Meet French Photographer Coralie Waterlot

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the industry?

I have been a photographer for seven years now. Originally, I had a degree in graphic design and communication, and I had absolutely no knowledge of the photography world when I started. However, photography had always been part of my family environment. My mother used to practice film photography a lot when I was a child, and my paternal grandfather, whom I unfortunately never knew, did experimental photography, particularly double exposures, with a Rollei camera that I inherited.

My interest in photography developed very naturally, without it being premeditated. This coincided with the rise of Instagram. As I browsed this platform, I discovered that people were able to make a living from their passion by photographing artists and events. I quickly realized that photography could become a way to gain recognition and create a platform for sharing and exchanging visions.

Everything quickly connected in my mind: my desire to live off my passion, my creativity, my love for human interactions, and the world of events. So, I started researching the steps to access this world.

I began with a lot of boldness: a few emails sent, the purchase of a rather low-end camera... and the adventure began, really based on talent, my artistic sensitivity, and instinct. I bought train tickets and started traveling around France, mainly getting accreditations for concerts.

After that, I played the social media game by posting my work, tagging the artists and their teams. Gradually, my photos were shared and well-received. This allowed me to get noticed. I was contacted and ended up following international tours, first with French artists and then with Americans. Over time, I refined my photographic work as well as my equipment.

The adventure led me to discover the world of fashion, and it was a revelation. I understood that this was the field where I wanted to evolve. Fashion brings together everything I love: image, creatives, clothing, music. It was a clear choice for me.

Today, I continue to work as a photographer. I collaborate with magazines, brands, and celebrities. But at the same time, I also founded Issue Agency, which represents various creative talents: photographers, directors, stylists, glam teams, designers, etc.

Our goal is to provide work opportunities for our talents while bringing our expertise to each project and client. We are deeply committed to preserving and evolving our professions in an ever-changing industry. The goal is also to create a family of creatives with a shared interest in image and fashion.

What do you think are the biggest challenges the creative industry faces today?

The challenges within this industry are numerous and complex, requiring a deep level of reflection to fully understand and avoid common pitfalls. They range from human to material factors.

Firstly, I would highlight the democratization of tools and the oversaturation of the market. As high-quality cameras become more affordable, and nearly everyone has a smartphone with a good camera, the market becomes flooded with images. This makes it increasingly difficult for professional photographers to stand out and truly showcase their work.

Another significant challenge is the evolving expectations of the public and clients. People now expect constantly updated creative visuals, often at a low cost and with rapid delivery. Many clients want content tailored specifically for social media, pushing photographers to adapt to dynamic formats like short videos and GIFs. In my view, this trend can dilute the essence of pure creative intent and the emotions we aim to convey. Some clients also undervalue professional photography, opting for cheaper, lower-quality services.

Moreover, photographers struggle with protecting their work in an era of mass sharing on social media. Copyright infringements, such as uncredited sharing and improper reuse, are common. It’s essential to know and enforce your rights while staying professional. Managing this complex environment requires substantial investment, but it's crucial to safeguard the value of your name and work. Every service should be negotiated in advance, and sometimes it’s necessary to turn down clients who don’t respect your terms, explaining the reasoning behind your pricing and rights. As a talent agent, one of our key responsibilities is to establish non-negotiable working conditions to build long-term, trustworthy relationships between our artists, clients, and us. Balancing commercial success with artistic integrity is essential.

Lastly, monetization and economic pressures are significant hurdles. Photography, once a stable income source, now faces competition from AI-generated images and low-cost platforms. Plus, shrinking corporate budgets for professional shoots add to the financial strain.

Increased competition from self-taught photographers promoting themselves on platforms like Instagram has also intensified. The need to lower rates to stay competitive reduces profit margins and threatens the sustainability of the profession. Photographers today must not only master their craft but also be strategic and innovative to remain competitive.

Can you name a project you're particularly proud of? What made it so special for you?

One project that stands out for me is my first exhibition. It allowed me to push the boundaries of my art, exploring surrealist-inspired visuals. I took significant risks, stepping out of my comfort zone, which could have alienated some of my clientele. However, I felt the need to fully express myself as an evolving artist. I directed bold photoshoots, asking my models to break away from conventional norms, fully open up, and shed their inhibitions.

This process established a profound artistic connection with my work. In post-production, I let my creativity flow, using tools like Photoshop to create unique, bold visuals. I experimented with distorted bodies in timeless settings, embracing an audacious aesthetic. The exhibition, held at 3537, an iconic cultural space in the Marais, Paris, was a huge success, both emotionally and commercially. This project allowed me to evolve artistically, finding a balance between art, fashion, and innovative visuals, while remaining accessible to the market.

What obstacles have you encountered in your career, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest obstacle I’ve faced was transitioning from an artist photographer to an art and fashion photographer. People often categorize you, and with the rise of social media, reinvention can feel like starting over, leaving you feeling less in demand. However, in hindsight, I realized that building solid foundations for a long-term career takes time.

This challenge ultimately pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone, refine my skills, and adapt to new social challenges and clients. It was during this uncertain period that I decided to create my agency, realizing that teamwork was key to overcoming these obstacles. Uplifting both my own work and that of others has been an invaluable motivation, and growing alongside my team, whom I consider family, has been essential to navigating the difficulties of our profession.

How do you stay creative and inspired, despite the busyness and stress of the industry?

I remind myself that the journey I’ve taken doesn’t allow me to turn back. Over the years, I’ve built a strong sense of self-confidence, which is vital for overcoming challenges. I also stay physically and mentally balanced by practicing sports regularly. Taking time to retreat into nature, whether in the mountains or countryside, is equally important for me to recharge, reset, and gain perspective. These moments of isolation help me manage stress more effectively, returning with fresh energy and a renewed sense of clarity.

How would you describe the photography industry in Paris?

The photography industry in Paris is both dynamic and intense, deeply intertwined with the city’s global reputation as a hub of fashion, art, and culture. As the world’s fashion capital, Paris attracts renowned photographers and emerging talents alike. Major events such as Fashion Week, luxury campaigns, and artistic collaborations create a highly competitive environment where talent must continually reinvent itself.

This vibrant scene, however, comes with enormous pressure. Photographers face tight deadlines, the constant pursuit of exclusivity, and the demand for perfection, all while managing tight budgets and demanding clients. There's an ever-present tension between the creative and commercial sides of the industry, especially in a market where trends evolve rapidly.

Paris remains an international hub for photographers, but it can be as intimidating as it is inspiring. The pursuit of excellence, recognition from peers, and global influence is a daily challenge, all within the fast-paced energy of the city.

French Hours is known for creating an efficient workflow without fixed breaks. How do you manage the balance between efficiency and maintaining your creative energy during intense photoshoots?

My passion for my work, combined with a sense of inner peace and resilience, helps me manage both creativity and pressure calmly and effectively. Being resilient is key—it allows me to maintain high performance without feeling overwhelmed.

Surrounding myself with a trustworthy, reliable team is equally crucial. I always work with the best collaborators, people I trust fully, which creates a safe professional environment. The ability to delegate is also essential, freeing my mind from minor tasks so I can focus on what truly matters—creating and managing the visuals. Thanks to years of experience, I’ve built a close-knit team, which I consider family, who support me through every phase of a project. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of my professional success.

You’ve likely worked with international brands and clients. How does working abroad compare to working in France?

Working internationally is an incredibly enriching experience. It not only broadens your horizons but also enhances your professional practice through cultural exchanges. Collaborating with foreign partners fosters open-mindedness and a diversity of perspectives, which drives innovation. The “French touch”—that unique artistic sensitivity that France is known for—often garners admiration in international creative circles, particularly in fashion and art.

Cultural differences, whether they manifest in a bolder artistic approach or different work styles, offer opportunities to challenge and refine your own vision. While these differences are significant, it's important to maintain focus on the primary goal—satisfying the client. Finding the right balance between meeting their expectations and preserving your creative identity is crucial.

Ultimately, although cultures may vary, the fundamental mechanisms of the industry are similar across countries. Processes, challenges, and expectations tend to converge, allowing us to navigate different professional environments smoothly while staying true to our creative roots.