Introducing: Let photographer Marion Berrin transport you somewhere magical

The best kind of photography transports you completely to another time or place, and Marion Berrin’s images make me certain that I can feel the sun prickling my skin as I’m drying like I’m sunning myself next to a tropical river that I’ve just clambered out of.

Why it’s a tropical river I don’t know, as this very talented photographer is in fact based in Paris where the climate isn’t that much nicer than it is here in London, but I’m happy to embrace the overriding mood and go with it. Lifted and inspired by her mastery of the form, we chatted to Marion about her work, her (very busy) studio and how she makes it through a long drab winter without all of her ideas shrivelling up and dying in the cold and the grey. Here she is!

Where do you work?

I work in a big studio that I share with 10 people. From graphic designer to interior architects and creative managers to photographers and visual contemporary artists, there are always people coming in, new ideas in the air, good advice that someone will share on a peculiar case. There are good vibes in this studio!

It is located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris which is a big mix of everything and anything. Luckily, friends are all working nearby and it’s quite central when you need to go to a meeting somewhere. It was very important for me to get a place to work. I am so bad at working from home.

How does your working day start?

I usually get up early and put some good music on, and then there is entire process to get me started. A strong coffee, a real breakfast, a long shower. I do not check my emails until being at the studio. I used to do it but I really need to put boundaries between work and the rest of my life, otherwise I do feel trapped. Then I have a 20 minute metro ride, and only at that moment can I put myself in a “work mode.”

How do you work and how has that changed?

I work as a contemporary art consultant right now, so I have less time for photography in my everyday life, which is a good thing. At one point I had the impression that photography was eating me. Everywhere, everything was a reason to take a picture. Now I just think more and shoot less and less. I produce less in quantity, but I do believe in a better quality.

Also, I have never felt inspired in Paris in the winter, so this gives me time to think, find inspiration, read, be curious, go see exhibitions, and then to one day be able to produce what I want!

Where would we find you when you’re not at work?

Outside shooting images on film, assisting photographers on sets, or just simply enjoying simple moments with friends.

Would you intern for yourself?

Probably, as long as there is coffee and chocolate.