INTERVIEWS
MAISON 123
mary
Quincy
Mary Quincy shares her photographer’s eye in pursuit of the “city or not city” contrast.
"What does the city bring you that nature doesn't offer, and vice versa?"
I’m more city than nature. I love discovering a city in the early morning. Alone and with the most beautiful light. For me, there’s a feeling of magic thanks to the architecture of each city, the history, the charm. But it’s true that landscapes give that sensation of grandeur, solitude, and colors.
If you had to choose: city woman or nature lover? Or a bit of both?
City woman 🙂
I grew up in a village of 1,000 inhabitants. Nothing but nature all around. The closest “city” was 20km away. So I’ve always wanted to live in a city to be immersed in the crowd.
MARY QUINCY
How did you fall in love with photography? What was your turning point?
I first fell in love with my city, Paris. And I decided to photograph it to share the magic of Paris. The architecture, the passersby, the doors… everything became a photo in my mind. It’s difficult for me now to walk without imagining the photo I could capture, every 100 meters!
MARY QUINCY
What's the photo you've taken that you're most proud of, and why?
A photo on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, the train that crosses the highlands in Scotland. I asked if it was possible to stop on the famous bridge to get as many photos as possible, and I was crying because it was so magical.
MARY QUINCY
How do you choose the places you photograph?
By the charm of the details! I’m a fan of doors, alleyways, facades. A village in Provence or Italy can make me run around like a 5-year-old child.
Is there a woman who has influenced your personal or professional journey?
My grandmothers shaped my vision of what’s important in life. And professionally, I’ve collaborated with many women. All of them have helped me get to where I am today.
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to start a career in photography?
Stand out. Man or woman, you have to find your place because there are SO many of us. You also need to learn to do everything, photograph everything. This facilitates the possibilities for multiple and varied projects.
The desire to take photos comes and goes, especially when you’re doing it extensively, but you need to know what can reignite your passion. When I start to not want to see my camera anymore, I leave and go shoot a place that makes me feel good.
MARY QUINCY
