Fred Guillaud is a former architect turned photographer, who is known for capturing urban scenes with a minimalist aesthetic. Originally from France, Guillaud now resides in Barcelona, where he has lived for 15 years. I have a deep passion for photography, and I loved Fred’s striking images as soon as I came across them online. In his Zeitgeist interview, Fred discusses everything from his favorite place in the world to how he finds inspiration for his incredible photographs. It is such an honor to feature such a talented, inspiring artist on The Zeitgeist. Be sure to check out his Instagram account @fredguillaud for more pictures.
When did you realize you wanted to become a photographer?
During my architectural studies, when I understood that photography could be more than a tool to represent spaces. I currently share my time between architecture and photography, and I found a balance between those two practices.
You are originally from France but currently live in Barcelona. What drew you to the city?
New adventures after my studies in France and Canada.
How has your background in architecture influenced your photography?
As an architect, I plan, organize, and construct spaces. My aim as a photographer is to focus on what the architects do not control in the cities. Happy architectural accidents, urban layers, spontaneous uses… But I can’t dissociate substance to form, so each of my pictures needs a strong composition and harmonic range of colors and light.
Is there anything in particular that you look for when composing a photograph, or is it different every time?
I of course have some themes that always interest me. I take a picture because I recognize a situation or mental model. But in order to keep creating, you need to introduce something “unexpected”, some new models to nourish, and make your previous model evolve. So it’s always both the same and different every time!
Where is your favorite place in the world that you have visited?
It’s a hard question to answer since I try to focus my work on common places and daily scenes… I like all the cities, all the countries, all the architectures.
Where do you find inspiration for your incredible images?
I just try to set on the paper what I see. I don’t look for pictures; I just let my gaze drift in my environment, seeking some harmony in all the confusing layers present in our cities.
What piece of advice do you have for aspiring artists and photographers?
Always carry your camera with you. Use a film camera. Walk for hours through places. Shoot less but everyday. Portrait your people. Organize and share your pictures. Buy books. And of course “be at war with the obvious.”
What’s next for you?
Shooting more rolls!
All images courtesy of Fred Guillaud.