Meet the Team: Noémie Decaen
“I truly believe we can learn - in photography and in life - from anyone.”
This month, we're turning the spotlight on Noémie Decaen, a valued team member of Urban Photographers Club. Noémie is a French-Japanese photographer based in London, with a background deeply rooted in the arts. Raised in Paris—a city that continues to influence her work—she moved to London in 2014 and has been capturing the world through her lens ever since.
After years of exploring travel and portrait photography, Noémie found herself drawn to the world of street. Her photos celebrate the real, the funny, the weird, and the beautiful moments that unfold around us daily. Whether she’s snapping scenes on the streets or curating music playlists on Instagram and Spotify, Noémie brings her whole creative self into everything she shares. She joined UPC as a team member in 2024, and her energy, ideas, and passion have been a brilliant addition to the community. As part of our series of interviews to get to know the Urban Photographers Club team better, Noémie answered some questions about her photography, process and inspiration.
© Noémie Decaen
VS: How did you get into street photography?
ND: I started taking photographs a while ago. Whenever I was away, I’d capture streets and buildings every time I went out. Sometimes people, too, though I was quite shy at the beginning. I then realised that what I was drawn to had a name: street photography. From that point on, I started looking for inspiration, discovering photographers, and that’s when my journey truly began!
VS: How would you describe your style of street photography?
ND: I’d call it very human. What I look for most are human interactions and the beauty in the ordinary. I also love to do some travel, landscape, and contemplative photography from time to time. It really depends on my mood!
Noémie’s favourite photo, shot in Shibuya, Tokyo.
© Noémie Decaen
VS: Do you have a favourite photo you’ve taken? What’s the story behind it?
ND: It keeps changing all the time, but currently, it’s one I took in Tokyo, with high contrasts and security officers, one of them yawning. It was a great day of shooting; I captured many strong moments in just a few hours! The shot was taken in Shibuya, where I noticed the contrasts, colours, and silhouettes lining up. I was waiting for one of the officers to turn my way, but I got a big bonus when he started yawning—perfect for the story I wanted to tell! It’s not something you see often in Japan, which makes it both funny and unique.
VS: What’s your favourite gear or lens to shoot with?
ND: I’m currently using a Fujifilm XT5 and usually shoot with a 23mm lens, equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame. I used a Sony NEX-6 for a really long time; that little camera is where it all started for me.
© Noémie Decaen
VS: Who or what inspires your photography?
ND: People. Every day, everywhere. I do love strong contrasts and beautiful light, though I’m sure many photographers would say the same! Lately, I’ve been focusing on improving my compositions and making them more interesting.
VS: If your street photography had a soundtrack, what songs would be playing?
ND: Oh wow, that’s a tough one! Music is my other passion, so there are so many songs I love. But if I had to pick just one, I’d go with Station to Station by David Bowie. It’s like three songs in one, it’s great, it’s uplifting… what’s not to love?
© Noémie Decaen
VS: What’s the most unexpected or interesting thing that’s happened while you were out shooting?
ND: I’ve been lucky not to experience anything bad so far, fingers crossed! The best moments are when you get the chance to talk to the people you’ve photographed and share a connection. It doesn’t happen often to me, but when it does, it’s very special.
VS: What’s your favourite city or location to shoot in, and why?
ND: Tokyo! I love how multi-layered it is. But I might be a bit biased… Honestly, I’d be happy to shoot in most cities!
© Noémie Decaen
VS: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting in street photography?
ND: Try everything and don’t be afraid to take risks! Let your desire to get the shot be stronger than your fear of missing it.
VS: If you could spend a day shooting with any photographer (past or present), who would it be and why?
ND: There are many photographers I admire, but I truly believe we can learn - in photography and in life - from anyone. Everyone sees the world differently. So I’d be happy to meet, chat, and shoot with just about anyone.
