Episode 65: Fred Mortagne (AKA French Fred) Photographer/Filmmaker

Skateboard photographer and filmmaker Fred Mortagne, better known to many as French Fred, joins the show to talk about what it was like growing up in Lyon France, the early European skate scene, and developing a still photography aesthetic that would set him apart in an ever growing industry.  Like many people that have been on this podcast, Fred fell in love with skateboarding at an early age and was creatively inspired by the scene around him.  He realized that no one was really capturing the French skateboard community and he set out to make skateboard films of what was going on around him in Lyon.  He was quickly recognized by companies like 411 and Etnies, and soon found himself traveling to the states and around the world to shoot the thing he loved the most.  Although many might know Fred's skateboard films like Menikmati,  it's his ability to capture skateboarding so uniquely in a still photograph that made me want to talk to him the most.  Through his years of filming, Fred carried a still camera with him as well and would use small windows of time to shoot a very personal side of skateboarding that he felt wasn't represented and probably wasn't very commercial.  After many years of dedication himself to that vision, Fred has compiled a body of work that is timeless, unique, and visually stunning.  During our conversation, we discuss what it's like to spend years developing a personal project, remaining true to your vision as an artist, and his beautiful book Attraper Au Vol.   To Check out Fred's Work Visit:  http://frenchfred.com Or check him out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/frenchfred/ To Learn More About Visual Revolutionary Visit: http://www.visualrevolutionary.com And Follow on Instagram at:https://www.instagram.com/visualrevolutionary/