Gabrielle Astruc | Interview
"My inspiration or impulse to shoot really just comes from a desire to memorialize the shapes, colors and inhabitants of my city as truthfully as possible."
As we continue to celebrate women photographers worldwide and its wonderful members, 2025 became the year of new opportunities being created. Each month, we will pick and highlight one photographer and (re)introduce her work to you. Gabrielle tells us more about her photography and her inspirations and her creative process.
© Gabrielle Astruc
© Gabrielle Astruc
ND: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about you?
GA: I am a French photographer based in New York City. I grew up in a photography addict household and as far as I can remember, has always had a camera in my hands. My work has been exhibited domestically and internationally and has won multiple awards. LensCulture Editors' Pick in ‘23 & ‘24, Paris International Street Photo Awards Silver Medal ‘24 URBAN Photo Awards Semi Finalist ‘24
ND: . What inspires you in your daily photography work? Can you tell us more about your style, and what you wish to capture and share?
GA: My inspiration or impulse to shoot really just comes from a desire to memorialize the shapes, colors and inhabitants of my city as truthfully as possible. Anything/anyone I find beautiful or interesting I shoot. I try for my photographs to be candid and to capture moments of "truth". I think that's why I am often drawn towards people who are alone. Their guard is down and I find they make more genuine subjects. I also edit very little for that reason. I am often frustrated at the stereotyped NYC street photography I see on Insta: Black and white, highly contrasted and filled with atmospheric and mysterious smoke effects. Some of those shots are beautiful but they are so far from the city I see every day: vibrantly colorful, dynamic, inhabited by diverse and strong characters.
© Gabrielle Astruc
ND: Could you share some insights into your creative process? Are you more drawn to colour or black and white? And do you see yourself as a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisherman’?
GA: I can only shoot in a very specific state of mind. And reaching it can be quite challenging. The best way I would describe it is a state of hyper-awareness and childlike wonder. Music helps me a lot. I always shoot alone and with my headphones on. I am 100% color and hunter. I can't imagine shooting in B&W. Finding and capturing unexpected colors is an absolute kick. And I am way too impatient and instinctive to be a fisherman. Plus I tend to dislike overly composed shots.s.
ND: Was there a particular moment that shaped your photographic journey that you would like to share? If not, any fun memory?
GA: Not really. One recent change is that I only started using Insta in 2023. And since then the scale of the network that interacts with and reacts to my work has increased meaningfully. For better or for worse It is great and interesting to get widespread feedback. But sometimes I worry it also acts as an inhibitor. I try to be mindful of that and not only go for “crowd pleaser” shots.
© Gabrielle Astruc
© Gabrielle Astruc
ND: How do you see your photography evolving in the future? Do you have any news, activities or goals you’d like to share?
GA: I am an instinctive shooter so I have no particular plan on how my style will evolve. The world is changing around me and I just want to be here for it and capture it as truthfully as I can. My style might evolve as a consequence of that. For example I have noticed people are more and more reluctant to be photographed. Probably due to a rise of digital footprint awareness. Last year some of my shots were printed and exhibited for the first time. Seeing them on paper on a wall was a very special feeling. I’d love to do more of that. Apart from that I just hope I’ll keep meeting other talented photographs with whom to exchange ideas.
ND: Are there any photographers you admire, past or present? How do they inspire you?
GA: So many! The giants: Saul Letter, Vivian Maier, Robert Frank, Diane Arbus of course, like many street photographers. I also love Ronan Guillou, Greg Girard, Barbara Crane, Mary Ellen Mark, Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Martin Parr etc. They don’t necessarily inspire me individually but the diversity of their outlooks on the world reminds me it’s all about finding your voice.
© Gabrielle Astruc
ND: Any advice for fellow photographers?
GA: I don't know that I am in a position to give advice to anyone as a photographer. But as someone who loves to consume images my hope would be for all photographers out there to trust their instinct, not try to conform to trends and just shoot what moves them.
I gave a camera to my son when he turned three and seeing him impulsively shoot what he finds beautiful on the street reminds me how instinctive photography should be. So let's all try to connect with our inner child!
© Gabrielle Astruc
ND: How did you find UPC? How would you describe your experience with the community so far?
GA: I believe I just stumbled on UPC's instagram page one day, enjoyed the content and joined the discord. Of all the communities I am a part of UPC is probably amongst the ones I enjoy the most. The members are truly passionate about photography but also very laid back and friendly. It's just a great group of people sharing the same passion. No nonsense, no drama, no off the chart competitiveness, or egos. Just good pictures..
© Gabrielle Astruc