Photographer: Vanessa Andrieux
For our second profile in the Women in the Industry series, we’re taking a look behind the scenes, at Vanessa Andrieux, a successful European snowboard photographer. She is known for her creativity and innovation. Raised in southern France, Vanessa and has been snowboarding since 1995 and decided to try photography because she wanted to find a career that allowed her to snowboard and travel, and by luck it turns out she has a great eye and a talent for getting just the right shot. Check out her portfolio, including some incredible shots of her friend Anne-Flore Marxer at: vanessandrieux.com
Where did you grow up?
You’re gonna laugh, I grew up in St Tropez. I guess you have heard of it, but I never liked it, the people are too superficial for me. I always spent all my holidays at the mountain where I have my best memories.
How long have you been snowboarding? What kind of riding do you like to do?
I started riding 12 years ago, when I was younger I loved freestyle but now I prefer powder.
How do you pronounce your last name?
I mean, if you’re a dumb American with no French skills. I guess it’s a hard name to pronounce if you’re not French and it’s hard for me to write how to tell it, just don’t pronounce the X at the end.
How did you get into photography?
I wanted to do something into snowboard which allows me to travel and I didn’t want to work in an office, so by deduction I became a photographer.
Tell us about your most exciting photo shoot.
Every day with fresh snow, good riders and great spots to shoot.
We love that shot in your portfolio of Anne Flore Marxer with the ridges of snow in the background, was she fun to work with?
She is one of my best friends, so we are always so happy to work together, but unfortunately it’s hard for us to catch up with our busy schedules.
What is the coolest place you’ve traveled to for photography?
My favorite trip was to Argentina. I went there for two months, and it was awesome. I have liked all of the other places I have travelled, I wish I could visit every country.
Do you get to do a lot of snowboarding in the places you travel to?
I do but always with a huge backpack so it’s not the same as riding for pleasure. It’s a disadvantage of my work but at least it’s better than not riding at all.
Do you ever do dangerous things to get a good picture? Like standing somewhere a rider might hit you?
Standing somewhere a rider might hit me happens all the time, but for me the biggest danger comes from avalanches or if I have to climb on rocks dangerous terrain to get the good spots. With the riders you can see the them coming on you and jump on the side but you can’t deal with the nature as easily.
What is your favorite place to snowboard?
I like to ride in les 7 Laux, a small French resort. I’ve been living there for a couple of years. There are some great spots for backcountry and the park is great. Otherwise I love discover new spots and new resorts.
Who’s the hottest male snowboarder you’ve photographed?
Hard to answer, almost all the snowboarders are hot J
Do you have a favorite rider to work with? Or a least favorite?
I like shooting with riders who are motivated, have a good eye on the mountain and with skills. I don’t like the lazy ones or the complaining ones.
What kind of camera do you use? Did it cost more than my car?
I use a canon 1D mark 2. Depends on which car you have.
What lens do you tend to use the most?
It depends on the spot I have to shoot. I often use my 70-200mm and also my fisheye and wide angle lenses.
Posted by staff on 01/28
