We had the good fortune of connecting with jean raclet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi jean, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Perhaps that question will find many different answers depending on the type of activity run by the person asked; to me i think the key lies in intensity. Intensity and will. You have to always be curious and interested in what you are photographing. I used to carry a camera around all the time, i could barely go take a shower without one. Now things have changed. And while i feel a little nostalgic about this time as your questions leads me to think of it, i also enjoy the new paradigm and focusing my energy on what i believe to be a more precise goal. I am rarely asked to photograph weddings but it sometimes happens. One summer i did six in a row i think. After the third one i was too used to it and more importanly i was bored of weddings. I did my best out of respect for the people who trusted me with their memories but it felt a little wrong and dishonest not to give everything i had. I just need to enjoy what i’m doing. And not lie to myself about it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There was a lot of patience, some work too. And defintetly a bit of luck along the way as well. We all know that but one encounter can change a whole lot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Angouleme, France so i’d tell them : go to Bordeaux!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people obviously. But right now im thinking of a friend – Brian Reynaud – whose work trajectory has been very similar to mine. We started photography (by chance) at the same time and found out about it a year later. We exchanged and discussed a lot and im certain it helped me far more than i imagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanraclet/

Image Credits
Photo (of me) by Lenny Rothenberg. Four other photos are mine

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