INTRODUCTION
I'm a film photographer. I work directly on my negatives. Scratching them, coloring or tinting them. The result is random, dreamlike and experimental. I practice photography like a craftsman, and particularly enjoy working in the darkroom.
PROCESS & CURRENT WORK
What draws you to photography and what are you exploring in your work right now?
I love film photography for the infinite mixture of expression it offers, it's extraordinary flexibility.
I'm working more and more with very long exposure times, at twilight.
CREATIVE VISION
How do you approach your practice do you work on your own or are you part of a group?
There are so many steps between taking the shot and getting a final print, each of these steps can involve specific work and offers further possibilities for expression, that makes photography fascinating. I'm self-taught & rather solitary in my practice.
INSPIRATION & FUTURE
What keeps you motivated and What's your hope for the future?
Nothing is more moving than a beautiful print appearing in the developer, I pray that films, papers and chemicals that I use still exist in 2 or 20 years!
ADVICE
What would you tell someone starting out with darkroom work?
You have to work, not get discouraged, not hesitate to experiment, to "waste" paper.
QUICK FIRE
Tea or coffee?
Coffee... And tea can also be used to tint photographic papers!
Early bird or night owl?
Both...
Analog or digital?
Analog for art and print. I also use digital for family pictures. I like digital but only when I see them on a screen.
Music or silence while you work?
Pod cast from Radio France
One book everyone should read?
Voyage au bout de la nuit by L.F. Céline (English translation: Journey to the End of the Night)
Best place you've ever worked/created?
L'Ariège, dans les Pyrénées. (French Mountains)
A NOTE FROM LENS PUNK
I was immediately drawn to Christophe's work—the balance of darkroom techniques with hands-on craft. His images feel both intentional and dreamlike.
When I reached out, Christophe was gracious and welcoming. His responses mirror his work—thoughtful and open to interpretation.
There's a poetic quality here. He offers just enough to invite you in, leaving space for your own imagination. Like watching a print slowly appear in the developer, his work rewards those who take time to look closely.
Connect with Christophe
Instagram: @chiwa_photographe