Create mountain scenes between fantasy and science fiction
Kevin Meynier is a professional mountain and landscape photographer from southwest France. In 2015, he extended his passion for extreme sports to mountaineering and photography, creating many minimalist and dreamy photos of mountains and gradually developing his unique personal style. NiSi is happy to share his thrilling experience and magnificent works with you in this interview.
Z for Zoe and K for Kevin Meynier
Z: Hi Kevin! It’s a pleasure to meet you! Firstly, could you share us three random facts about you?
K: Self-taught professional mountain photographer, based in France, I travel the summits, here and elsewhere, regardless of the season, the weather or the altitude.
After several years in extreme sports, it was in 2015 that I came to landscape photography. Constantly in search of tormented atmospheres, I gradually develop a troubled, dark and dreamy style in minimalist features quite recognizable in nature and landscape photography.
Meticulous and eternal unsatisfied, I am in perpetual search for specific places to compose the aerial summits with creative lights.
Taken in Pyrénées, France
With NiSi S5 + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Soft GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: How did you get your start in landscape photography? What attracted you to the mountains as a primary subject matter?
K: I started landscape photography in 2015, after a first hike I fell in love with capturing mountain landscapes. I then started mountaineering, which allowed me to go and capture higher and higher peaks.
I photographed the mountains because they are majestic, intimidating and fascinating. When the light changes, which is very fast at altitude, they reveal portraits of themselves in an intimate way.
Taken in Pyrénées, France
With NiSi S5 + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?
K: When I go out to capture the mountains, I have a preparation beforehand. I map the perfect spot (s) to photograph the mountains based on light, altitude and weather. Then, for the equipment, I take an ultra wide angle and telephoto lenses, my NiSi filter kits and all the equipment necessary for bivouac and mountaineering.
Taken in Alpes, France
With NiSi Switch + Medium GND (4 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: What would you like for people take away from your work?
K: Through my work, I want to convey an image of the mountain as we do not necessarily see, a universe between fascination and science fiction.
I learned with experience, to shape the light as I want, I use this same light to photograph scenes worthy of fantastic films.
Taken in Aragon, Espagne
With NiSi V6 + ND (6 Stops) + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: When did you start using NiSi filters and why?
K: I started with NiSi filters on my first trip to Scotland where I used an old V2 system and a GND 0.9 medium. I knew what I was going to shoot, and I needed something to balance my brightness when taking pictures.
Taken in Alpes, France
With NiSi Switch + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: Which NiSi products do you usually use in your work?
K: Currently, I work with a NiSi Switch system with a Landscape polarizer (replacing my V6) which I love to direct my light as I want, an S5 system also for the Nikon 14-24mm and the 500mm, and various GND like 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 medium.
Taken in Pyrénées, France
With NiSi S5 + Soft GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: Among all the photos you took with NiSi filters, which one is your favorite? What went into creating it?
K: I have several, but I would say this one (photo attached) for its mix of colors, a duo between the fall and winter seasons. That day, I went on a bivouac to test Nikon equipment as well as the new Caddy pocket of the S5, the weather was stormy with a strong wind. However the sun appeared at times, and that gave extremely contrasted, surreal scenes. You should know that in the mountains, when the weather is covered, the visibility is almost zero, but when the landscape appears, it is very fast and you must be ready to trigger the device.
At the time of this image, it was very cold and it was snowing, I remained patient for a long time, before this landscape appeared as a mirage, it was the reward for my long wait, an image difficult to have, because it you have to know how to suffer in the cold to have the chance to be able to capture it, and I’m proud of that, because it was very very complicated and hard that day…
Taken in Pyrénées, France
With NiSi S5 + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: Could you share your favorite personal photo adventure story?
K: My favorite and unforgettable moment was last August, I went trekking for several days on the mountains of Spain. An unknown place, with colors similar to the mountains of Peru.
It’s the last night that a storm appeared, the tent was tearing due to the force of the wind, I was hanging on the tent all night so that it didn’t fly away.
In the morning, the weather had calmed down, and it was also the last hours that I could photograph on the place, but with last night, as much to say that I was not in shape… But while I drank a coffee next to the camera ready to fire, the sun broke through the mist and vultures appeared in this light, the scene was so magical that I quickly forgot the tormented night. I was living a fantastic scene and I was able to make an image that will remain linked to a whole story.
Taken in Aragon, Espagne
With NiSi S5 + Medium GND (3 Stops) + Soft GND (3 Stops) + Landscape CPL
Z: What tips or advice do you have for other aspiring photographers?
K: The photo requires a lot of patience, you also need to know how to analyze the light to know in advance the composition that we will be able to make as well as the filters that we may use.
Z: Any projects coming up in this year?
K: A lot of projects yes, I have a next report that should be published very soon with a new universe too. Internships also, mainly in the Alps, and other things also that I will reveal soon!
