by Editor  Yvette Depaepe

Thierry Dufour is a great artist when it comes to macro photography.  His passion for nature, for the tiny little world that surrounds us, captivates him.  He loves to  discover and most of all to watch that world nearly invisible that we often ignore.  A shame for him because it is so exciting. A reason for him to share it with us.

Discover more about Thierry's personality behind his wonderful macro shots.
 

«The morning dew created its artwork...»

 
Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.
I am Thierry Dufour, I am 65 years old and I was born in Ardèche, France. I love nature, walks, observe the beauty that offers our planet.

«A Midsummer Night's Dream...»

 
What first attracted you to photography?
Having the opportunity to capture an instant of Nature, and share it with as many people as possible, is the main reason that I was drawn into photography.

«Rocket launch...»

«Wedding proposal»     

«Swing...»

 
Describe your overall photographic vision.
Photography as a whole interests me, thanks to the digital techniques and software, photography has assumed a very great importance in our civilization and has become an art just like painting.

«Clean up the blue planet...»

 
Why are you so drawn by Macro Photography?
As said previously I enjoy a lot Nature and the macro was spontaneous to me. The little tiny world that surrounds us, almost invisible, is truly amazing and we have a few surprises that inspire me. I love to discover and most of all watching this life that we often forget and it is a shame, because it is exciting.

«In the forest of feathers...»

«At the edge of the sea of ice...»

 
What is more important to you, the mood, story behind your images or the technical perfection?
For me, the most important element is the atmosphere that reigns at the moment I'm going to take my pictures. I am completely disconnected from the outside world.

«On holiday under the umbrella...»

«The colour is stronger than the words...»

 
What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
First of all, I try to be in osmosis with the little insect I want to photograph. Patience, do not make sudden gestures, and wait for the perfect time. I do not prepare anything, all my macros are made on gut instinct, and freehand.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
I use an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with a macro lens 60mm 1: 2.8 from Olympus.

What software do you use to process your images?
For image processing I use Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 and Photoshop.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Macro Photography and how do you get started?
The most important thing in macro is to first be an observer of nature, a lot of patience and the right equipment. With these three rules you can already start to embark in this adventure.

«Ephemeral waves...»

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography? 
I really don't have any favourite photographers. I especially like the wildlife photographers and macro photographers in general, it is mainly they who have influenced me. And on 1X, I think that I couldn't dream of a better place to discover ideas because it really is here that there are a countless number of talented photographers.

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?
Since the beginning of my infancy photographic, I am completely amateur and I am quite happy with what I do, what I make. I'm going to continue in the macro photo because this is what suits me best, trying to improve myself as much as possible and trying to get a little more technical.

«Hello, nice end of the year celebrations...»

«Symphony unfinished"

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?
My favourite picture that I took is that of a weevil, which really inspired me for the rest of my macros. It has become my fetish insect, and as you can see in my portfolio, it has a particular importance.

«Elephant miniaturized»

 
Is there anything else you wish to add  and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
I love to share my passion on 1x.  This community is fabulous for me.  When I see the work of all the talented photographers on the site, I feel really lucky to be part of it.  My special thanks to Yvette for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to share my work through this interview.  She's not only a talented photographer, but also a very kind person.  Her dedication and involvement on 1x is great.

«Waiting for the sun»