All images by Rafaelle Lorgeril. Used with permission.
One of the many wonderful things about photography is that it allows the photographer to build their own world. It becomes the catalyst for escaping a reality they can’t control. What’s truly special, though, is the power to share that world with others, and today we’re accepting an invitation to step into the creative hub of French photographer Rafaelle Lorgeril.
What I love about Lorgeril’s style is that it refuses to sit neatly in a single box. Words like cinematic or surreal may spring to mind, but her work runs much deeper than that. It’s artistic yet raw, gentle yet rough around the edges.
Despite the many elements that shape her body of work, one theme appears again and again: balance. Even while pushing creative boundaries and blending styles and techniques, Lorgeril manages to never overwhelm the viewer.
The deep color tones, props, environments and narratives work in harmony. Nothing feels forced; everything feels necessary.
When an artist creates something so far removed from reality, I develop a deep curiosity about why. Are they running? Hiding? Or perhaps offering an alternative world, one that feels calmer, safer and more open-minded.
Thankfully, Lorgeril was happy to satisfy my curiosity and sit down with me for the latest interview on Them Frames.
Them Frames: Hey Rafaelle! Please, can you tell us a bit about your early experiences in life and how they contributed to your journey as a photographic artist?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: As far back as I can remember, I have always been a sensitive, observant child. When I was a little older, people told me I was secretive.
I don’t know if it’s a secret I’m hiding, but I’ve always felt that I had a very vast inner world, too vast. For a long time, I lost myself in it.
I started taking photos when I was around ten years old. My camera followed me in my moments of passion: horse riding, walks, moments with friends. At that stage, I was mainly experimenting and discovering, without necessarily seeking any meaning beyond aesthetics.
Between the ages of 19 and 24, I went through an extremely complex period in my life, and photography became a form of language and refuge. It was a bubble in which I could finally breathe, a companion in emotional solitude and a mediator between my inner world and myself.
Today, I am 28, and as every year, my practice evolves with me and feeds on every new experience, whether good or bad.
Them Frames: Your work is full of surreal escapism, what should that teach us about the type of personality you have?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: My view of the world changed fundamentally in my early twenties. Having become (hyper) sensitive to chaos and violence, I needed to escape reality to a more peaceful place.
I went through (and still do, but in a calmer way) phases of derealization. These are moments when the brain shuts down to protect itself and reality becomes blurred, distant, sometimes untouchable.
I think photography has allowed me to regain control over this, to make visible what is going on inside and to be able to accept this in-between world in which I sometimes find myself.
Them Frames: What inspires you to create work that’s built on cinematic, moody vibes?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: In the visual arts, I am very inspired by the world of painting and cinema. Poetry and literature also accompany me a lot. I like it when time is slow, suspended. A time that cannot be recorded, open scenes, never over-explained. I keep the timelessness of reality and transform the rest to open the door to my world.
Them Frames: Your images are filled with detail. What tends to inspire a concept and what helps you put it together and bring it to life?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: My concepts come mainly from a feeling, not necessarily from a clear idea. I see my projects as puzzles, made up of different pieces: experience, inspiration, emotion, everyday life… Sometimes I have all the pieces at the same time and the project comes together instinctively.
Sometimes I have the first piece in January, the second in August, the third in October, and the last ones in December. Not everything happens at the same time, and I’ve learned to let my ideas blossom and not rush into the realization phase.
Them Frames: Some people may not know this, but some of your work was created with a Galaxy S24 Ultra. What was the process like and did you enjoy the experience?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: I had the opportunity to work with Samsung two years ago, and I created a series of images with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I was able to work more instinctively, simply letting myself create with what I had in front of me.
Of the three series I created, two were shot with my friend Roxane and the last was a series of self-portraits. In both cases, I learned to let go of my technique and just let myself shoot.
Them Frames: Away from photography, you also created and published a short film. Can you share more about the motivation to do this and how the process compared to creating images?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: Besides photography, I really enjoy writing (not novels, but what I would call “poetic notes and reflections”), so video naturally became part of my creative process.
It’s a bit like it’s the center ground, bringing together my different artistic practices into one field. It’s been a real learning experience because I’ve been able to experiment more deeply in other areas (editing, color grading, etc.).
I’m currently finishing my second short film for the Nikon Film Festival competition. It will be released on January 30th.
With this second experience, I saw things differently, even more instinctively. Little by little, I’m learning to trust my eye and let my ideas take their place.
Them Frames: We love music here. If you could pick a song or album to accompany your body of work, which would it be and why?
Rafaelle Lorgeril: I love music too, and it’s part of my everyday life. If I go a day without listening to it, it affects my well-being, haha.
The question is so difficult because I love so many artists, but Radiohead instinctively comes to mind (it’s also very hard to choose an album, so I’ll give two: In Rainbows or OK Computer…).
I find worlds that are sometimes very different from one song to another, from one album to another, but always with the same depth and vulnerability.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Rafaelle Lorgeril: I need photography in my life. Period. There is no “because”… I think it’s a real need I have to create. Like a human body that digests everything it ingests, I transform everything I experience because that’s the way it is.
You can enjoy more work by Rafaelle Lorgeril by visiting her website and Instagram.
More reading: How This Photographer Turns Wild Ideas Into Remarkable Images
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