiani and distributed worldwide by ARTBOOK D.A.P. and Thames & Hudson, _Sodapop_ will be available at select retailers worldwide.
FLAUNT had a quick Q&A with the artist about his new book, his start in the industry, and the biggest challenge in his career.
**When did your love for photography first start?**
My love for photography started in childhood as a natural extension of my love for cinema. My grandfather and father were involved in cinema in a distributing role, so I was surrounded by the medium from an early age.
**How did you get into fashion photography?**
After finishing my film education, I wanted to work and not sit around waiting to get a break, so I started taking pictures. A friend who was signed with an agency asked me to take pictures of her for fun, and that’s how it started. It seemed like a natural transition from cinema, so it all worked out. Shortly after that, I went to Paris and started testing.
**What has been the biggest challenge in your career?**
The biggest career challenge, which I’m sure many other photographers will relate with, is to continue shooting while navigating through the many ups and downs. This industry is finicky. There is a new photography trend every six months. The challenge is not to have that distract you from your vision. You have to think long-term and continue working on your archives.
**What has been the biggest accomplishment?**
The biggest accomplishment in my career, I would say, has been helping people get started in this industry. I still get random emails from beginners who are unsure how to take that first step. Helping them gives me the most joy. I love helping people.
**What is the main message you are trying to send through the photography in Sodapop?**
I wanted to photograph models as people and not as clothes hangers. I think that has become a thing in fashion: the blank canvas. It has run its course. People in this industry always mention how bored they are of everything. Perhaps that’s why. There’s little connection with much of the subject matter. But they’re people with hopes, dreams, insecurities, just like the rest of us, and are capable of more. The goal was to just get out and shoot, improvise, allow the subjects to do their thing. The book is mostly about a summer in NY. After the first shoot, I abandoned all planning, as that kind of work doesn’t read well in book format. It wasn’t too unlike making a first movie. It has that feel. You can only have that innocence once. The next book will be different.
