Disconnect to reconnect.
By Marie Levillain
@roamwithmarie
https://roamwithmarie.com/
Tell us about yourself and your creative field. What was your creative journey like?
Hello! I'm a French landscape photographer who has been capturing the beauty of nature and remote locations for the past three years. My creative journey has been incredibly fulfilling, marked by a deep love for the outdoors and a desire to share the awe-inspiring landscapes I visit. To be honest, photography wasn’t my biggest passion for many years, even though my dad, who’s a photographer too, pushed me many times in that direction. I used to be a sommelier, working on luxury cruise ships, but I eventually fell in love with photography in Seychelles, when I was onboard. I had bought a drone to bring back home “nice pictures” of these islands, but I got extremely frustrated there that I had no camera to capture more meaningful moments, details, landscapes. Covid struck and I was sent back home, bought a camera and never left the house without it anymore.
My creative journey started at home. I live in a very beautiful region of France, the Oriental-Pyrenees, enclosed between the sea, the mountains and Spain. I already loved to travel at that time, due to my work and how I was raised, but it became more and more present in my life when I started embracing photography. Today I am to share more of the beauty of our planet, more magical places. I believe we live in a very beautiful yet sad world, where humans fight each other, pollute a lot, don’t talk to each other… Maybe by showing how gorgeous our home is, we will understand how important it is to protect.
What is a project you’re very proud of?
I'm currently immersed in a project that is for me a source of great pride. I’ve been selected to participate in a photography exhibit in my adoptive region, Lozere. It’s a quite known photography festival in France and this project revolves around braided rivers in Iceland and New Zealand, highlighting their intricate beauty and ecological significance.
What obstacles have you faced in the creative world thus far and how have you overcome them?
In my creative journey as a landscape photographer, I have encountered various obstacles that have shaped my path. One notable challenge has been navigating the landscape photography industry as a woman. Historically, this field has been predominantly male-dominated, and breaking through traditional gender barriers has presented its own set of obstacles. I still feel women are underrepresented in the industry, but I’ve chosen not to let gender stereotypes limit my aspirations. Instead, I've focused on showcasing the strength of my work, emphasizing the unique perspective that my eye brings to the art of landscape photography. Building a strong network of supportive fellow female photographers helps a lot too !
I also wanna point out the rise of social media, which has introduced a unique set of obstacles in my opinion in landscape photography. Platforms like Instagram have led to a rise in the popularity of certain iconic places, creating a phenomenon where many photographers aim to capture the same coveted scenes at the same time.
This trend has intensified the difficulty of creating something truly original and distinctive. The pressure to compete in a saturated digital landscape, where certain locations become almost cliché due to overexposure, has prompted me to approach my work differently. Today, I choose to purposely skip certain very known places to explore lesser-known and undiscovered locations. Finding new perspectives feels refreshing and more challenging too. This of course requires a balance between embracing the beauty of popular destinations and venturing off the beaten path to explore more hidden gems.
Where do you think the inspiration comes from for you to create, and what emotions do you hope to invoke in your work?
My inspiration mainly comes from the beauty of untouched nature, especially in far-off, quiet places. The stunning views, the way light plays on everything, and the raw, natural beauty, that's what really sparks my creativity. Being out in nature is a constant reminder of just how amazing the world is. I struggle a lot to feel something when I’m in a city. Town, maybe, but it has to be old and with old stones, like charming little villages when you get lost wandering in the streets.
In my photos, I want people to feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world’s beauty. I always input a deliberate intention to convey the tranquility and timelessness of nature, inviting viewers to pause and immerse themselves in the moment. Essentially, I hope my photos make people feel like they're right there, escaping the craziness of everyday life and just soaking in the good vibes of nature. Disconnect to reconnect is my motto !
How has traveling shifted your perspective on the world? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from traveling?
Traveling has completely shifted how I see the world. As far as I remember, I’ve had the chance to always travel. My parents love to discover new places and engage in extreme sports (spelunking, canyoning, etc) everywhere they go. Thanks to them, I’ve learned the incredible diversity that exists, not just in landscapes but also in cultures, people, and ways of life. It's like stepping into different worlds, each with its own unique beauty and story. I believe traveling has also cultivated a sense of humility and open-mindedness. Meeting people from different backgrounds and understanding their perspectives has broadened my own views. It's a constant reminder that there's always more to learn and appreciate beyond our immediate surroundings.
More recently, unfortunately, I feel travel taught me another important lesson that is how fragile our planet is. Witnessing pristine landscapes and ecosystems destroyed by humans has made me more aware of the need for conservation. It's a reminder that we share this earth, and it's our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.
What is a memorable travel story that comes to mind? (a person you met that had an impact on you, a place you went to, culture that really captured you, etc…)
That’s not really a travel story, but more a feeling I would like to share. I’ve always traveled with other people when I was young, or thanks to work, so surrounded by colleagues and clients. I discovered solo traveling when I was 25 in Austria, after a very difficult and toxic relationship. I was missing air and needed an escape from reality. I told my parents I was going to take my car and go somewhere, packed, drove 15 hours and ended up in Austria. This country healed me. The vast landscapes, the crisp alpine air, and the serenity of the Austrian countryside acted as a balm for my soul. In the solitude of the mountains, I found peace and space to rediscover myself. It was a journey of healing, self-reflection, and the beginning of a newfound appreciation for the therapeutic power of solo travel but also nature.
What’s your favorite or the most unique place you’ve traveled to and why?
It’s a tough question to answer, but Iceland stands out as one of my favorite and most unique travel experiences. To be honest I didn’t want to go at first because of the overexposure of social media : I was sick of seeing Iceland everywhere on Instagram and I was scared to be bored. My partner pushed me and we went to Iceland in September 2022. It was our second trip together and I left all my fears of getting bored at this country while we were still flying over the island. Northern lights greeted us from the plane window and my jaw literally dropped. The raw, otherworldly beauty of Iceland landscapes is truly unparalleled. This place is a dream destination for photography. The weather is changing all the time, the relatively untouched landscapes of the Highlands made me fall in love with Iceland. We are actually going back there in May 2024 to finalize the writing of a photography guide about Iceland !
What is a quote you live by?
The quote I live by is "disconnect to reconnect." It serves as a constant reminder for me to step away from the noise of the world, unplug, and immerse myself in the simplicity and beauty of the present moment. This philosophy allows me to find inspiration in nature, fostering a deeper connection with the world around me and revitalizing my creative spirit.
Any pieces of advice you would give to someone wanting to pursue their creative passions and travel more?
For those wanting to pursue their creative passions and travel more, my advice is to embrace the unknown, be open to new experiences, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Surround yourself with a supportive community, continually seek inspiration, and let your passion drive you to explore the world and capture its beauty. Also, practice, practice, practice. Don’t let anyone bring you down because you’re chasing your dreams and because you love what you’re doing. You only get one life and you have to make it worth living !
@roamwithmarie
https://roamwithmarie.com/