Interview with Edouard Salmon

Can you tell us a little bit about how you became a photographer?

As far as I can remember, I have always been passionate about images. I drew a lot as a child, and I worked as a portrait artist until my twenties. I was also very interested in creating videos and digital art. I discovered photography when I got my first drone in 2017, which marked the beginning of my photographic journey with aerial imagery. That eventually became my full- time job. Over time, I gradually added ground photography to my portfolio, and today I work full-time as a travel and aerial photographer.

Please share something about your images. What is your special interest? How do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.?

The silver slimline frame provides a clear, understated setting. Acrylic glass gives the motif additional depth.

My main area of interest is, of course, aerial imagery—more specifically, top-down shots. I’m drawn to this vertical perspective that offers a unique way of seeing the world, one that can only be captured with a drone. My work is built around several key themes: minimalism, symmetry, geometric shapes, and the play of light and shadow. I love uncovering unexpected beauty in the everyday surroundings around us, and for that, drone photography is unmatched. I’m also passionate about using vibrant colors in my images, so I often seek out places with strong color contrasts—such as beaches, forests, and playgrounds.

How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you?

I would say that my surroundings are my main source of inspiration, but I’m also deeply influenced by movies and TV shows. The framing and cinematography in film can be incredibly inspiring—the use of color, composition, and artistic vision all contribute to fueling my creativity. As a passionate traveler, I also find inspiration in discovering new places and cultures, always striving to apply my artistic perspective to the world around me.

Is there one image of yours that holds a particularly special story or memory?

As large-format prints on aluminum Dibond, the motifs appear clear, modern, and timeless—perfectly matching the mood of the travel photographs.

Not a single image, but rather a collection of images stands out as the most significant in my career—those featured in my most important photography project to date: my book Le sport vu du ciel (“Sports from the Sky”). This is my first photo book, published at the end of 2023 and released nationwide in France, where it received critical acclaim. The book features over 200 drone- captured photos showcasing various sports—athletes, courts, games—with more than 20 different sports represented, all photographed using my signature top-down technique.

In this project, I played with shadows, minimalism, and geometry to create a true piece of art, aiming to show that sports photography can also be artistic. It took me four years to complete, and seeing it on bookstore shelves was a major milestone. The book led to several exhibitions across France in 2024 for the Olympics, including one in Paris that received the official “Cultural Olympiad” label from Paris 2024. The project was also featured in numerous magazines. I'm incredibly proud of this work, which I led from start to finish. It required a tremendous amount of energy, but it opened many doors in my career as a photographer—and for that, I’m truly grateful.

Your drone shots of athletes are incredibly dynamic — how do you plan and execute those moments from above to capture both motion and symmetry?

This project required extensive planning and research. I had to find the right locations, choose the ideal time of year and day to capture the perfect shadow—neither too short nor too long—and obtain all the necessary authorizations. I also needed to connect with athletes willing to participate in the shoots. A lot of time was spent scouting spots on Google Earth to ensure the setting would align with my vision.

Once everything was in place, timing was crucial. I had to capture the athlete at the peak of their movement to convey the full energy and power of their performance. At the same time, I needed to maintain a sharp focus on composition—ensuring strong leading lines, vibrant colors, and that the athlete’s full shadow fit perfectly within the frame, placing the subject exactly where I envisioned them.

As someone who travels extensively: What’s your number one tip for photographers looking to elevate their travel photography?

The matte black of the Hamburg frame creates a visual boundary and at the same time a connection to the color world of the motif printed as a Fine Art Print.

My main tip is to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place and remember that your goal is to tell a story. Pay attention to the details—close-ups, people, faces. Don’t just go for the typical wide shot of the location. Look for what makes the place unique. Aim to build a complete visual portfolio of your visit, from the widest landscapes to the tightest close-ups.

Also, don’t forget to lift your head up and take in your surroundings—look above, around, and beyond the lens. Don’t spend the entire time with your eye behind the camera. Stay true to your personal style, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The most popular or iconic shot of a place isn’t always the most compelling one.

What’s one key lesson you've learned on your photography journey that you'd like to pass on to other creatives just starting out?

Shoot. Just go out and shoot—even simple, everyday subjects. Practice is key. Make mistakes, miss shots, but keep going. It’s all part of growing and finding your path as a photographer. An amazing photo doesn’t have to be taken 10,000 kilometers from home—sometimes, it’s waiting for you just around the corner.

What else should we know about you? Maybe give us a short profile of yourself.

My name is Edouard, and I’m a 36-year-old French photographer. I originally studied international trade and spent 12 years working in that field before deciding to follow my passion and become a full-time photographer.

I specialize in aerial photography, working primarily with tourism boards, and I also work as a travel photographer. In addition to client work, I lead photography workshops in Japan, Scotland, and Portugal, helping fellow photographers develop their artistic vision and refine their style.

I’ve published one photo book, with a second set to be released at the end of this year. My work has been exhibited in France, Scotland, and Italy, with my largest exhibition taking place in Paris during the Olympics, showcasing my series Sports from the Sky.