Photolyfe: Ben Thouard

Welcome to PhotoLyfe, in which Stab’s favourite photographers answer questions about themselves with their own images. It’s that old picture-tells-a-thousand-words chestnut but with more colour and pop. It’s a way to cut out all the bullshit. It’s like jacking into the main vein of those who supply us with exquisite surf imagery every day. Give thanks by studying each image with a more careful eye than ever! Because our world is all about Teahupoo right now, we’re gonna ride with a man who’s spent more time documenting it than most: Ben Thouard. What do you do when you’re from waveless south-east France, but wanna spend your life shooting surfing? You move to paradise, where they also happen to speak French, and get to know every angle at one of surfing’s craziest waves: Chopes. Ben’s 28, has been shooting for nine years and living in Tahiti for six. He’s freelance (but looking!) and loves the freedom to travel that his lifestyle has afforded him. He mostly shoots water angles since he digs swimming, but also flies a motorized paraglider on occasion to get a new angle. Yep, ain’t that something? Get at Ben’s portal here, Facebook here, and Instagram @benthouard 1. Describe yourself 2. Where are you from? 3. What got you into photography? 4. Where do you wish you were right now? 5. What inspires you? 6. Who’s your favourite person to photograph? 7. What makes the best photograph? 8. What’s your favourite weapon? 9. Describe your mood right now. 10. What else should we know about you?